1860 The Swiss government protests against the cession of Nice and Savoy to France. 1861 French troops occupy the Valée de Dappes. 1862 The question of the frontiers in the Valée de Dappes is arranged with France by mutual cession of territory. 1864 The convention of Geneva introduces humanitarian reforms in warfare. Election riots at Geneva lead to bloodshed. 1865 International social science congress meets at Bern. 1866 Restrictions on religious liberty of Jesuits, etc., are removed. An attempt is made to revise the constitution in a democratic sense but fails. 1867 An international congress of workmen is held at Lausanne. 1869 The construction of the St. Gotthard tunnel is decided upon. 1871 Switzerland shelters French refugees of the Franco-German War though insisting on the maintenance of neutrality. The growth in power of the “old Catholics” causes disturbances in western Switzerland (the struggle against Ultramontanism). The Alabama Arbitration Commission meets in Geneva. 1872 An attempt at revision of the constitution is defeated by a small majority. 1873 Abbé Mermillod, appointed by the pope “apostolic vicar” of Geneva, is banished from Switzerland. The see of Bishop Lachat of Bâle is suppressed by several cantons because he upholds the doctrine of papal infallibility. SWITZERLAND UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF 1874 1874 A new constitution, a revision of that of 1848, is accepted by the people. The referendum hereby becomes a part of the machinery of the federal government as it had already been part of that of most of the cantons. The new constitution increases centralisation in the government. The international postal congress meets at Bern and lays the foundation for the international postal union. 1876 Religious and political differences cause an armed encounter in Ticino. 1877 A law regulating the working hours in factories is passed, marking an advance in labour legislation. 1878 James Fazy, noted statesman, dies. 1879 Legislation puts an end to dissensions over the financeering of the St. Gotthard railway. 1882 The St. Gotthard railway is opened. 1883 Mermillod is appointed bishop of Lausanne. 1884 Bishop Lachat is made apostolic vicar of Ticino. An international conference is held at Bern to secure the protection of copyright. 1887 Alcohol is made a state monopoly. 1888 The creation of a see at Lugano excites the opposition of the radicals. An important law for the protection of patents is passed. 1889 Bismarck’s spy Wohlgemuth is expelled. Germany protests. Difficulties arising out of the Swiss custom of granting political asylum are settled. 1890 Religious riot at Ticino. The principal compulsory insurance against sickness and accident is accepted by popular vote.