The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-02-28
Secretary Stewards Mediation PROPOSAL
AdvantaSeess 90 NaHoIeon.


Advantages 60 Napoleon.
There are many reasons why the Emperor OF
the French should gladly accept the proposal
made by Mr.. Seward in his answer to the letter
OF the French Minister Of Foreign Affairs sug-
costing peace conference. In this answer MIR.
Seward distinctly asserts that this government
will admit to Congress Southern representa-
tiyes, and that their demands or proposals
would meet with due attention. Objections,
all more or less pointless, have been made to
the feasibility of such step; but those who
make them do not bear in mind that these are
troublous times, calling for extraordinary ac-
ton, and imperatively setting aside routine or
custom. We can see no reasonable objection
to the admission to Congress of delegates from
the South, and cannot understand why our legis-
lators should not listen to the proposals which
these said delegates might make. Those who
really love their country, and who remember
that, though erring, the people Of the South are
still Americans, would gladly see them adopt
ing by permission of our government, the op-
portunity offered by our clearsghted Secretary
Of State, who, backed by the President tells
the Southerners:- your representatives
to Congress; let US know what you ask,
what you need; and If, consistent with the
dignity and power Of the government of che
United States, we can grant your requests. and
thus obtain peace, we shall do so, and all the
world will cry amen. ~
- III. - r.,f
to see at glance the immense advantages TO
accrue to him should the American rebellion
be ended by his pacific influence. He will ap-
p eciate that, were he to lay the matter before
the Powers Of Europe and ask their aid in con-
vincing the South of the propriety of accept
ing the chance offered them by Mr.. Seward,
one and all would gladly act in concert with
him, as even Eagland would NO doubt forego
the benefits arising from her privatcering
speculations for the purpose Of obtaining fair
supply Of cotton. Then to Napoleon would
accrue all the prestige Of having taken the mi
tiative In the matter. He will understand that,
whereas, when he asks US to admit the posi-
bility Of q separation, he insults the majesty Of
our government, he in no Use acts in the same
manner toward the South by urging that they
should return to their allegiance. We are the
government--they the rebels. To plead in
their favor is to advocate treason; to advise a
cessation of their resistance to the constitutional
authority Of the government is to advocate order
and law. Standing upon this platform, the
Emperor Napoleon might, with all honor to
himself and benefit to France, urge cessation
of hostilities and renew the bonds which ex-
listed between his empire and the American
people. He can thus more surely end the war
in this country than by giving to the South
recognition which would plunge France into Q
struggle with the North in case that recognition
were an effectual one.
We are fully determined to confer-in fact,
have conferred-upon President Lincoln ample
power to defend our country against all her
encmies, and Napoleon will appreciate that
It were dangerous for him to rank in that cate
CORY. He will prefer being prominent as a
seize upon the opportunity Mr.. Seward has put
in his way. he will urge the South to make
peace, and will obtain from her . trial Of the
proposal made by Mr.. Seward Should she
pertinaciously refuse, the blame of all Europe
will centre upon her leading personages, and
her cause be judged at its true value. Napo-
leon well knows that in France his present
policy as regards this continent Is not popular.
The Mexican expedition has proved failure
up to the present time, having drawn the gov
eminent into fearful outlay of lives and trea-
sure The people Of France would look with
States and their empire. They deem such an
event misfortune to be carefully averted, and
would withdraw their confidence from the EN-
peror entirely were be to precipitate conflict
between us. He is well aware of this, and also
knows that by going to war with US he would
give his enemies the Orleanists, too great q
hold upon the sympathies of his subjects, as it
is well known in France the House Of Orleans
are our friends.
Added to these powerful arguments in favor
of peaceful course towards the North must be
the knowledge on the part Of Napoleon that a
speedy reconstruction of the Union would rid
him of a great and pressing danger. We refer
to the Mexican expedition. 1t must now be
clear to the Emperor that he cannot
conquer Mexico save at cost which
would render the enterprise valueless
We're the Union once more at peace, as the ma
tural guardians Of this continent we would
facilitate Napoleon's retreat from Mexico. We
would undoubtedly advance to that republic
any sunrhecessary to pay all reasonable do
mands which the Emperor might make, and he
could thus withdraw from the expedition on,
Of Difference to our power, and with no great
loss. These are serious considerations when
the desperate nature Of Napoleon's venture In
Mexico is properly viewed, and will surely have
their weight upon the decisions Of the clear
headed monarch. He will also be aware thai
split In our Union is all to the advantage el
England, and not Of France. Napoleon the
Great deemed the United States count erpoise
to England's maritime power, and were we &C.