Mr. Storer to Mr. Hay.

No. 119.]

Sir: I have the honor to report that the law governing emigration from Hungary has been passed at Budapest with certain additions and amendments to the text, of which I transmitted a translation in the month of May, 1903. As yet I have not been able to obtain a full official copy, but newspaper comments, both of praise and of hostile criticism, show that there is a diversity of opinion as to the necessity and advisability of the law. Last night the Emperor took occasion to speak to me on the subject, and expressed his belief that the provisions and aims of this law had not been fully understood, and that this fact was the only cause of the criticisms which the law was receiving on both sides the Atlantic. He added that the explanations to be offered would, he was confident, clear up any objections, as the principles and intentions of the law were those that had for long been understood and accepted. These explanations, I take it, will be made to the Department through the Austro-Hungarian embassy at Washington.

As soon as I am able to have before me an official copy of the law as promulgated I will report thereon fully to the Department.

I have, etc.,

Bellamy Storer.