Washburne to Hamilton Fish, February 13, 1873

No. 102. Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish.

Sir: On Sunday last I received a dispatch from Mr. George de Pardonnet, from Belfort, to the effect that he was an emigration agent for the State of Kansas, and that, having advertised a lecture at Belfort upon the subject of the advantages presented by that State to the emigrant, his lecture had been interdicted by the minister of the interior, and inquiring what he should do.

I telegraphed him that I would answer him by letter; and the next day I addressed him a letter, a copy of which I inclose herewith, and which will explain itself.

It seemed to me that this action of the French government, howsoever illiberal it might be toward us, was a matter of its own, with which we had no right to interfere. At any rate, as I suggested to Mr. Pardonnet, I thought it better to submit the matter to your judgment whether I should remonstrate with the French government in regard to its action in this respect, or whether you agree with the views which I expressed in my letter to Mr. Pardonnet.

I have, &c.,