recognize this than the Swiss. Switzerland is the oldest existing republic in the civilized world, and liberty and equality of all her citizens her vital air. Well might the monarchists and aristocrats of Europe, even those professing to be liberal, have doubted the triumph of the North, and even secretly wished its defeat. Free Switzerland was aware that the struggle there going on was for the cause of free labor and of the democratic republic, and that their champion, the North, must finally triumph. Of all the nations, also, none has more occasion for rejoicing at the triumph of the North. Surrounded from all sides by great monarchies, where liberal ideas are undergoing a doubtful struggle, Switzerland is like an oasis, and without friendly sympathizers in Europe. She is strong enough, it is true, to defend herself, and by her example to encourage others; but she is too weak to guide the fortunes of Europe upon the republican track. Across the ocean, however, now stands, new-born, a powerful, great republic, superior to any enemies. By their own inherent power the American people have themselves overcome the evil of which all the glorious republics of old have perished, and which threatened her also with destruction. Recovered, there she now stands forever an example and a rock of liberty. The republic has established herself forever in the history of the world. Who will now deny that a republic can maintain herself with great nations? This triumph is a historical fact—a fact for all mankind; for there can be no doubt that this truth will not fail to send its lustre over to us. As the deliverance of the Union from a foreign yoke has driven its waves towards our continent with irresistible sway, so will also the surge of her regeneration reach the European shores. All those who are in favor of despotism and slavery have received the news of the fall of Richmond with a secret feeling of alarm; while all free hearts beat stronger in the heightened hope that the cause of liberty must triumph also in Europe. Of all, however, Switzerland rejoices the most; for to her the triumph of the North is a pledge that the republic will never perish, but take deeper root. This is the reason for our lending a most emphatic expression to the sympathy which we have invariably cherished for the feeling. No feeling of hatred towards the succumbed tarnishes our congratulation; while we are convinced that the government will follow up its triumph by firmness in matters of principle and magnanimity towards the subdued, to the complete political reconstruction of the Union. We declare our full, emphatic sympathy with the principles of democratic self-government and free labor, which have gained new ground in the Union; with the men who have, in the true spirit of these principles, led her stars; with the genuine democratic statesman, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, so dear to Switzerland; with the brave federal army and her excellent leaders, and, finally, with the noble American people, who have triumphed over their enemies and over themselves. The motto between the two sister republics shall be, forever: "The cause of democracy and of the republic must triumph!" [Translation.] To his Excellency ANDREW JOHNSON, Vice-President of the United States, Washington: HONORED SIR: We just receive the appalling news of the assassination of the President of the United States, Mr. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. We are also aware that our address cannot reach the excellent man who has now fallen, as it were, a victor on the field of battle, a victim of his republican honesty, uprightness, and conciliatory mind. Permit us to express our most profound sympathy and grief over this event. The Swiss people abhor from the bottom of their hearts such a mode of warfare determined on-but, we would gladly believe, not with the consent of the people-by the partisans of the South. Switzerland, however, is fully confident that even if this new vicissitude should again disturb the hopes of a speedy peace, the triumph of the cause of the North, and of the democratic republic, will be the more complete. [Translation. ] To the Editor of the Bund: BERNE, May 5, 1865. HONORED SIR: As an opponent to the old and new Sonderbund, I respectfully request you to add my name to the address of sympathy and condolence of the Swiss people to the government and people of the North American Union. [Translation.] JUSTUS SCHALLER. BERNE, May 5, 1865. To the Editor of the Bund, in Berne: SIR: We have the honor to inform you that the local section of the Commercial and Manufacturing Association in Berne has unanimously resolved to join you in the general address of sympathy and condolence to the American We hereby transmit a list of the signatures of our members, (88 in number,) and remain your obedient servants. In the name of the committee: C. WILHELMUS GRAFFENRIED, President. ALBERT YERSIN, Secretary. [Then come the 88 names of the members.] [Translation.] Signatures of the members of the Helvetia Student's Union to the address of sympathy for the United States of America. GOTTFRIED FLENTISSEN, JR., President. AND FIFTEEN OTHER NAMES. The students of the Concordia Society, nineteen members, have this day resolved to unite in the address of sympathy and condolence to the American Union. In the name of the Concordia: BERGER, Secretary. A. SCHEURER, President, Law Student. [Translation.] BERNE, May 7, 1865. Mr. EDITOR: The Berne Typographia hereby announce their assent to the address of sympathy and condolence to the government of the North American free States. For the society: S. MAYER, Secretary. KARL KÖNIG, President. [Translation.] BERNE, May 6, 1865. The undersigned society, at a full meeting this day, unanimously passed the following resolutions: 1. We cordially approve of the address of sympathy and condolence to the American Union now circulating in this city. 2. We order that every member of the society sign his name to this paper, and that it be properly executed. In the name of the Frohsinn Männerchor, of Berne: T. BUCHERT, Secretary. [Eighty-four signatures follow.] J. HUBER, President. [Translation.] THE MENNER TURNVEREIN (MEN'S GYMNASTIC UNION) OF THE CITY OF BERNE. Resolved, At a meeting on the 5th of May, 1865, to approve of the address of sympathy and condolence to the United States of America, on account of the suppression of the rebellion and assassination of President LINCOLN, in the name of all their members, forty-four in number. For the Turnverein : A. FRANTOCHI, Secretary. [Translation.] GO. STRELIN, President. BURGDORF, May 6, 1865. DEAR SIR: In honor to the memory of the great man beyond the sea, who, with so much courage, strength and patience, wisdom and moderation, directed the destinies of his country through a long and bloody war, and was at last struck down by the merciless hand of a cruel assassin, I desire that my name be added to the address of the Swiss Confederation to the American nation. I made inquiries about a meeting to be held in this place; but I find there is no one here who takes sufficient interest in such things to get it up; I therefore take this means of making my wishes known to you. Yours, with great esteem, Mr. TSCHARNER, Editor of the Bund, in Berne. F. WELCHLI. [Translation.] BLEIENBAH, NEAR SOLEURE, May 7, 1865. SIR: Since our government seems to have forgotten the address of sympathy and condolence to the government of the United States, and nobody here thinks any more about it since it was first presented, and as I had not the good fortune to see it, being absent at the time, I respectfully request you to add my name to the list of signers to the expression of joy and sorrow for our republican brethren beyond the ocean. With great esteem, [Translation.] N. T. MOLLET, Supreme Judge. BOLLINGEN, May 7, 1865. Mr. EDITOR: The Bollingen Reading Society, consisting of twenty members, at an ordinary meeting last evening, resolved to join in the address of sympathy and condolence to the United States of North America on account of the assassination of their excellent President, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, and to rejoice with them in their victories for the triumph of humanity by the abolition of slavery. Respectfully, in the name of the society, SOLOMON FLUKIGER, President. JOHN MUHLETHALER, Actuary. [Translation.] BREMGARTEN, NEAR BERNE, June 9, 1865. The common council and Choral Union of Bremgarten declare that they cordially join in the Swiss address of sympathy to the American Union, which originated in Berne. We hereby most sincerely wish the greatest prosperity to the American |