The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-12-05
flistella1lsous.
Letter OF the French Minister
OK INTERFERENCE IN AMERICAN AFFAIRS, AMI
THE REPLY OF LORD RUSSELL.

ON lNTththENCE IN hhhhlSAN hfiAihoj AMI
TIE REPLY OF LORD RUSSELL.
The following is the dispatch Of the French
Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressed to the
Ambassadors of France at London and St.
Petersburg, and published in the Moniteur,
and the reply of Earl Russell.
PARIS, October 80.
Europe watches with painful interest the
struggle which has been raging more than q
year upon the American continent. The
hosiilities have provoked sacrifice, and the
efforts Of nature certainly inspire the highest
idea of perseverance and energy Of two pop
ulations; but this spectacle, which does so
much honor to their courage, is only given
at the price of numbcrless calamitles and a
prodigious effusion Of blood. To these re-
suits of civil war, which from the very first
assumed vast proportion, there is still to be
added apprchcnsions of servilc, war, which
would be the eliminating point of so many
irreparable disasters. The suflerings Of u
nation towards which we have always pro-
fessed sincere friendship would have sui.
feed to excite the sincere solicitude of the
Emperor, even had we ourselves not suffered
by counter blow from these events under
the influence of intimate relations, which
extensive intercourse has multiplied between
yariour regions Of the globe.
Europe itself has suffered from the conse-
quences of this crisis, which dried up one of
the most fruitful source of public wealth,
and which has caused most sad trials.
As you are aware, when this conflict COM
menced. we held it our duty to observe tho
most strict neutrality, in concert with other
maritime powers, and the Washington cabi.
net repeatedly acknowled the honorable man.
ner with which we adhered to that line Of
conduct. And the sentiments indicated to
us have undergone no change; but tho be-
neyolent character Of that neutrality, instead
of imposing upon the powers the attitude
which might resemble indifference, ought
rather to make them Of service to two par
ties by helping them out of the position
which seems to have no issue.
From the commencement Of the war on
armed force was SGT on foot by the belligc-
rents, which since then has almost constant
ly been kept up. After so much bloodshed,
they are now, in that respect, nearly in the
same position. Nothing authorizes the pre-
sumption that moro decisive military opera
tions will shortly occur.
According to the last news received in
Europe the two armies, on the contrary.
were in condition that would not allow
either party to hope, within brief delay
for any decided advantage to throw the ball
ance and accelerate peace.
All these circumstances taken together
point to the opportunity of an armistice, to
whish, moreover, under present circumstan-
ces, no stratagetical objection can be made.
The favorable dispositions towards peace
which are beginning to manifest themselves
in the North as well as the South, might
ON the other hand second steps that might
be made to recommend the idea of truce.
The Emperor hos therefore thought that
the occasion has presented itself of Offering
to the belligcrcnts the support Of good Off.
ces Of three maritime powers, and his majes-
ty has charged me to make the proposition
Of the government to her Brittanic majesty
us we'll as to tho Court Of Russia.
The three cabinets would exert their inau-
ence Washington as we'll us with the
Confederates, to obtain an armistice for 9
months, during which every net Of war, di.
rect or indirect, should Professionally cease
on sea as we'll as on land, and it might be,
If necessary, ulteriorily prolonged. These
overturcs. need not -ay, would not imply
on our part any judgement. on the origin or
issue Of the struggle, nor any pressure upon
the negotiations which might, it is to be
hoped, ensue in favor Of an armistice. Our
task would consist solely in smoothing down
obstacles. and in interfering only in a measure
determined upon by the two parties. Wo
should not, in fact, believe ourselves called
upon to decide, but to prepare the solution
of difficulties, which hitherto have opposed
reconciliation between the belligcrcnt par.
ties. Would not, morever, an agreement
between the three Courts respond sufficient.
ly to their intentions; would II not give to
their step the character Of evident impartial.
H?
Acting in concert they would combine the
conditions best suited to ensure confidence in
the govcument Of the Emperor, by the con.
slant tradition Of French policy towards the
United States. England by the community Of
race. Russia BY tho marks Of friendship she
has never ceased 10 show 10 the Washington