Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-05-27
European Intervention in lIexieO-Views
AT VT. aRNuRH.

European Intervention in UexieO-Viewi
81 mTs sewHrd.
The following circular letter has been ad
dressed by thu abolition Secretary Seward Il
the several American legations abroad. 1t is
~tIansla ioa from P French version. which sp
pears lie the AroAires ~DiPiomatigaes:
WASHINGTON, March ,, 1862
II SIR; We observe indications Of q growing
IMPRESSION in Europe that thu demonstration
made by the Spanish, French aud British forces
against Mexico is likely to provoke a revolution
III that country, which shall bring about the in.
PRODUCTION of a monarchical government, and the
assumption of the crown by a foreign prince
Our country $ deeply interested in the peace Of
the world, and desires to preserve loyal relations
as well with the allies as with Mexico. The
President has, therefore, directed me to submit
TO the parties interested his views Oh the new
aspect Of affairs.
The President has relied upon the assurance
given his government by the allies, that they
were in pursuit of no political object, but simply
the redress of their grievances. He entertains
no doubt of the sincerity of the allies, and If his
confidence in their good faith had been disturbed
it would be restored by the frank explanations
given by them that the governments Of France,
Spain and Great Britain have no intention Of in
tervening to procure a change i'll the e%Onstitn-
tiOnal form of government now existing in
Mexico, or any political change which should be
in opposition to the will Of the Mexican people.
In short, he has cause to believe that the allies
are unanimous in declaring that revolution pro
posed to Mexico is solely prompted by certain
Mexican citizens who are now in Europe.
Nevertheless, the President regards it Is his
duty to express 10 the allies. i'll ali kindness and
candor, that a monsrchical government estsb-
1s~I-l -. NJ. -, ~. 900, e - 49,
and armies, occupying the waters and the soil of
Mexico, has no promise of security or perma-
hence III the second place, that the stability of
such a monarchy would be enhanced if the
throne were assigned to a person alien 10 Mexico;
that IN these circumstances the new government
would instantly fsll unless sustained by Eu-
ropean alliances, which, under the influence of
the fist invasion, would be practically the be-
ginning OF a permanent policy Of armed inter
vention by monsrchical Europe, at once injurious
and inimieal to the system of government gen
orally adopted by the American continent
These views are based upon some knowledge
of the opinions and political habits of American
society. There can be No doubt that in this
matter the permanent interests and the SYM
pSthies Of our country would be on tLe side Of
the other American republics.
We must not be understood as predicting on
this occasion the course OF events which may
snsue, both in America and Europe, from the
steps which are contemplated. 1t is enough 10
say that, in the opinion of the President, the
emancipation OF the American continent from
the control of Europe has been the principal
CHARACTERISTIC of the past half century. It is not
probable that q revolution il the opposite diIec-
tien can succeed in the age which Immediately
follows this period aud while the population of
America increases 90 rapidly, while its resources
deTelOU in the same DFODaTti0n. AND while sOeietV
forms itself uniformly according TO the principles
of the American democratic government.
1t Is unnecessary to Indicate to tho allies how
improbable ii is that the nations OF EarOpe would
accept cheerfully a policy favorable to a similar
c0unteT-IevolutiOn, thus Incompatible with their
own proper interests. Nor is il necessary to point
cut that, notwithstanding he care of the allies 10
avoid aiding, by means of their lsnd and mari
time forces, the internal revolutions OF Mexico,
th5 result would be nons the less due 70 the
presence OF their tOICes in the country, however
4 Hereat the object they may have proposed for
without then presence II may be considered rs
eel .sil that such revolutions wOuld probably not
have been attempted OF even conceived.
TIE senate of the United States has certainly
not accorded its official sanction 10 the precise
me gsuTes proposed By the President, TO lend our
aid to the actual Mexican government, in order
that the latter might with the appreciation of the
allies, e~xtrcate itself from its present embsrTass-
ments. But this Is strictly a question Of internal
administration. There could be no greater error
than to see in this disagreement divergence of
opinion in our government, OF IA the American
people, in regard to their cordial wishes for the
safety, welfare and stability Of the republican
in that country.
ain yOuT Obed't seTv't,
VIM II. SEWARD