Mr. Hay to Baron de Fava.
Washington, November 27, 1899.
Excellency: As I stated in my note of the 15th instant, I forwarded to the Secretary of the Treasury a translation of your note of the 31st ultimo, relative to the Italian bureau of immigration at Ellis Island.
I am now in receipt of his reply.
Mr. Gage states that the records of his Department show that the above-mentioned bureau was authorized in compliance with the terms of your request, of date May 13, 1894, merely as “an experiment” for certain purposes, which, as appears from the report of the Commissioner of Immigration of New York, it has failed to accomplish.
He adds:
The privilege, moreover, is one that is desired by other nations, and is one that the efficient administration of our laws compels us to deny. This reason makes it expedient not to continue the authorization for a longer period than the five years which it has been in force, and thus perpetuate a distinction in favor of one country to the exclusion of others.
He is therefore of opinion that the authorization given on June 13, 1894, should be rescinded, and I have the honor to inform you that he has fixed the date of January 1, 1900, as that on and after which the privileges granted the bureau shall cease.
As requested by you, I have the honor to return the original inclosures in your note.
Accept, etc.,