The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-07-16
The RNrcmcI, d,nl,In

copy of the following letter has been ad-
dressed TO the diplomatic representative of
France, and also England, and another copy
will soon be transmitted to the Governor of
Massachusetts,
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON. July
10, 1SG9.-Sir:-I have the honor TO ask your
attention to the subject of the transatlantic
telegraphic connection, which it is under
stood is expected to be made between the
Empire of France and the shores of the
United States, by means Of a cable, TO be laid
under the auspices and in the proprietorshp
of British private corporation, and under
authority of a concession from the Govern
ment of France.
The project of this enterprise embraces a
connection direct from the coast of France to
the island of st. Pierre, and thence TO point
on the Atlantic coast of the United States. 1t
is only, of course, in respect to this last
| division of the projected cable connection be-
tween the territory of France ard of the United
States that have occasion TO ask your atten-
ton to the views of this Government as to it's
authority and duty in the premises.
1t is not doubted by this Government that
the complete control of the whole subject,
both of the permission and the regulation of
this mode of foreign intercourse, is with the
Government of the United States, and that,
however suitable certain legislation on the
| part of State of the Union may become, in
respect of its proprietary fights, in aid of
such enterprises, the entire question of the
allowance or prohibition of such means of
foreign intercourse commercial and political
and the terms and conditions of it's allowance,
is under the control of the Government of the
United States
AS the projectors of the enterprise now in
progress have not received or awaited the
| permission of this Government, either to the
| establishment of this telegraphic connection,
or to its use for such intercourse with the
coast of France, have thought it proper to
call the attention of the diplomatic represen-
| tatives of the two powers under whose authori-
ty the private rights involved have been ac-
| quired, to the position and authority of this
| Government on the subject.
In thus distinctly notifying you that in the
| absence of the assent to or concurrence in the
proposed telegraphic connection of the Gov
ernment of the United States, the proceedings
of the parties interested must be taken in
| submission to the authority of the Govern
ment in the premises, / am actuated as we'll
| by desire that these private interests should
not suffer unnecessary disappointment, as by
| the purpose to place before you the authority
of the United States on the general subje in
| its proper light.
The policy of this Government in respect
to the allowance and regulation of foreign
| telegraphic intercourse received very delibe-
rate consideration from Congress, during its
session of last winter; and bill, covering the
whole subject was sustained and passed in
the Senate, but at SO late day of the session
as to have failed to be reached in the House
of Representatives. 1t is quite probable that
this bill announces the policy and purpose OF
Congress, and the propriety of its provisions
can hardly fail to secure assent.
|, therefore, beg to call your attention to the
enclosed copy of the bill as probable evidence
of what conditions of permission and of regu
lation of foreign telegraphic intercourse are
to be insisted upon by the United States.
Accept, sir the renewed assurance of m,
very high consideration.
HAMILTON FISH.
Count Fayerney, etc,