File No. 14654.
The Acting Secretary of State to the Italian Ambassador.
Washington, August 18, 1908.
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 14th ultimo in regard to an ordinance said to have been enacted by the city council of Richmond, Va., prohibiting Italian subjects from selling or dispensing alcoholic liquors in Richmond. You add that the ordinance appears to be contrary to the provisions of Articles II and III of the treaty of February 26, 1871, between the United States and Italy.
In reply I beg to say that the matter is receiving the attentive consideration of the department, though, in any event, the questions involved are susceptible of judicial determination.
Accept, etc.,