No. 631.
Mr. Blaine to Mr. Bartholomei.
Washington, March 15, 1881.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the Senate of the United States has in special session, by a unanimous vote, passed the subjoined resolutions, viz:
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 peoples in denouncing assassination as a means of redress for any grievances, either real or imaginary.
2. 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 communicating this information, I beg to express to you my great gratification with the prompt and decisive action of the Senate of the United States in the presence of an event which has naturally shocked the civilized world, and to add that I have hastened to communicate the same intelligence to our legation at St. Petersburg by cable, for the information of His Majesty’s Government.
I profit by this occasion, sir, &c.,