No. 616.
Mr. Foster
to Mr. Blaine.
Legation of
the United States,
St.
Petersburg, March 18, 1881.
(Received April 2.)
No. 97.]
Sir: On day before yesterday, the 16th instant, I
received your telegram communicating the resolutions of the Senate of the
United States on the death of the late Emperor. On the same day I called in
person upon Mr. de Giers, minister of foreign affairs, and handed him a note
embodying the resolutions, of which I inclose a copy herewith. Mr. de Giers
expresses his great pleasure at receiving this testimonial of sympathy, and
said he would lay it before His Majesty at once, and on yesterday afternoon
he sent me the note, of which I now transmit a copy and translation,
communicating the acknowledgment of the Emperor.
In view of its expressive language, and also of the fact that the Senate
might not be in session on receipt by the department of the copy by mail, I
telegraphed you last evening as follows:
Minister of foreign affairs says “Emperor profoundly touched by
expressions of sympathy of President (see my No. 94) and Senate, of
a country for which the deceased Emperor professed a sincere esteem
and earnest friendship. It is a legacy which he leaves to Emperor
Alexander Third, and which His Majesty, in accord with the Russion
nation, accepts from the depth of his heart.”
It may be added that your telegrams, having been published in the Russian
newspapers, have been very gratefully received by the press and the Russian
people, and will not fail to strengthen the ties of cordial friendship which
united the two countries.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 97.]
Mr. Foster to Mr.
de Giers.
Legation of the United States,
St. Petersburg, March 4 (16),
1881.
Excellency: I am instructed by my government to
inform you that the Senate of the United States in its session on
yesterday, by a unanimous vote, passed the following resolutions:
“Whereas, the Senate of the United States of America, now convened in
special session, has been informed of the death, by unlawful and inhuman
violence, of His Majesty the Emperor Alexander II of Russia:
“Resolved, That the Senate unites its voice with
that of all civilized people in denouncing
[Page 1012]
assassination as a means of redress for any
grievances, either real or imaginary, and that, remembering and
cherishing with satisfaction the relations of genuine friendship that
have always existed between the people and the Governments of Russia and
of the United States, to the strengthening and maintenance of which the
late Emperor has earnestly contributed his great influence, the Senate
extends to the government and people of Russia its sincere condolence in
this sad national bereavement.
“Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate
deliver a copy of these resolutions to the President of the United
States, with the request that he communicate the same to the Russian
Government.”
In thus communicating these additional testimonials of the sympathy of my
country, I improve the occasion to renew, &c.
[Inclosure 2 in No.
97.—Translation.]
Mr. de Giers to Mr.
Foster.
St.
Petersburg, March 5,
1881.
Sir: I have submitted to His Majesty the
Emperor the letter you addressed to me, in order to transmit to me the
vote of the Senate of the United States of America on the occasion of
the horrible crime under which has fallen the benefactor-sovereign, whom
all Russia weeps for to-day.
My august master has been profoundly touched by this mark of respect for
his beloved father, and of sympathy with himself, coming from the high
assembly of a country for which the deceased Emperor always professed a
sincere esteem and warm friendship.
It is a legacy which he leaves to the Emperor Alexander III, and which
His Majesty, in accord with the Russian nation, accepts from the bottom
of his heart.
Will you, sir, give this assurance to the Senate of the United States,
while transmitting to it the thanks of my august master.
Receive at the same time, &c.
