The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-10-10
Archbishop Hughes and the Com Oh
Council of New York.
COMPLIMENTARY RESOLUTIONS FROM THE
TWO BOARDS.

a few days before the arrival of Arch
bishop Hughes from his recent visit to
Europe, a highly complimentary preamble
and resolution were passed by both
branches of the Common Council of New
York. Although no authorized statement
was published of the object of his visit, vet
it was understood to be of semi-officia]
character, undertaken with the view OF
preventing, so far as he could, by his influ-
ence abroad. and by correcting the erro-
neous impression which prevailed there in
relation to our civil war, the intervention
OF European Powers in our domestic
troubles.
A delegation consisting of several mem
bers of the Common Council waited in
person upon the Archbishop at his former
residence, 263 Mulberry street, and pre-
sented the resolutions, to which the Arch
bishop responded as follows:
In accepting these resolutions it is not
to be supposed that am Indifferent to the
honor conferred upon me by the municipal
representatives of the great city of New
York. l have, since my return, received
some kind receptions, and one or two of a
more touching character from the orphans
and the children of some of our schools :;
but theirs was welcome to the Archbish-
OPP, while yours is token of regard to me
as a citizen and bishop, for do not con-
| slider the one compatible with the other.
My being an archbishop has not prevented
me from accepting the kind testimonial of
fered to the citizen. In appreciation OF
| this can only offer feeble expression of
my sentiments. 1t is true that in going to
Europe went it may be said, in some
thing of semi-official character, but not
as the bearer of any special message. |
was left entirely to my own Judgment in
the matter, it being kindly supposed that
my knowledge of the country, my zeal for
its welfare, and my own discretion would
be sufficient for the purposes that might
labor to accomplish. In France and Italy
| was received with unspeakable kindness,
partly because l was an archbishop, and
partly, no doubt, because | was the Arch
bishop of the great city of New York. My
object was to correct the erroneous i'm
pressions that prevailed abroad, and which
had been created in regard to the causes
of the present civil war-tO point out the
mutual advantages between this country
and European Powers of preserving peace
| full relations towards each other My
object was to stem the onward current
of fixed prejudices against us, and in which
my endeavors have been more or less sue
cessful.
In France | was received with especial
kindness, and had an interview with the
Emperor and Empress of an hour and a
quarter. The conversation was such as
might have taken place between any two
private gentlemen entertaining mutual re-
spect and confidence, and if, at the close
of the interview the Emperor did not
understand my views and the condition of
affairs in this country, it was not my fault
At Rome it was not necessary that should
enter into any explanations in regard to
the voyage which I had undertaken, for
its object was sufficiently understood.
Rome did not require any explanation. for
it is not their habit to interfere with the
| uSSiolOlI VI CilC SOfCl VI
other lands on civil matters. If they were
not pleased with my advocacy of the cause
of the Union, their .displeasure was never
made known to me, if they entertained
any. | do not know that my efforts
after all, had any influence in turning
aside any thing like interference in our do
mestic troubles, or that might tend to in
crease our embarrassments All the time
| was abroad did not represent one part
of the country more than another, but the
whole of it as | once knew it. | had
prominently in view humanity and peace,
and there was nothing in my mission in
consistent with my ecclesiastical charac-
ter. This country, as knew it, was one f;
and | hope | shall never be called upon to
recognize it as two. Let me thank you
for the honor which you, as the represelr-
tatives of this great city, have paid me in
the resolutions which you have just pre-
sented
When the Archbishop concluded the
company were invited to partake of some
refreshments which had been Hospitality
provided, and after pleasant converse of
nearly an hour, took their departure, high
ly pleased with their interview.