Bayard Taylor , American Minister, Berlin to Bayard Taylor, June 11, 1878

Mr. Smith to Mr. Taylor.

Sir: In pursuance of the request contained in your letter of the 7th, I proceeded to Sinsheim. Owing to the occasion of the Whitsun holidays I could not see the Bezirksamtmann until last night. In the case of Mr. Charles Ganzenmüller, it appears that he has remained in Germany without giving notice to the government for the period of six months longer than the two years permitted under the treaty of 1868, and that the authorities of Baden insist that he shall either serve in the army or return to the United States.

The authorities are very much annoyed by complaints, made by Germans who remain at home and serve as required in the army, with reference to Germans who go to the United States and become citizens and then return to Germany and live for a longer time than two years. Consequently they require a strict conformance with the treaty whenever complaint is made to them by the local authorities.

In this case complaint was made. Mr. Ganzenmüller, when called upon by the authorities at the end of two years and six months, went to Bruschal, where he was examined and pronounced fit for military duty. He then appealed to the authorities at Baden and Berlin, and was informed from both places that he must serve or leave the country. Thus, much attention has been called to his case, so that the Bezirksamtmann is powerless and can only act under instructions from Baden. If you desire it and will telegraph me to do so, I will go to Carlsruhe and endeavor to get his time of residence extended. I have advised him to make a written application to the minister of the interior at Carlsruhe, stating his reason for wishing to stay longer in Germany and promising to return to the United States November 1. It may be that his request will be granted, as the authorities of Baden are not inclined to be overstringent.

The case of Gustav Weil is different, he has now made a sworn statement that he does not intend to remain permanently in Germany, and that he will return to the United States September 1st, and sent it to Baden. Time will be given him to have a reply from the minister previous to the termination of his notice to leave the country.

Had he on his arrival deposited his passport or citizen papers with the authorities at Sinsheim, and declared that he did not intend to remain permanently in Germany, he would have had no trouble.

Waiting your further instructions, I remain, your obedient servant,