Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-10-31
The British, Minister'S Dismissal.

ance in his present official position in the
United States is no longer acceptable to this
government, and would consequently be
detrimental TO the relations between the two
countries. The grounds of this action on
the part Of the United States are stated in a
report Of the Secretary of State to the Presi.
dent, dated the 29th inst. as follows:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 90 1855
10 the President
The undersigned has the honor to submit
for your consideration the follow statement,
with view to receive your direction there
OF
On the 4lh Of September last letter pur-
porting to be written by one Chas. +. Muir
cnisou, dated at Pomona, Cal, was sent from
that place TO the British minister at this
capital, in which the writer solicited an eX
preston of his views in regard to certain un
et;led diplomatic questions between the
United States and Great Britain, stating at
the same time that such an expression was
sought by him for the purpose of determin-
Ing his vote at the approaching presidential
aleotjon. He stated that he was a natural
liz d citizen of the United States, of English
birth, but that he still considered England
the mother land, and that this fac; led him
to seek advice from the British representa-
tive in this country. He further stated that
the information he sought was not for him
self alone, but to enable him 10 give certain
assurances to many other persons in the
same situation as himself. for the purpose Of
influencing and determining their political
action ss citizens OF the United States Of
English birth, bat who still regarded their
original obligations OF allegiance as para
mount. The letter also contained gross re-
hsc!ions upon the conduct OF this govern
mant in respect 10 questions now in contro.
versy and unsettled between the United
States and Great Britain, aud both directly
aud indirectly imputed insincerily in such
conduct.
TO this letter The British minister al once
replied f;om Beverly, Mass under dare of
tbe 10 h Of September last, In this reply he
stated that "auy political party which open
ly favored lie mother country at the pres.
eGt moment would lose popularity" and
that the party in power Is fully aware OF
that frct," and that in respect to the "ques-
iaus with Canada which have been unfor
tuualely reopened since the rejection of the
Il heries treaty by the republican majority
in the Senate and by the Presidents mes.
sage, to which you slude, all allowances
must, therefore, be made for The political
situation ss regards the presidential cleo
ton" The minister thus gave his assent
and sanction TO the aspersioDs and imputa.
tiers above referred to. Thus, under his
correspondents assurance Of secrecy, in
which the minister cUncurred by marking
his answer 'private,n he undertook to adj
wise citizen of the United StRtes how to
exercise the franchise ofsuhrags in Oh cleo
ton close at hand for the presidency aId
vice presidency of the United States. and
through him, as the letter suggested: 10 in.
hu4nce the votes of many others.
Upon thia correspondence being made
public the minister received representatives
of toe public press, AID 10 frequent inter.
views with them intended for publication
added TO The impugnmanfs which he had
already made oithe good faith Of this gov
eminent in lis public action and interna
tional dealings. Although ample time and
opportunity have been afforded nim Tor The
disayownl, modification or correction Of his
statements, To some OF which his attention
was called personally by the undersigned,
vet no such daavowel or modification has
bsen made by him through the channe 6 in
which his statements FIRST found public
ity. The question Is thus presented whether
il is compatible with the dignity, security
and independent sovereignty Of the United
States to permit tho representative OF a for
eign government in this country not only to
receive and answer without dieapproVa, and
confirm by his repetition, aspersona upon
it's political action, but also 10 interfere 10 It's
domestic affairs by advising persons, former
ly his ccunlrymen, as TO their political course
as citizens of the United States As between
this country and Great Britain there can be
no controversy "a to the complete severance
Of The ties OF original allegiance by natural
ization. Disputes on this point we're finally
put at rest by the treaty Of naturalization
concluded between the two countries on the
18th OF May, 1870 Therefore it will not be
coutended, nor was such contention ever adj
mitted bv us, that citizens of the United
States of British origin are subject to any
claim of the country Of their original alleg!-
ance.
The undersigned also has the honor to
call attention TO the provisions OF section
$3.50 Of the Revised Statutes OF the United
States by which severe penalties are visited
upon the oitizen of tie United States who,
without the authority or permission OF this
government, Commences or carries on any
verbal or written correspondence or inter
COURSE with any fore 90 government, or any
officer or agent thereul, either with an intent
TO influence the action Of such government
or its agents in relation 10 any disputes or
controversy with the United States, or with
en intent to defeat the measures OF the gov
eminent Of the United States"
These penalties are made equally npplca
Bile to every citizen OF the United States not
duly authorized who "counseis, advises or
assists in any such correspondence, with
similar unlawful intent.
The undersigned respectfully advises that
the attention OF the Attorney General of the
United States be directed to these enact
mems, in order that an investigation may
be made with view 10 ascertain whether
they have not been violated in the present
case by the cor;espon';euoe Of the British
minister.
By your direction the attention of tbs
British government has, in spirit of oomi
ty, been called TO the conduct OF its minister