St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-10-31


his statements. to- some of which his
attention was called personally by the
undersigned. yet no such disavowal CT
modification has been made by him
through the channels in which
his statements first found pub
licity. The question is thus
presented whether it is compati-
bic with the dignity, security and indie
pendent sovereignty of the United
States TO permit the representative of a
foreign government in this country not
only to receive ard answer without dis
approval and confirm by his repetition
aspersions upon his political action. but
also to interfere in its domestic affairs
by advising persons formerly his cOun-
trymen as TO their political course as
citizt rs of the United States. As be-
tween this country and Great Britain,
there can be no controversy as to the
complete
SEVERANCE OF THE TIES
of original allegiance by naturalization.
Disputes on this point were finally put
at rest by the treaty of naturalization
concluded by the two countries on the
18th of May, 1870. Therefore it will not
be contended, nor was such contention
ever admitted by rs. that citizens of
the United States of British origin are
subject to any claim of the country of
their original allegiance.
The undersigned also has the honor
to call attention to the prOvi-
siOns of section 1888 of the re-
Vised statutes of the United States
by which severe Penalties are
visited upon the citizen of the United
States who, without the authority or
permission of this government, 'cOm-
menceS or carries on any verbal, writ
ten correspondence or intercourse with
any foreign government or any officer
or agent thereof" either with an intent
to influence the action of such govern
ment or its agents, in relation t0any
disputes or controversies with the
United States, or with all intent to de-
feat the measures of the government of
the United States. These penalties are
made equally
APPLICABLE TO EVERY CITIZEN
of the United States not duly author
lied who ''cOunSelS. advises or assists
in any such correspondence" with
similar unlawful intent. The under
signed respectfully advises that the at
tention of the attorney general of the
United States be directed to these en-
actments in order that an investigation
may be made with view to ascertain
whether they have not been violated in
the present case by the correspondent
of the British minister. By your di-
rectlOn the attention of the British gov
ernment has in spirit of comfy been
called TO the conduct of its minister as
above described, but without result. 1t
therefore becomes necessary for this
government to consider whether as the
guardian of
ITS OWN SELF-RESPECT
and of the integrity of its institutions ii
will permit further intercourse to be
held through the present British min
lister at this capitol. 1t is to be OBJ
served that precedentS are not wanting
as to the question under consideration.
1t is settled rule, essential to the
maintenance of international inter
course, that diplomatic representative
must be persona grata to the govern
ment to which he is accredited. If, by
his conduct, he renders himself persona
non-grata, an announcement OF the fact
may be made to his government. In
the present case, all the requirements
of comfy have been fulfilled, the facts
having been duly communicated to hel
majesty's government, with an eX
I preston of the opinion of this govern
ment in regard thereto. Respectfully
! submitted. L. F. BAYARD.