Mr. Blaine to Mr. Smith.
Washington, February 27, 1891.
Sir: Your dispatch No. 75, of the 10th of February, reporting a conversation with Mr. de Giers in relation to the treatment of the Jews in Russia, was received by the Department on the 25th of the same month. On the 18th of February, just a week previously, I addressed to you a communication to be read to Mr. de Giers on the same subject.
While the statements in that communication touching the harsh treatment of the Jews are completely confirmed by Mr. de Giers, I have observed, with not a little satisfaction, his readiness in suggesting this topic of discussion and his expression of willingness to consider any inquiries which you might make. It was believed that the Government of Russia would not disregard the evidences which have appeared in various countries of the general interest and solicitude which have been excited throughout the civilized world by the reports of the oppression of the Jewish race in the dominions of His Imperial Majesty. Nevertheless, the fact that the subject has been brought forward by the imperial minister of foreign affairs himself increases our hope that the representations of this Government, based upon the deplorable aspects of the question which have been brought to its notice, will not only receive the consideration to which they are thought to be justly entitled, but will also more fully impress the Government of Russia with the fact that the effects of the repressive policy against the Jews are not confined to that country, but that they also excite the sympathy and appeal to the generous and charitable efforts of the people of other lands.
Ever since the transmission to you of the instructions of the 18th of February the Department has received fresh evidences of the immediate and material, as well as of the broad and general, interest which has been felt in this country in regard to the hardships of the Jewish subjects of His Imperial Majesty. Almost every day communications are received upon this subject, temperate and couched in language respectful to the Government of the Czar, but at the same time indicative and strongly expressive of the depth and prevalence of the sentiment of disapprobation and regret. No government can be insensible of a fact of so much significance, and I am happy to perceive the appreciation of the sentiments and interests of other people which the conversation of Mr. de Giers discloses.
I am, etc.,