The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-12-09

therefore, IS OF opinion that t1eFe - low an
portunity of offering to the belligerents the good
offices of the rnaratirne Powers He therefore pro-
poses to her Majesty, as well as to the Emperor of
Russia, that the three courts should endeavef both
at Washington and in communication with the
Confederate States, to bring about suspension of
arms for six months, during which every act of hos
tity direct or indirect, should cease at sea we'll
as on land This armistce might, if necessary, be
renewed to a further period.
This proposal, Drouyn de fHuys proceeds to say
would not imply on the part of the three Powers,
any Judgment on the origin Of the war; or any
pressure the negotiations for peace, which, it is
hoped, would take place during the armistice. The
three Powers would only interfere to smooth the
obstacles, and only within the limits which the two
interested parties would prescribe. The French
government is of opinion that even in the event of
failure of immediate success, these overtures
might be useful in leading the minds of men now
heated by passion to consider the advantages of con-
citation and peace.
Such is in substance the proposal of the govern
ment of the Emperor of the French, and | need
hardly say that has attracted the serious attention
of her Majestys government Her Majesty is des-
rious of acting in with France upon the
great question now asitatng the world, and upon
none more than on the contingencies connected with
the great struggle now going on in North America.
Neither her Majesty the Queen, nor the British ma
in which the Emperor of the French indicated the
laws of nations and assisted the cause OF peace in
the instance of the seizure of the Confederate Com
missioners on board the Trent. Her MaJesty's gov
eminent recognizes with pleasure the design OF ar
resting the progress of the by friendly measures
the benevolent views and humane intentions OF the
Emperor. They are also of the opinion that If the
steps proposed to be taken, the concurrence OF
Russia would be extremely desirable. Her MaJes-
tvs government have, however not been informed
up to the present time that the Russian government
have agreed to cooperate with England and France
| on this occasion, although that government may
support the endeavors of England and France to at
tain the end proposed. But is the end proposed
attainable at the present moment by the course
suggested by the government of France4 Such IS
the question which has been anxiousy and carefully
examined by her Majesty's government. After
weighing all the information which has been received
from America, her Majesty's government are led to
the conclusion that there is ground at the present
moment to hope that the Federal government would
accept the proposal suggested, and refusal from
Washington at the present time would prevent any
speedy renewal of the offer. Her Majesty's govern
ment think, therefore, that it would be better to
watch carefully the progress of opinion in America,
and if as there appears reason to hope, it may be
found to have undergone, may undergo hereafter,
any change, the three courts might then avail them
selves of such change offer their friendly counsel
with greater prospect than now exists of its being
accepted by the two contending parties.
Her Majcsty's government will communicate to
that of France any intelligence they may receive
from Washington Richmond bearing on this i'm
portant subject.
Your Exceliency may read this despatch to NJ.
Drouyn de fHuys, and give, him copy of it.
Russell.