Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1867-02-07
THE MOTLEY conREspoNDExcE

Hon. Lothrop Motley, of Massachusetts.
is known as one of the most intelligent and
cultivated Of American Statesmen, and his
work on ''The Rise of the Dutch Republic"
is among the standard histories Of the age.
None of Mr.. Lincoln's many excellent APP
pointmenis TO Office was a more fortunate
selection than that Of Mr.. Motley to repre-
sent the country at the Court of Vienna, and
our interests have never been more faithfully
guarded or efficiently represented abroad
than under his careful guardianship
1t has lately been understood that Mr.
Motley had resigned, and the President nom
mated to the Senate that unfortunate non
entity Cowan, of Pennsylvania, to fill the
place. Congress, however were skeptical on
the subject of the resignation and called for
the correspondence on the subject 1t APP
pears that Mr. Seward wrote Mr. Motley, on
the 2lst of November last, to the effect that
citizen of the United States, in Paris had
addressed the President charging Mr.. NJ.
with being bitterly hostile, and
THAT you do not pretend to conceal your dis
gust, rs he says you style it, at the Presidents
whole conduct; that you despise American de-
mocracy, and loudly proclaim that the English
| gentlemen is the model OF human perfection
that the President has deserted his pledges and
| principles in common with Mr.. Seward, who, you
say, il hopelessly degraded.
The reply of Mr.. Motley is most over
whelming rejoinder TO Mr. Stewards ill-tem.
pered and ill-bred communication. He says:
81 have always believed it necessary that strong
guarantees should be taken against the recur.
renee of the rebellion and the re-establishment oil
some form Of slavery, before the seeded States
should be rc-admitted to representation in Con.
gress Latterly have inclined TO the opinion
the nobest and the safest course would be by
amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting dis
tinctiOn Of race or color In regard to the attain
ment Of the franchise, together with n genera
amnesty to be pronounced by the President
These opinions, in the privacy Of my own house
hold, and to occasional American visitors, hav
not concealed.
have never thought, during my residence n
, Vienna, that because have the honor OF being
public servant Of the American people am de
l priyed of the honor Of discussing, within my owl
walls, the grave subjects that can interest free
men. A Minister OF the United States does'n
cease to be citizen of the United States, as deep
ly interested Others in all that affects the wei
fare Of his country"
This is pertinent, sensible and conclusive
Mr.. Motley further says;
~ nave always been cautious, however, in sue
r conversation TO avoid any expressions of disre
spcct toward the President and his Cabinet.
have uniformly stated that in our own countr
| the people were not only theoretically but pra,
, ticaily severn and that when great pOlical qucs
/. tons were to be solved appeal was made to IL
- ballot box"
: The most ridiculous and ungentlemanl
portion Of Mr. Stewards letter is thus II
ferred to:-
u That II dcspise American democracy, an
7 loudly proclaim that an English gentleman is Il
~, model of human perfection Is so ptiful fabf
- cation that blush while dcnounce II.
,r Any one personally acquainted with me or WI
N has taken the trouble to read nv writings wbet
y er official or historical, must know that a mo-
Is fervent believer in American democracy than
IN does not exist in the world. My expressions
reverence for the American people during the,
ne five heroic years have erred If ut ALL on the SD
s. of enthusiasm, and have often seemed 10 II
skeptcal somewhat extravagant. scorn
10 dwell longer on the contemplate charge Til
! have called Mr. Seward hopelessly degraded
N, Is a vile caumny, and il wounds me deeply tn
= you could listen for moment to such u falls
lg hood"
es And, in conclusion, says Mr.. Motley,
is have only TO add that | beg herewith /
e. especially to resign my post as Unit
Estates Minister at Vienna