Mr. von Holleben to Mr. Hay.
Washington, February 6, 1900.
Sir: According to article 43 of the Prussian law for the execution of the civil code which went into operation on the 1st ultimo, foreigners [Page 522] of both sexes, who desire to contract marriage in Prussia, are obliged to present a certificate from a competent magistrate of the State (country) to which they belong, to the effect that no impediment to their marriage, according to the laws of that State, is known to said magistrate. The competency of the magistrate issuing such certificates must be attested by a diplomatic or consular representative of the German Empire, and the certificates must bear such attestation.
I have the honor, in pursuance of instructions received, to request your excellency to be pleased to inform me whether there are any American magistrates that are competent to issue such certificates, and if so, who they are.
Accept, etc.,