No. 495.
Mr. Fish to Mr. Evarts.

No. 70.]

Sir: Referring to your instruction No. 24, and to my dispatches Nos. 62, 64, and 67, I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy and translation of a note which I have this day received from the President of the confederation.

As stated in my No. 68, the Federal Council has decided to take part in the proposed conference under section 2 of the act of February 28 last.

I respectfully ask that a copy of the act may be furnished me for the files of the legation.

I have, & c.,

NICHOLAS FISH.
[Page 838]
[Inclosure 1 in No. 70.—Translation.]

Messrs. Schenk and Schiess to Mr. Fish.

The chargé d’affaires of the United States of America, in his note of the 6th instant, had the kindness to address to the Federal Council in the name of his government the invitation to participate in an international conference, having for its object the definitive determination of the relation between gold and silver. At the same time the chargé d’affaires sends to the Federal Council the act concerning the authorization for the coinage of silver dollars and the re-establishment of those coins as legal money.

While thanking the chargé d’affaires for his esteemed communications, and in consideration of the great interest which the subject in question presents for international transactions, the Federal Council has the honor to inform the legation of the United States of America that, in concert with the other signatory states of the Latin Union, it will be disposed to treat this question in a conference.

The Federal Council seizes this occasion to renew to Mr. Fish the assurances of its high consideration.

In the name of the Swiss Federal Council.

  • The President of the Confederation,
    SCHENK.
  • The Chancellor of the Confederation,
    SCHIESS.