No. 550.
Mr. Evarts
to Mr. Hoffman.
Washington, December 8, 1879.
Sir: Your telegram of the 5th instant, respecting the presumed attempt upon the life of the Emperor by the explosion on the railway near Moscow, was duly received, and on that day I transmitted to you the following telegraphic message:
The President sends to the Emperor the congratulations of the Government and people of the United States upon his providential protection against imminent peril.
It seems apparent that in case there shall be shown to have existed a deliberate design against the Emperor’s life, the cruel inhumanity of [Page 868] an attempt so appalling in its possible consequences will strongly tend to bring the perpetrators of such crimes into more universal reprobation throughout the world. This result would be a subject for congratulation among the lovers of order and enlightened progress everywhere.
You will assure His Majesty’s Government that the good people of the United States fully appreciate the exalted character and faithful conduct of the Emperor; that they can never forget the great act of liberation which distinguished the early portion of his reign, and believe that the good citizens of Russia would feel in His Majesty’s demise the loss of their greatest benefactor. Their heartfelt congratulations, therefore, attend the Emperor’s providential escape from great peril.
I am, sir, &c.,