Das Schreiben Eurer ist Mir mit den Resi fammlungen in Lon Meines Botschafters. teren zugegangen Ich danke Ihnen u lung und für den Ihrer persönlichen G. peror's Mr. Holder Mr. Bate man. Cheers for the Queen, the Emperor Hon. Sec. Principal gemeinsam besten Kämpfe sich ver eiben mit Meinem Lenntniß der Gerra die Resolutionen d verbleibe relichkeit. RESPONSE OF GERMANY TO ENGLAND. I.-LETTER OF HIS MAJESTY THE EMPEROR OF Translation. Berlin, Feb. 18, 1874. Russell. DEAR LORD RUSSELL, I have received your Emperor'arl letter of January 28,* with the resolutions of the great meeting in London, and with my Ambassador's report of the proceedings. I thank you sincerely for this communication, and for the accompanying expression of your personal sympathy. I have to be the leader of my people in * See p. 12. Emperor's a struggle which through centuries past has been letter to Earl Russell. carried on by German Emperors of earlier days against a power the domination of which has in no country of the world been found compatible with the freedom and welfare of nations; a power which, if victorious in our days, would imperil, not in Germany alone, the blessings of the Reformation-liberty of conscience and the authority of the law. The challenge accepted. The religion of the Romish infringed. I accept the challenge thus imposed upon me in fulfilment of my royal duties and in firm reliance on God, to whose help we look for victory, but also in the spirit of regard for the creed of others and of evangelical forbearance which has been immersed by my forefathers on the laws and administration of my States. The latest measures of my Government do not Church not infringe upon the Romish Church or the free exercise of their religion by her votaries; they only give to the independence of the legislation of the country some of the guarantees long possessed by other countries, and formerly possessed by Prussia, without being held by the Romish Church incompatible with the free exercise of her religion. Unity of feel- I was sure, and I rejoice at the proof afforded me by your letter, that the sympathies of the people of England would not fail me in this struggle-the people of England, to whom my people and my Royal House are bound by the remembrance of many a past and honourable struggle maintained in common since Emperor's the days of William of Orange. I beg you to communicate this letter, with my hearty thanks, to the gentlemen who signed the resolutions, and remain, letter to Earl Russell. LETTER FROM EARL RUSSELL TO SIR JOHN MUR- TRANSMITTING THE ABOVE. Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park, letter. DEAR SIR JOHN MURRAY,-I have the satisfac- Earl Russell's tion of sending you a letter addressed to me by His Majesty the German Emperor. I send you the translation, but I can send you a copy of the original, if you wish it. You will see that His Imperial Majesty wishes the letter to be communicated with his hearty thanks to the gentlemen who signed the resolutions. I send the translation to you begging you will charge yourself with this agreeable duty. I remain, yours very faithfully, |