American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1863-12-16
Letter from the Emperor Of France.

The Monifeur of Thursday, Nov. II,
published the text of the letter addressed
to the sovereigns of Europe by the En-
peror Of the French, proposinga general
congress to settle the affairs Of Europe
The following is a full text:
Most High and Most Illustrious Sover-
eign Princess and Free Towns which con-
stitute the Most serene German Confeder-
alton
In the presence of the events which are
every day rising and becoming urgent, |
deem it indispensable to express myself
without reserve to the Sovereigns to whom
the destiny of nations is confded
Whenever severe shocks have shaken
the bases and displaced the limits ofstates
solemn transactions have taken place to
arrange the new elements, and to conse-
crate by revision the accomplished trans
formations. Such was the object of the
treaty of Wcstphalia, in the 18th eentu-
ry, and Of the negotiations at Vienna, in
1915. It is on this latter foundation that
now reposes the political edifce of Eu-
rope; and yet, as you are aware, tits crumb-
ling away on all sides.
If the situation of the different coun-
tries be attentively considered, it is impos-
siblen to admit that the treaties of Vienna
upon almost all points are destroyed, mod
ified misunderstood or menaced. Hence,
duties without rule, rights without title,
and pretensions without restraint--a dan
ger SO much the more formidable because
the improvements brought about by civil
ization, which has bound nations together
by the indemnity Of material interests,
would render war still more destructive.
This is 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
despite ourselves in opposite directions.
/ therefore propose to you to regulate
the present and secure thefuture in a Con
gress.
Called to the throne by Providence and
the will Of the French people, but trained
in the school of adversely, il sperhaps less
permissible in me than in any other to ig-
more the rights of the Sovereigns and the
legitimate aspirations of the nations.
Therefore am ready, without any pre-
conceived system, to bring to an interna-
tional council the spirit of moderation and
justice, the usual portion of those who
have endured SO many various trials.
IF | take the initiative insuch an over
turc, ! do not yield to an impulse Of vani-
ty; but as / am the Sovereign to whom
ambitious projects are most attributed,
have it at heart to prove by this frank
and loyal step that my sole object is to ar
rive without a shock at the pacifcation Of
Europe, IF this proposition be favorably
received, | pray you to accept Paris as the
place of meeting.
In case the Princes, allies, and friends
of France should think proper to heighten
by their presence the authority of the de.
alterations, l shall be proud to offer them
my cordial hospitality. Europe would see
perhaps, some advantage in the capital
from which the signal for subversion has
so often been given becoming the seat Of
conferences destined to lay the bases of q
general pacifcation.
| I take advantage of this opportunity to
renew to you the assurance of my sincere
attachment, and the lively yinterest which
take in the prosperity of the States ofthe
Confederation.
Whereupon, most high and illustrious
Sovereign Princes and Free Towns which
constitute the most exalted German Con-
federation, pray God to have yon in His
holy keeping.
Written at Paris on the 4th of Novem-
Der, in the year of grace 1868.
NAPOLEON
Countersigned, DRoUYN DE LHUYs.