Mr. Mutsu to Mr. Bayard.

Sir: I am pained to say that I have received a telegram from His Imperial Majesty’s minister for foreign affairs announcing the death of his excellency Viscount Arinori Mori, minister of education, in consequence of wounds received at the hands of a religious fanatic. I have no further particulars, except the assurance from Count Okuma that the crime had no connection whatever with politics.

Believe me, etc.,

M. Mutsu.