Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-05-03
WASHINGTON, d. C., April Is, 1882.
Wickham Hoffman ESQ. etc. St Petersbnre-

| NAsHlN6IoS, u u, ApIll ID, looz- e.
wickham Hoffman, Esq, ETC., st Petersburg:
SIR-Prejudice of race and creed having in our
| day given way 10 the claims of our common hu-
manlty n the people OF the United states have
Of the Jews in Russia. 1t may be that the accounts
may be true OF some private reports Making,
however, due allowance for Misrepresentation,
done which humane and Just persons must con-
demn. The Presidents, OF course. feels that
| BE held morally Responsible for acts which
II considers wrong, but which 1t may be
this case it would be than useless for me to
direct you, as representative of the United
States, 70 give onicial expression TO lhe feeling
which this treatment of the Jews calls forth in
this country. Should, however, the attitude of
the Russian government be different and should
you be OF opinion that a more vigorous effort
might be put forth for the prevention of this
Offers, state. with ali proper defeIePce' that
the feeling of friendship which the United
States entertains for Russia prompts this
imperial government will find means TO cause
the persecution OF these unfortunate fellow
seings TO cease. This instruction deyolves a deli
cate duty upon you. and wide discretion is given
may dissppIove of affairs ia other nationafties ii
does not conceive that it is its right province
ofieiously and extensively to intermeddle. IT,
however, 1t should come to your knowledge that
any of the citizens of the United States are made
duty to omit no effort to protect them and report
the cases TO this department. am, sir, your ODE
FREDERICK T. FRELINGHUYSEN.
Itappears from the correspondence between
Minister Foster and Secretary Blaine, that
the action of the Russian authorities toward
American citizens Is of two kinds: First,
absolute prohibition OF residence in st.
Petersburg and other cities OF the empire, on
the ground that Russian law permits no ma
tive Jew to live there, and that the treaty
between Russia and the United States gives
to our citizens in Russian Jurisdiction no
other rights or privileges than those accorded
to native Russians; second, permission of
residence and commerce are conditioned on
belonging to the first guild of Russian mer-
chants aud taking out license.
In letter from Secretary Blaine to Min
lister Foster, under date of July 30, 1881, the
former says: "On a case arising, this govern
ment would hold that the treaty of 1882 con-
ferred specific rights on all American citizens
in the matter of the disposition of their per-
sonal property, irrespective of any conditions
save those which the treaty expressly creates;
that their actual presence, when necessary to
project or assert their interests, is absolutely
guaranteed whenever and for whatever time
it may be needful; and that this International
engagement supersedes any municipal rule
or regulation which may interfere with the
free action of such individuals. / need
hardly enlarge on the point. The govern
ment of the United States concludes its
treaties with foreign States for the
VI CidSStS VI AlutItCdD
citizens. 1t can make absolutely no discrimi-
nation between them, whatever be their
origin or creed, so that they abide by the
laws at home or abroad; it must give them
due protection and expect like protection
for them. Any unfriendly or discrimina-
tory act against them on the part of foreign
powers with which we are at peace
would call for our earnest remonstrance
whether a treaty existed or not. 1t is there
fore source of unfeigued regret to ne when
a government to which we are allied by so
many historical ties as to that of Russia
shows a disposition in regard to dealings
with us to take advantage of technicalities"
In response to this communication, under
date of October Is, 1881, Hoffman, secretary
of legation, wrote to Secretary Blaine that
the Russian minister of foreign affairs still
m maintained the view that in the treaty of
1882 the words, 'on condition of their SUBJ
mitting to the laws and ordina noes then pre-
vailing," subjects American Jews to the
treatment CT native Jews. These views had
also been given to the representatives of
other foreign powers: The Russian minister
said that as regards the moral side of the
question he personally would be glad to see
important notifications made in the laws
regarding the condition of the Jews in Rus
sia, but that they had brought much of the
harshness OF those laws upon themselves
The Presidents message is formal IA trans
mitting the document, and makes no COM
ment or recommendation.