Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-12-08
Louis NapoleOn's Letter TO the European
Sovereigns.

The .nondeiH publishes Tie letter addressed to
the soyereigns Of Europe by the Empe Or OF the
French, proposing general congress to settle the
affairs OF Europe. The following is the full
text
Most High and Most lllustrious Sovereign
Princes and Free Towns whcl constitute the
High German Confederation
10 presence OF the events which every day
arise and become urgent, deem il indispensable
TO express myself without reserve TO the soyer-
eigns to whom the destiny Of nations is confded
Whenever severe shocks have shaken the bases
and displaced the limits Of States, solemn transac-
tons have taken place TO arrange the new ee-
men 5, and to consecrate by revision the accom-
pshed transformations. Such was the object Of
the treaty Of Westpha!ia in the l7th century, and
OF the negotiations Of Vienaa in l6l5. Ii is on
this latter foundation that 1ow reposes the polil-
cal ediice OF Europe and yet, as we are aware,
Il is crumblng away on all sides.
If the situation Of the different countries be at.
tentiyeiy considered, II is impossible not to admit
TIA. the treaties Of Vienna upon almost all points
are destroyed, modified, misunderstood or men.
aced Hence, duties without rule, rights without
title and pretensons without restraint. The dan
ger is 40 much the more formidable because the
Improvements brough, about by civilization, which
hss bound nations together by the identity of ma
terai interests, would render war still more des-
truetlye.
This is a subject for serious reflection let US
not wait before deciding on our course for sudden
and irresistible events TO disturb our judgment
and carry US away, espite ourselves, n opposite
directions.
therefore propose to you to regulate the pres
ent and secure the iu ure in Congress.
Called to the throne by Providence and th1
will Of the French people, but trained in the
school Of adversely, am perhaps bound less than
any other TO ignore the rights Of the soyeregns
and tne legitimate aspirations OF nations.
Therefore | am ready, without any preconceiyed
system, to bring to an international council the
spirit Of moderation and justice, the usual portion
OF those who have endured so many various trials.
II take the initiative 10 such an overture, | do
nos yield 10 an impulse Of vanity but as | am
the sovereign to whom ambitious projects are
most attributed, ! have il at heart to prove by
this frank and loyal step that my sole object is "a
arrive without shock at the pacheition OF
Euro pe. Il IhIs propos,ion be iavorably recev'
ed, pray You to accept Paris as the place Of meet.
ing.
In case the princes, allies and friends of France,
should think proper to hl4hIen by their presence
the authority OF the deliberations, shall be
proud to offer them my cordial hospitality. Europe
would see, perhaps, SONS advantage in the capital
from which the signal for subyersion has 80 often
been given, becoming the seat OF The conference
destined to lay the basis Of general paciiicaton.
take advantage oil this opportunity to renew
to you the assurance Of my sincere attachment
and OF the lively interest which | take in the
prosperity OF the States OF the Confederation.
Whtrtupon, most high anu ilustrious sovereign
princes and ii states which constitute the most
exalted German Confederation, | pray God to
have YOU in his holy keeping.
Written at Paris on Tue 4Ih Of November, in
the year oil grace, 1868 NAPOLEON
Coun,erslgned DRoUNg De LHUYs,