Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 2, 1878

No. 285.
Mr. Evarts to Mr. Marsh.

Department of State,
Washington, October 24, 1877.

No. 596.]

Sir: Your dispatch No. 705, of the 2d instant, has been received. It related to complaints of American citizens in Italy to the billeting of soldiers on them.

In reply I have to state that while the billeting of troops upon civilians, in time of peace, which is the present condition of Italy, is believed to be very unusual, the treaty between the United States and Italy does not appear to contain any express exemption against that proceeding. You will please advise the department, however, whether the practice is authorized by law, and whether it is carried into effect with impartiality.

I am, &c.,

WM. M. EVARTS.