Remusat to Washburne, September 25, 1872

Mr. Remusat to Mr. Washburne.

Sir: You did me the honor to write in regard to Mr. Miltz, whose property was damaged by the Garde Mobile during the siege of Paris.

The National Assembly passed two laws in relation to the indemnity to be granted to the victims of the war; one of date June 15, 1871, relates to requisitions made upon private individuals and payments in kind, which they were constrained to furnish to the French troops. The second law, of September 6 of the same year, appropriated the sum of 100,000,000 francs to be distributed among those who suffered damages resulting from the war.

Mr. Miltz ought to have presented his claim in due time before the competent authority in order to have it included, if there was just reason therefor, in the category of indemnities recognized by the law. In fact, no distinction was established between natives and foreigners, the latter having no other formalities to comply with than those which were required from Frenchmen, and Mr. Miltz has only himself to blame for having allowed delays to run after the expiration of which such claims incurred forfeiture.

Accept, &c.,