No. 278.
Mr. White
to Mr. Evarts.
Legation of
the United States,
Berlin, November 13, 1880.
(Received December 6.)
No. 170.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a copy of Aaron
Weill’s letter notifying me of his release; also a copy of his letter asking
me for further
[Page 447]
advice to my answer
to the same. It hardly seems worth while to send at present the voluminous
correspondence since the opening of the affair, the above showing clearly
the present condition of the case.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 170.]
Mr. Weill to Mr.
White.
Reichshofen, Alsace, November 5, 1880.
Dear Sir: Through your energy and powerful
help, I am happy to tell you that I gained my liberty Wednesday evening,
half-past six, immediately telegraphing you to that effect.
I assure you that I am so glad that I cannot find words enough to express
my sincere thanks for the noble work you have done for me.
The few American residents in this place are jubilant over your
success.
In the mean time receive my high esteem and everlasting thanks.
I remain, &c.,
[Inclosure 2 in No. 170.]
Mr. White to Mr.
Weill.
Legation of the United States,
Berlin, November 8,
1880.
Dear Sir: Referring to your letter of the 7th
instant, I cannot advise you regarding damages in your case; you will be
the best judge of that. I can only state that should you file a
statement in this legation it will be presented at such time and in such
manner as the Department of State may direct.
I must also leave your conduct under the existing circumstances to your
own judgment. Since the German Government now holds that its treaties of
1868 do not apply to Alsace-Lorraine the whole question is entirely
unsettled, and will be discussed at some indefinite time in the future.
Under these circumstances your remaining in Alsace-Lorraine would seem
to be a matter of serious risk, and it becomes a question whether it
would not be better for you, instead of continuing your residence there,
to return to the country of your adoption and take up the duties of
citizenship which have been conferred upon you, but which it would
appear you have never begun to exercise, you having left America for
your old home almost immediately after you were naturalized. This, as
stated in my former letter, adds to the difficulty of your case,
creating not unnaturally a prejudice against you among the German
authorities.
The same uncertainty which exists in regard to other matters extends to
your fine of 600 marks. But my belief is that if you, practically and
bona fide, return to your duties as an
American citizen you will hear no more of it.
Your papers have been asked for by the legation, and will doubtless be
returned to you. But in the regular course of things it will require
some considerable time for them to reach Berlin and from the foreign
office to arrive at the legation, which has not yet even received
official notification of your release.
I remain, &c.,
