Mr. Hay to Mr. Hardy.

No. 32.]

Sir: I inclose copy of a letter from Senator Wetmore requesting a full history of the initiative and referendum in Switzerland.

I should be pleased to have you give this request immediate attention, so that the information desired may reach the Department not later than July 15 next.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.
[Page 982]
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Wetmore to Mr. Hay.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: Will you be kind enough to secure for me, through the United States minister to Switzerland, the following information concerning the initiative and referendum in Switzerland, which I have been asked by a friend to obtain. He says:

“We should like to know in regard to its inception, the method of operation, the progress made, and the satisfaction given. It will be of interest to know the number of propositions submitted since its adoption and the subject or text of such propositions, the number of names placed on petitions therefor, the number of votes cast in favor or against, and a comparison between the votes given on submission with the number of names on the petition for such submission, and in general a full history of the initiative and referendum in Switzerland.”

It is very much desired that this information should be in hand by the 20th of July next.

Believe me, etc.,

George Peabody Wetmore.