Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-02-18
MORNING LEADER.
WFDNFsDAY 1IORNING. FEB IS Is63.
A New Mediation Proposal-A Char
NJ eav--. I'd

MIR. Seward
In view Of the intense and oft-exhibited
anxiety of Emperor Napoleon to mediate
in our affairs, the suggestion which we
quote below, from the New York Herald
viii be entertaining:
at Is evident from the tone OF the
r,-aTcb of4ieial and semi official organs
that ne Emperor Napoleon perseveres IN
10 determination Of offering to this gov 1
ernment his mediation. We are inclined
n belieze that he viii use his every effort 7
N induce other European Powers to JON /
him in this course Of action and that 10 /
fnrtberanoe Of this desire ne has appoint /
"A a new ambassador TO the Court Of st. 1
lanes The person Just displaced, the old |
CoDnt de FIahault, was not sufficiently ao- /
tive "a bring about joint movement or |
the part Of England with France as re- |
gards our affairs, and SO Baron Gros
bold, determined, experienced diplomat
assumes his position; and if England can
be won over to Napoleons views, he IS just
the man to accomplish it. We do not an
ticipate, however, that success will attend
his efforts. England is but too glad to see
France getting deeper and deeper IN the
turmoils of that Mexican expedition to
grant her assistance to Napoleon, for the
purpose Of making a great show by inter
fering with the United States, and ena-
bling him, under cover Of this move, to
withdraw from the Mexican expedition.
The statesmen Of England are quite far
seeing enough to comprehend that in any
Quarrel with US Napoleon must lose pres
tiVe and mower, as we should certainly de-
feat his most vindictive efforts; and thus
they will leave him to his fate, and let him
get out Of his present trouble as best ne
may.
"a review Of the movements Of the
French army since they frstinyaded Mex
leo shows total want of success. In no
instance have the French gained any i'm
portant or lasting benefit. They have
spent millions upon millions of treasure,
have lost thousands Of men by the enemy
and by disease, and are at this moment as
far from the Accomplishment Of their pur-
pose as on the day they first landed upon
the soil of Mexico. Their reserves arrive
at Vera Cruz but just in time to replace
the victims Of the fatal diseases which dec
innate their armies, while in the matter Of
provisions and transports they find both
falling ever into the hands Of the guerril-
las or marauding bands, which proWI
around their encampments and seize upon
the army trains and all stragglers. This
is fearful condition Of affairs, and is rem
dered all the more disastrous and melan-
eholy for France when we take into con-
sideration that the people of Mexico, for
whom the Emperor Napoleon is 50 ambi-
tious, cannot comprehend the immensity
of his Maiestys views, and refuse his
profered aid and adminitration. and that
with q determination which, instead Of fall
tering, seems to grow stronger and deeper.
a Under these sad circumstances we
deem It the duty of our Government to
show toward Napoleon III. the same So
licitude which he betrays towards US, and
we seriously call upon Mr.. Seward to offer
to France our mediation in Mexico. If
that is not accepted, we must threaten to
break the French blockade, and carry to
the Mexicans arms and any munitions
they may want, as q proof Of our friend
shin for France. and Of our heartfelt de-
sire 20 settle her troubles on this continent.
We might, in imitation Of England's ex-
ample, build few privateers, (the word
is more genteel than pirate, and pray
upon French commerce, taking care, Of
oourse. 10 do so under the Mexican flag, al
though we may, if we choose, always in
imitation Of England, have the crew Amer
leans. Should we, for the complete success
of the enterprise in question, pick out our
most experienced gunners, We should be
initiating TO the letter the example set us
bv England in the way of strict neutrality.
nMr. Seward viii, we hope, see at once
the feasibility, not to say he humanity,
of our suggestion. France Is burning with
impatieuce to mediate with us. We surely
cannot be outdone by France in generosity.
She feels the deepest commiseration for
our misfortunes, and would at all risks
and hazards stop the effusion of blood IN
our country. Surely we are bound to feel
the same commiseraion for her in Mexico.
We must mediate, and the sooner the bet
ter Our administration cannot plead
other end more mOmeutous occupations
Is not Napoleon overwhelmed with care
and anxiety Has he not enough and
more than enough upon his hands2 And
vet we see that be devotes his attention
to us with generous pertinaoity. We must
mediate; and the sooner Mr.. Seward
makes the proposal, the sooner will We
stand in a proper light before the world
The difficulties of France in Mexico ar'
narrowing, and, what is more, they are IN
creasiag.
GThe sfexicans remain blind to all the ad
vantapes Of Napoleon's rule, and they arr
shedding the blood Of their would-be-ben
efactors. They lasso them, assassinatt
them, poison them. Really we must me
diate, and, as proof Of untiring and de
voted friendship to France, we must en-
deavor TO induce other Governments Il
ioin us in our offer. England would
doubtless, gladly act with us. Spain also
while. to render the offer the more gra
oious. our Government should request oul
newspapers to intimate that, in case Napo
leon refuses our services, the mediator
viii break the blockade of all the Mexican
ports. and lend the Mexicans armed ai'
against the French. All this, Of course
as a proof Of good will to France, and
our intense desire TO benefit her INTEREST,"
and those of the world at large.
nMr. Seward has thus grand oppertun
itv Of rendering to France good for good
and Of proving to her Emperor how sensl
BILE we are of his kindness and humans
intentions towards US.
ain the eye Of the world We should q
sumo the elevated position which Napo
leon now so conspicuously holds, an
which he has made a monopoly. We woul'
proye to all that our own disasters and ne
cessities do not blind us to the wants o
our friends. and that we are ever ready
come to the aid Of the afflicted. We mus
mediste-that is clear; and we hope Ou
Government will at once, in hum
BE imitation Of the example Sc
US by n. Mercier, dispatch som
diplomat to Mexico. for the purpose Of IN
ducing the people Of that country to nigh
TO the last, and never abandon any plac
they may have contemplated leaving 70 II
fate. n. Mereier was immensely success
full in this way at Richmond, last year