The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-02-16


The current rumors of new suggestion
from the French Government, looking to an
adjustment of the dispute underlying the civil
war in America, eliminated last Tuesday in
resolution of the United States Senate, re-
questing the President, If not Incompatible
with the public interest, to transmit to that
body any state correspondence bearing upon
the subject of mediation or any kindred topic.
o. Thursday the President laid before the
senate several important letters, which were
immediately dispatched by telegraph to all the
leading Journals ofthe country, and very gen.
orally published the next morning. Such how
ever was the length and the confused state Of
the dispatch, as 1t reached Portland, that it
appeared In no morning paper in this city,
though our readers will remember its an
nouncement on Friday. Its substance can be
very briefly given.
A letter from Mr.. Drouyn d'Lhuys to NJ.
Mercier, dated 9th January, proposes that the
Washington Government, without a suspen-
sion OF hostilities, give its consent to open ne
gofiations for peace with the rebels. This is
the naked proposition, graced with the usual
assurances of the Emperor's friendship, and
fortified by single precedent--the negotia-
lions with England, commenced before the
cessation of hostilities on this continent, and
terminating in the acknowledged indepen-
dence Of her American colonies under the
treaty Of 1888. This termination has an ugly
look, as precedent; but 1t must be allowed
that this is much more favorable to the cause
ofthe nation than the proposition of an armis-
tice, which could hardly have been discussed
with patience. The negotiations were to be
carried on by commissioners from the two par
ties, meeting on ground declared neutral for
the purpose.
M. MERCER called on the Secretary of State,
already iorewarned by Mr.. Dayton's dispatch
ofthe 18th January, on the Sd instant, and left
with him copy of NJ. Drouyn d'Lhuys' let
ter. On the 9th February, four days before
the passage ofthe Senate resolution already
referred to, Mr.. Dayto which was also laid
before the Senate. 1t is one of Mr.. Stewards
very ablest productions. He shows that of all
the territory, which the rebels have attempted
to seizes they now bold only Georgia, Ala
bama and Texas, with half of Virginia, half OF
North Carolina, two thirds OF South Carolina,
half of Mississippi, and one-third respectively
Of Arkansas and Louisiana. Within these linz
its they are closely pressed by sea and land.
The American people, with all their eager dis
cussion Of men and measures, are unanimous
In their determination 10 reclaim their whole
domain from the Lakes to the Gulf. Even II
they could consent to compromise the nation
a authority by entering into negotiations with
rebels in arms, there is no question that the
leaders Of the rebellion would insist upon sep
aration, rs the only basis of peace To this
the United States cannot consent Mr. Sew
ard closes by indicating the National Congress
As the only constitutional forum for debates
between the alienated parties. Thither the
Senators and Representatives OF the Southern
States may peacefully return by acknowledge
ing the rightfui authority Of the general Gov
ernment; and there their grievances, properly
set forth, viii be entitled to respectful hear
ing, and II well founded to redress. Mary
land, Virginia, Kentucky, Ten nessee and Mis-
souri,, States claimed by the rebellious faction,
are already represented at Washington. Rep
resentatives have been sent from Louisiana.
and others are understood to be coming from
Arkansas.
This, in Mr.. Stewards view, is the only basis
ofpeace. Let all the people say, Amen!