Mr. Jackson to Mr. Hay.
Berlin, November 28, 1898.
Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 624, of the 25th instant, I have the honor to inform you that in Saturday evening’s Imperial Gazette there was published the text of the projected imperial law in regard to private insurance undertakings. Representatives of the Mutual [Page 285] and New York companies have called on me to-day in regard to the bill, and I believe both companies are having translations prepared for communication to their home offices. The bill I have not read myself, as I have not a sufficient technical knowledge of the subject to make it worth while my taking the time to do so. The general impression in regard to it seems to be favorable, and it is noted with particular satisfaction that the subject of concessions is put in the hands of the chancellor of the Empire and not left with the individual governments.
To my regret, I am able to send the Department only one copy of this bill, as on sending to the office of the paper in which it was published in order to obtain additional copies the messenger was informed that the issue was already sold out.
I have, etc.,
(The translation of the bill referred to above is omitted because of its length.)