No. 649.
Mr. Fairchild to Mr. Blaine.

[Extract.]
No. 164.]

Sir: The newspapers of Madrid announce that, in view of the persecutions to which the Jews in Russia and Germany are subjected, they have appealed to the representatives of foreign governments at Constantinople for advice and protection, and that the representatives have communicated the fact to their respective governments.

The Imparcial, one of the most important and best informed papers [Page 1057] here, states that, on the reception of the telegram from the Spanish minister at Constantinople announcing the fact, the minister of state at once consulted with a very high person (generally supposed to be the King) on the subject, and the minister at Constantinople was immediately authorized to offer to the Jews of Russia and Germany shelter and protection in Spain, and further to state, that they would be free to enjoy here their religious beliefs, and could count on the authorities to see that such beliefs were respected. It is thought that this offer will bring to Spain some 70,000 Jews.

The press in general highly commend this step on the part of the government. As yet I have nothing official, but I have every reason to believe that the order referred to has really been given.

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Truly the world moves, when His Catholic Majesty the King of Spain publicly gives to the people of Germany a lesson in religious liberty.

It is to be hoped that the ultra conservative element in this country, which has the reputation of being opposed to religious and educational freedom, will not be strong enough to practically thwart the liberal and enlightened purposes of the King and his ministers.

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I have, &c.,

LUCIUS FAIRCHILD.