Mr. Magee to Mr. Bayard.
Stockholm, October 9, 1885. (Received October 24.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that an application has been made to me as minister resident for the issuing of a passport to an individual, a naturalized citizen of the United States, resident of the Territory of Utah, who purposed going to Finland. I refused the application upon the ground that his only purpose in visiting Finland was to induce the people of that country to emigrate to Utah and connect themselves with the Mormon Church.
In the absence of any instruction, I acted upon my own judgment in this matter, and as the question will, in all probability, present itself again, I desire your instructions as to my duty in the premises, and whether the issuing of a passport, where I am satisfied the applicant is a citizen of the United States, is mandatory or only discretionary with me.
I have, &c.,