Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 6, 1880

No. 259.
Mr. White to Mr. Evarts.

Legation of the United States,
Berlin, January 12, 1880. (Received January 26.)

No. 78.]

Sir: Having been notified through the department of foreign affairs that the vice-chancellor, Count Stolberg-Wernigerode (the Imperial chancellor, Prince Bismarck, being still ill at Varzin), desired to see me, I called upon him this noon, and found him very anxious regarding the representation of the United States at the approaching fishery exposition at Berlin, concerning which I wrote you on the 5th instant (dispatch No. 75). He assured me that the government was exceedingly desirous that the United States be represented at this exposition, and that the Emperor and Crown Prince take a deep personal interest in its success, and regard the representation of our country as of the utmost importance. I stated to him the difficulties in the way, but told him I would telegraph immediately, which I have done, and that I felt authorized to assure him that everything that could be done by the administration would be done. I added that the main difficulty lies in the fact that the exposition opens on the 20th of April next, and that to get any legislation by Congress takes considerable time, but that if anything can be done to surmount these difficulties it will be done.

It is very clear to me that the government here feel very deeply interested in the matter.

The success of the exposition of the Berlin industries last year has, I think, aroused an earnestness here in such matters which has never before been felt.

Moreover, it is now, I believe, beyond question * * * that the United States is not at all likely to be called upon to send any delegation to a universal exposition here for many years to come.

I may add that, in addition to the high personages mentioned by the vice-chancellor to me this noon, a very large number of influential persons in the Imperial Diet, and in various positions of trust and honor throughout the country, take a deep interest in the success of the exposition. I feel, too, apart from all other considerations, that were the United States to take part in such an exposition it would not be without its influence in continuing the present very happy relations between the two countries, and the kindly feeling shown by the present government to the United States in all questions arising between them.

I inclose herewith (with a translation) a memorandum which was handed to me by the vice-chancellor at the interview of to-day.

I have, &c.,

AND. D. WHITE.

[Inclosure in No. 78.—Translation.]

German Fishery Association to Mr. White.

memorial.

The German Piscicultural Society, under the protection of His Imperial and Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, intends holding an international exhibition of fish and fishing appliances.

The undertaking has received the sanction of the protector, and, through the personal influence of His Highness, is in receipt of much aid from the state.

In consequence of the invitations issued by the Fishery Association large exhibits have already been promised, not only by European states, but also from other parts of the world.

According to information received by the association, contrary to former information on the subject, no part will be taken in this exhibition by the United States.

Considering the great importance of the fisheries of the United States, for the promotion of which, both through artificial means as well as fishways, for the erection of which the States give so much assistance, the non-participation in the exhibition would be greatly regretted; besides, the close relations existing between the German Fishery Association and the persons versed in the fish culture in the United States would make it all the more desirable that the necessary means should be provided for a collective exhibition, as has been secured by other states interested in fisheries.

The German Fishery Society has sought to express the great value it lays upon the participation of the United States in this exhibition through its readiness to extend the period for the reception of notices of participation, in order to reserve the necessary spaces.

In view of this, and the fact that the time fixed for the opening of the exhibition (April 20, 1880), it would seem desirable that the steps taken by the Goverment of the United States should be communicated by telegraph.

Berlin, January, 1880.