The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-07-15


Years Truce in 1902 reserving the narrative OF the
Thirty Years War and the conclusion OF the civil
end military events In Holland down to the Peace OF
Westphalia, for another work which we may yet an
tcpate from his pen. The "History OF the United
Netherlands" detraced nothing from the reputation
achieved by its predecessor but tended to establish
on still surer basis the authors reputation as a his
torlsn and master OF the most graphic and attract
i've style.
1t was simply on the basis OF his literary reputa-
ton that MIR. Motley, urged for the place by the
New England Senator'S was appointed by President
Lincoln American Minister at Vienna on November
ID, 1861. The position was almost snecure, yet
the gigantic struggle on which the nation about
entering rendered 1t desirable for as to be repre-
sented abroad by men OF unquestioned patriotism
and liberal culture. Mr.. Motley performed what
little diplomatic duties fell to his lot acceptably
during Mr. Lincolns administration being at leisure
and enjoying envlabe opportunities for prosecuting
meanwhile his historical labors, When Andrew
johnson came into power he remained unds-
turbed for couple OF years. But at last, in 1867,
one George W. McCracken made the tour OF Europe,
and among the representatives of the nation whom
he reported to the state Department as being mimi
cal to the policy OF the President was Mr.. Motley.
Mr.. Seward, as Secretary OF State, addressed him
remarkable letter inquiring to the truth OF the
reports which had reached him from McCracken, to
which Mr.. Motley responded by letter in which,
after administering dgnifed rebuke to the Secre-
tary for the means adopted by him to bring our
foreign representatives into public disgrace he ten
dered his resignation, and after in the fall of
1867, returned to the United States, be received
by the Republican party universally as martyr to
the treachery OF johnson and Seward
Mr.. Motley did not take any prominent part in
public affairs after his return but the evening of
December 16 1868, he delivered an address before
an immense assemblage In New York on "Historc
Progress and American Democracy" This address,
and his previous martyrdom, made him Minister to
England which no was hu
President Grant on the 18th of April, 1862 On the
Following day the Senate rejected the treaty nego-
tated by Reverdy johnson, his predecessor for the
settlement Of the Alabama claims question, and Mr..
Motley found this veXatious subject his hands.
His appointment was received with general favor In
this country and Great Britain, and it was hoped
that he would succeed where Mr.. johnson had
failed But the President was Of the opinion that
the further discussion of the questions at issue
should be carried on at Washington, and during Mr..
Motleys residence in London he has been called
upon to do but little in the matter having conse-
quently, but little opportunity to accomplish any,
thing. On the 18th of May of the present year. how
ever, he completed the negotiation with the late
Lord Clarendon Of an important treaty upon the
subject of naturalization, based upon a protocol
upon the same subject signed by Reverdy johnson
and Lord Stanley ON the 9th of October, 1868. By
this treaty Great Britain at last renounced her fa-
vorie theories the subject of perpetual allegiance
and acquiesced fully and candidly In the American
view
For about month past it has been understood
that the President dissatisfied with the course
pursued by MIR. Motley in England, although the
exact grounds Of this dissatisfaction have not yet
been made public. 1t Is even said, before Mr. Mot
ley took his departure for England last year, there
was manifested such divergence between his
views and those of the administration as to cause
dissatisfaction on the part Of the latter 1t is also
said that his removal was decided upon long ago
as November last, in consequence of his having
violated his Instructions the Alabama
claims question. AS the purpose OF the
President to supersede him became known, his
friends, especially tfe New England Senator's made
the most strenuous exertions to keep him in his
place; but their efforts have proved unavailing
and his recall has finally been officially promulgated
Without taking into consideration the merits of MR.
Motleys successor, his removal will be received
with general regret throughout the country, espe-
cialy it inevitably involves his retirement from
public life for some years to come, If not forever
There have been few men of his dignity and attain
ments in the diplomatic service Of the country of
late years. which renders his removal even more to
be regretted.