The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-02-09
The satisfactory Solution OF the Media
tion Middle.

necessary 10 say that we are lndeDted
to William Colorado Jewett for this be-
wildering assortment of extraordinary docu-
ments; for Jewett is now the recognized diplo-
matte magnate Of this country and the rest of
the world. Talleyrand. Richeleu and Machia-
ven were mere amateurs when compared with
Jewett. From the perfume Of his fine head of
hair down to the polish OF his patent leather
boots, Jewett is essentially diplomatic. He
wears spectacles SO as to render it impossible
for any one to look in at his eyes-"those' win
dows OF the soul'-and uses language, both
written and oral, solely to disguise the deep
mysteries of his meaning. II any of our read
ers are unable to make head or tail Of Jewett's
correspondence, therefore, it is. only because he
favors US with diplomatic-not cock and
bull-story, which, for the benefit of such un-
diplomatic readers, we proceed to elucidate.
1t seems that the independent diplomatic
efforts of Jewett Greeley Napoleon, MERCER,
Vallandigham and Company to effect a me-
dation between the North and South have at
last reused the slumbering lion in the breast Of
Secretary Seward. Bull Run Russell says that
Seward has can argumentative nose;" but
Seward intrudcs this nose into nobody else's
business, and insists upon other people keeping
their noses out of his affairs. Consequently he
has followed his nose to the Office of Count Mer-
cier, Minister Of France, and administered to
that diplomat severe but deserved rebuke.
Taking high national ground and an argumen-
tative position, Secretary Seward assured
the Count that Jewett, Greeley and the
other independent mediators had violated the
law of 1892 for such cases made and provided,
and that he intended to have them indicted.
Our Grand Jury is now in session. and our
able, energetic, resolute and talented United
| will prepare the proper papers and press the
prosecution with his accustomed vigor. Secrs-
! tary Seward reminded Count MERCER that this
was not the first time that the agents of the
| French government had been caught clandes-
timely interfering with the affairs of this coun-
| try. Citizen Genet the agent Of the old French
republic, attempted to raise a cabal against
Washingtons administration because it would
not take sides with France against her foes, and
stmmarily squabashed by the passage Of
the law Of 1892 to which Secretary Seward re-
ferred. French consuls in the rebel States had
been detected in an intrigue to filibuster
Texas away from the Americans, and had been
reprimanded by JEFF. Davis, on the old principle
of Satan rebuking sin. Count Mercier him
self-and at this remark the Count trcmbled in
his boots-went down South to advise the re-
bells never to surrender Richmond In short,
said Seward, / am after Jewett, Greeley and
Company with sharp stick, and you had bet
ter be more neutral in future or pack your
trunks and look after your passports. We
consider this conduct very noble and dignifed
of Seward. He is not the man to allow poor
Greeley to interfere with the State Department
as he has always interfered with the Depart
ment Of War. Mercer's knees knocked to-
gether with fear at the conclusion of his plea
SAINT half hour with Seward. and he Immediately
sent post haste for Jewett. Jewett was equally
frightened, aud took the first train to New
York. without stopping to comb his hair, wax
his mustache or put OH clean collar, in order
to beg us to publish his defence. Touched by
his pallid, detected and dishevelled appearance,
We have charitably consented.
Jewett's defence is ingenious; but as he
directs il ITO the Great Heart of the American
People, we are afraid it will fail before an un-
sentimental jury of twelve men. who have no
hearts legally, but decide all cases by brains
alone. The law explicitly says that il any cii
zen of the United States shall, without the per-
mission of our government, carry on any verbal
or written correspondence or intercourse with
any foreign government, or officer or agent
thereof to defeat the measures of the govern
ment Of the United States, he shall be deemed
guilty Of high misdemeanor, and punished by
fine and imprisonment. Now Jewett admits
that he has had both verbal and written cor
rcspondence with the Emperor Napoleon and
with Count MERCER, and written correspondence
with Queen Victoria, on the subject of media
ton. lie further admits in the present letter
that Secretary Seward FINALLY refused to au.
thorize him to treat with foreign governments. |
and that his mediation mission was sindepen- |
dent Thus he confesses himself guilty. Jewett |
says that his motives are good but that does |
not justify his illegal acts. lie adds that his |
mission had no ''rslation to any disputes or |
controversies with foreign governments: but |
that is not the point. lie urges that he was |
merely cooperating with the administration to
secure peace and Union, which are zdministra-
ton measures; but how does he know that
mediation would secure Union and what does
he find in the past conduct of the administration
to Justify him in declaring that peace and Union
are administration measures. He claims that
his right as citizen is paramount to the right
Of the government, which is the mere agent of
the people; but this claim is revolutionary.
anarchicai, sophs,ical and untenabls, since it
would at once destroy all governments and all
laws, and justify every crime. lie argues that
the administration has usurped unconstitutional
powers for the good of the country and therefore
he may do the same; but he forgets that two
wrongs cannot make q right and that he. and