634
but seldom with success unless the pauper's relatives
are ready to receive and maintain him.
3rd. Applications have at times been made by
foreign governments to procure the repatriation of
American citizens who have become a charge upon charity
abroad. There is no provision, either by federal
statute or by the State laws for affording such relief,
but in each instance an effort is made, when practica-
ble, to find the relatives of the pauper or lunatic,
and in rare instances they have provided for his return
and maintenance.
I may refer, in connection with the subject, to
the correspondence between the two Governments in 1866
and 1873 wherein the question of the relief and return
of insane persons was treated; also to later corres-
pondence on the same subject with Austria. (Generel
Index, Diplomatic Correspondence and Foreign Relations
of the United States, page 431).
(Signed)
I am &c.,
Elihu Root.