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.
1891 The federal constitution is amended so that fifty thousand citizens by the “initiative” can compel the federal authorities to prepare and submit to the people any reform in the constitution demanded by the petitioners. The establishment of a state or federal bank is approved by the people. The purchase of the Central Railway by the confederation is rejected by popular vote.