Mr. de Claparède to Mr. Bayard.

[Translation.]

Mr. Secretary: Knowing the special interest which the Government of the United States of America takes in everything relating to the Swiss Confederation and its government, I have the honor to inform you of a telegram which I have this moment received and of which the following is the text:

Berne, November 24, 1886.

It is our painful duty to inform you that President Hertenstein was this morning compelled to undergo the operation of having his left leg amputated above the knee, as the result of gangrene. The sufferer is as well as could be expected after so serious an operation, although there still exists cause for uneasiness.

Department of Foreign Affairs.

Be pleased, etc.,

Alfred de Claparède.