The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-12-10
w WASHINGTON.
CONTRIBUTIONS.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9.-The Senate to-day
confirmed the following nominations: Benja-
min H. Bristow, Solicitor General; Clement
H. Hill, Asst Attorney General; William H.
Townsend of Rhode Island, Consul at Cork
H. T. Livermore of New Hampshire, Consul
at Londonderry; f. G. l.. Strove Consul at
Quebec; Edward G. Barrows, Appraiser of
Merchandise at Providence, r. l.; William r.
Taylor, Collector of Customs at Bristol and
Warren, r. 1.
The President to-day nominated that the last
class at West Point be second Leutenants in
various regiments of cavalry and artillery.
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE ON FRANCO PRUs-
SIAN AFFAIRS.
The following points are extracted from the
correspondence of United States ministers in
Europe on Franco German affairs accompany
ing the Presidents message to Congress-
Acting Secretary of State Davis telegraphed to
to Minister Washburne at Paris September
9TH, that if the provisional government has the
actual control and possession of power and is
acknow lodged by the French people so as to be
you can decide, you will not hesitate to recOg-
nize 1t. On the same day Mr.. Davis telegraph
ed, Recognize the new government as soon as
the situation shall Justify it, and tender the
congratulations of the President and the peo-
pie of the United States ON the successful es-
Enlistment of a Republican government
Mr.: Davis telegraphed September z: "Bettemy
asks, under instructions from Favre, whether
public sentiment in America has changed
since the change of government in France;
adding that the public press of this country
has expressed strong sympathy with Germa-
ny. replied that the government maintains
a strict neutrality and will continue to do so:
that he cannot wonder the people have little
sympathy for dynasty, and that the DISPOSE
ton OF this government was shown in the
Presidents order to recognize the new gov
eminent.
Minister Washburne telegraphed Septem-
Der Z: M. Favre called yesterday, and in the
name of the government of national defence,
to thank my government for its prompt recOg-
milton of the republic. 1t was all he could de-
sire.
Secretary Fish telegraphed Minister WASH
burne, Sept 9th, that the request of M. Favre
that the United States join the other powers
in their efforts TOR peace, has been received.
1t is not the policy or interest of the United
States to act jointly with European powers on
European questions. l have requested Minis
ter Bancroft to ascertain whether Germany de-
sres the good offices of the United States, but
not to tender them without an assurance of
their acceptance. Secretary Fish, in subse
quent dispatch, compliments Minister Wash
burne for his prudent aud discreet conduct.
Minister Motley telegraphed to Secretary
Fish August 9th, and wrote Secretary Fish
August 18th, that on the 9th he sent tele
gram in these words: 1t is an authentic fact
that the French government telegraphed to
London yesterday to know if Gen Lee was
here or whether he is expected. The SUPPOSE
ton is that military command is to be offer
ed him. am not aware that Gen. Lee is in
London or that he is expected here. The fact
however that the French government should
show such anxiety to obtain military tai
ent from so distant quarter would seem to
argue some want of confidence in the govern
ment of their armies.
Secretary Fish September 9th telegrarhed
Minister Bancroft that Minister Washburne
telegraphs that France requests the United
States to join with other powers in an effort
for peace. 1t has been the uniform policy and
IS the true 1nterst of the United States not to
JOIN European powers in any interference in
european questions, yet the President strong
| ~ desires to see war arrested and the blessings
OF peace restored: If Germany also desires TO
have the good offices of the United States in
| terpose the President will be glad to contrib
| ute all the aid in his power to secure the res
toratlon OF peace between the two great pow
ers now at war and with whom the United
States mas SO many traditions of friendship:
Ascertain If North Germany desires such Of
| flee, but without making tender thereof I'M
| less assured that they will be accepted.
september 18th Minister Bancroft telegraph
| ed: No time now for America to intervene.
| Germany rejects all foreign interference. Ev,
| cry otner power holds back. America would
stand alone and be unable to accomplish any
| thing. Our interest and dignity require us for
| the present to stand aloof
On the 3Oth of September the Secretary of
state wrote MIR. Bancroft: The reasons you
present against American intervention between
France and Germany are substantially among
the considerations which determined the Pres
ident IN TIE course and policy indicated to you
IN cable dispatches from this office on the 9th
inst, and rejected the idea of mediation unless
upon joint request OF both the warning pow
ers. 1t continues to be the hope of the Presi-
dent, as it is the interest of the people of this
country that the unhappy war in which France
an early end. This government will not tres
| pass any opinion as to terms or conditions
| upon which peace may or should be establish