The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-08-31

IL and have thus in my opinion, in the best mode in my
power. carried into effect your instructions
Mr. Guizot said nothing on the subject OF an answer
Ii the treaty ratified, have now the conhdent
expectation that 1t will not De- is possible he may con-
slider that the occasion for has passed by
| am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant 80,
Hon DANIEL WEBSTER,
Secretary OF State, Washington.
Mr. Cass 10 Mr. Webster.
LEGATION or THE UNITED STATES,
Paris, May 26, 1912.
SIR Since my despatch of the nth instant, the ques-
ton OF the ratification OF the quntupe treaty has been
discussed in the Chamber of Peers and in the Chamber OF
Deputies and the sentiments expressed unanimous
ly against the measure IL is well understood that
the subject Is al rest IN France and that ministry will
venture recommend ratification Efforts will doubt
now be made, and think eventually with success, for
the abrogation of the treaties of 1881 and 1888
The question of the budget a subject which by the
usage OF the French Chambers, allows great latitude of
discussion Connected with this matter, the commercial
relations between France and the United States have just
been warmly debated. send you the ionteur, which
contains an account of the proceedings 1t well worth
your examination and think ought to be translated and
published for the information OF the country Ii is lam
entable find such erroneous notions prevailing IN such
high place. respecting the true character OF The trade be-
tween France and the United States You will thai the
speakers complain of two grievances hrst OF the navi-
CATION and second, OF the duties proposed to be levied
on foreign productions imported into the United States.
AS to the former II 49, you know upon footing OF
perfect equality; and to the latter, II were Gas Is
mott just subject OF interference for foreign govern
men France is one OF the last countries which has any
just right to complain.
Cobelt, has been continued with little relaxation TO this
day. You cannot fail to be struck by the views advanced
by most OF the speakers and the gravity with which
they urge reprIsas against the United States But l as
you that these sentiments general in France;
and such the exclusive views taken of these subjects
by the press that is hopeless to expect to change public
opinion. We have nothing to do but to pursue our own
measures firmly, leaving TO other governments meet
them as they think proper,
upon MIR Guizot to converse with him upon the subject
found him very reasonable though not fully acquainted
with the details OF the matter He says, however, that
he is looking into it, and that nothing will be hastily
done. II Is my decided opinion that there is ETH cient
remedy for the present stale OF things, but by CONNER
cIal treaty which shall regulate intercourse with
France | recommend that with that view be
taken without delay and think the negotiations be
better carried on at Washington than here. II full pow
and general instructions given to the French min
lister there you may calculate with reasonable proba
blty upon successful termination of your efforts He
would understand the true stale of things better than
they are or can be understood here The government
has too many important subjects hand to be able to
devote the proper time for the acquisition OF all the
sary facts which belong 10 this subject
am, sir, respectfully, your obedien servant
LEW. CASS.
Hon DANIEL WEBSTER,
Secretary OF State, Washington.
Mr.. Cass to Mr.. Webster.
LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,
Paris, May 81, 1912.
SIR: have the honor to transmit herewith the copy
of letter which have received from the Minister of
Foreign Affairs in to my letter to him of 18th
February, concerning the quintuple treaty.
have merely said in acknowledging the receipt of this
letter. that should transmit 1t to my government for lis
information.
am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant,
Hon. DANIEL WEBSTER,
Secretary OF State, Washington.
tTransaton]
PARIS May %, 1912.
GENERAL had received some time since the letter
of February, the subject of the treaty signed the
Goth of December between the penpoentares OF France,
Austria Great Britain, Prussia and Russia with the view
of arriving at more eectua suppression OF the negro
slave trade In expressing to me therein your desire that
the Kings government should not raufy this treaty, yen
said to me that you were about to inform your govern
ment OF step which you had thought it your duty to
take, without authority, on your own responsibility and
that you should have learned of its approval
or dsavowal, you would hasten to apprize me.
month. copy of that which Mr. Webster has written 10
you to announce to you the approval given by the Pres
dent to your despatch OF the 18th of February and This
which up to this time it wanted think ought not longer
to defer an answer which before would have seemed TO
me premature.
You expressed to me- sir an anxiety lest the treaty of
the goth OF December should constitute on the part OF
the contracting parties, an engagement to create new
principle OF international law, which should subject the
vessels even OF those nations which had not participated
in the arrangement to right OF search (use) as esab
shed by its stipulations
The treaty in question not having been ratified by the
Kings government and consequently existing at this
tme far France is concerned, might abstain from
entering into any explanation the subject But the
friendly relations established between France and the
United States make my duty TO anticipate, BY free and
complete explanations all misunderstanding and,
over, have always been actuaed in this matter by
motives and honest to seize with eagerness
an occasion to make them manifest
1t does not belong to discuss the value of the in
ferences regard to the private views of the cabinet at
London, which you draw from certain passages in the
dispatches written by Lord Pameston and by Lord Aber
deem to Mr. Stevenson but shall not hesitate to say
what is the idea of the Kings government on the grave
question which you raise.
The treaty of the goth of December 1s41, whatever
may be its destiny, is founded principles different
from those OF the conventions of 1881 and 1898.
The slpulatons OF these conventions bound France
and England alone. The treaty OF December extends
them to Austria. Prussia, and to Russia making in them
some changes more or less important, but which do
alter their To be able to deduce from them the
very extraordinary intention of imposing other States
an obligation to submit to them, necessary that this
Intention which is in nowise indicated by the treaty of
the goth December should result from the previous con-
ventions. Never have we so understood them--never
could we understand them
hesitate the less, sir in giving here formal and, in
my opinion, altogether superfuous assurance, that the
Kings government, its part, places entire confidence
In the firm resolution, often proclaimed by the Federal
government, OF concurring most sincerely in the efforts
for the lna abolition OF the slave trade.
Mr. Websters DESPATCH which you have done me the
honor to communicate of a still further