Mr. Bayard to Mr. Roustan.
Washington, August 6, 1885.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 31st of July last, in which you call my attention to the alleged conflict between the “shipping act” of June 26, 1884, and the stipulations of Article VIII of the American-French consular convention, concluded February 23, 1853, and expressing the opinion that it is possible to harmonize the dictates of humanity in this question with the free exercise of the rights of the respective Governments over their own citizens.
In reply I beg to inform you that this subject is receiving from this Government the careful consideration which its importance demands.
Accept, &c.,