Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 5, 1899

Mr. Draper to Mr. Hay.

Embassy of the United States,
Rome, Italy, December 1, 1899.

No. 534.]

Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 531 of even date with this, I have the honor to say that since dictating it I have received a private note from the Marquis Visconti Venosta regarding the abolition of the bureau at Ellis Island, a copy¹ of which I inclose. This communication leads me to add that in his conversation on Wednesday the minister for foreign affairs expressed himself very strongly on this subject—much more strongly than I have allowed it to appear in my report of the conversation as written in my dispatch No. 531, which is not confidential. He declared emphatically that the abolition of the Ellis Island bureau, taken in connection with the Tallulah murders and previous lynchings, might be considered as an evidence, if not of hostile at least of unfriendly feeling on our part toward Italy. I also confirm, on page 3 of this dispatch, the cipher telegram sent to you to-day on the same subject.

It seems to me that this is a matter of importance, and I commend it to your careful consideration.

I have, etc.,

William F. Draper.

[Inclosure.]

Mr. Draper to Mr. Hay.

[Telegram.]

December 1, 1899.

Minister for foreign affairs informs me our Government announces speedy abolition of Italian bureau Ellis Island; regrets it, and says it would have painful effect on the relations of the two nations, especially after Tallulah affair. I request hold matter in abeyance, at least until my written dispatch of to-day inclosing confidential letter from minister for foreign affairs is received. I have just received your personal letter of November 13 in regard to Tallulah affair.

Draper.

1. Not printed.