Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-02-20

the re-e.tablishment of peace, leaves possible
treat 70 the good faith of the government of Mr. Lin
coin if it is serious As he did in the first instance
NJ. Drouyn de flfuyssiexses 10 the Americans alone
the care and the right Of judging If the maintenance Of
the Union is proper and possible and upon what basis
any future arrangements whatever they may be- shall
repose He confines himself the expression always
with persisng conviction of the belief in the posi-
bity aud proprety of preparing the basis for future
arrangement, without even supendng on that account
the operations Of the war, II the government of Mr..
Lincoln thinks that its continuation turn to the pro-
1T OF his cause We must hope that public opinion in,
the United States and the government of Washington
viii yield to the honorable and legitimate pressure Of
humanity and good sense--speaking by the voice Of
France-and that while permitting the military opera
tons follow their If they so desire the state
men of the North will not refuse to examine indepen.
dent OF all foreign the means Of rendering
peace to America and activity to European labor This
new attempt necessary We felicate the French
Government upon having made it. and history will be
the Judge of the obstacles which may be the means of
paraly wing such noble Intentions rs g..
p LaRranee (organ of the Empress) says:
We publish this morning 4 despatch of the greatest
interest addressed by his Exceleacy the Minister Of
Foreign Affairs to NJ MERCER, Minister OF France al
Washington This despatch confirms the news which
we gave few days SINCE Thus, as we announced, the
new propositions are not for immediate armstice
but only for the appointment of delegates from the two
parties who shall meet for the discussion of the ques-
tons which divide the North and South and the honor
able means Of terminating the war. The despatch OF
NJ Drouyn de rHuys is inspired by the most generous
sentiments Of humanity and the veest and most sim
cere sympathy for North America. 1t seems impossible
TO US that the loyal word Of France sha be without In.
huence Washington. The Intentions WHICH direct IL
cannot be suspecedFrance cannot be accused Of drr
penses contrary to the prosperity and grandeur Of
the Americans. " hat she wishes H. to re-establsh
concord between estranged brethrento bring them to-
gether if possible; to regulate upon equitable bases
the conditions of their separation, if every political
mind clearly SEES their ancient Union forever broken
It would have been worthy Of the other great Powers
to second the French Government in this work
Of reconciliation but do not complain Of
being alone in this new peaceful effort, and are
proud of the role whchour country fills in this matter IL
is difficult predict the reception which these impor
tant propositions will receive in America However We
have right TO count upon the practical of the
federal government and upon the good sense NJ Pres
dent jefferson Davis We count particularly upon the
progress of moderate ideas to prevent the French prop
oson from being refused by simple rejection OF it,
All civilized countries suffer, all the laborng population
are reduced misery by the fault and the separation OF
the North Americans 1t will require only good faith on
their part TO abrdge the Of these suerings In
truth have right to ask in the hypoth esis OF q
refusal if the European Powers will not have the right
to enforce last what France counses and sooits
in terms 80 amicabe and which SO little resemble in
PREVENTION.
The Opionione Rationale (organ of Prince Napoleon)
says:
Asymptom has appeared in certain English and French
Journals which it desirable call attention. Those
organs prophesy to Europe manufacturing crisis inf
nitey more serious than those Of Lancashire and Of
the Seinenfereure and in deysing the means of ward
ing off that scourge they e1claim "The of the
evil is in America and it is from that country that the
infable remedy must be demanded Cause the block
ade to be raised, and you will soon have the millions
of bales of which are piled up in the warehouses
of the Southern States. Re-estabsh peace, and this
very year the slave States will furnish you with their
annual tribute of textile material" Hasten, they add
and this is the characteristic point the vital knot OF
their reasoning-hasen if you will not allow yourselves
to be overwhelmed by the rising food of distress The
p eparaon OF the plants takes place in the spring,
and on the regularity Of the agricultural operations in
April depends the fate of our workmen Not moment
il therefore to be lost The Cabinet Of Washington must
be acted any price, peace must be imposed on the
of the North and the great division must be effect
ed even were America afterwards perish in conse-
auence Endeavors are, therefore, being made with
redoubed energy TO bring about an immediate and
energetic intervention and il is wished TO lead the
Emperor Napoleon and the British Cabinet to that STEP
As to questions OF right of principles, and Of the
future they little thought of the interests OF the
present momept are only attended to. The French
ss on 20 dong 10
pores the disasters " the American war; expresses
wishes for the reestabshnent OF peace and gives
cognsels the Washington Cabinet which will hope,
be avorably received The French government thinks
that TO the friendly offices of one or more
neutral Powers has nothing incompatible with the egt-
innate pride of great nation IL does not dispute the
right of the federal government to decline the coopera
ton of the great maritime Powers of Europe. It only
asks whether, in setting aside any foreignnerventon
the Washington Cabinet may not honorab accept the
idea OF direct conferences with the authorities who
represent the Southern States :"