Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-05-16
NO. 115.
MINISTER WASHBURNE.

Minister Washburne has been exertiHg
himself at Paris in the interests of humanity,
as the following will show:- M
dispatch received at the State Depart
ment from Minister Washburne, dated Paris
April %, states that on Thursday preceding
he had received letters from the Archbishop
OF Myre, the Chduoiae of the diocese of Paris,
the Vicar General of Paris, and from members
of the Metropolitan Chapter OF the Church of
Paris, all making stirring appeals to him, in
the name OF the right Of nations, humanity,
and sympathy, to interpose his good Offices in
behalf of Monseigneur Darboys, the Arch
bishop Of Paris now in the Mazas prison of
Paris, as hostage, by order of the Commune.
Believing that by doing what he could to
ameliorate the condition Of the imprisoned
Archbishop he would be complying with the
policy OF our Government and carrying out the
wishes OF the Secretary Of State, Mr.. Wash
burne put himself in communication with
General Cluseret, who appeared to be the
principal director Of the Commune, and ap-
piled to him, not in his diplomatic capacity,
but simply in the interest OF good feeling and
humanity, to see if it were possible to have
the Archbishop relieved from arrest and con-
fnement. General Cluseret replied that it
was not matter within his jurisdiction, and
however much he might like to see the Arch
bishop released, he thought in consideration
of the state of affairs it would be impossible.
The Archbishop was not arrested for crime,
but simply as hostage, as many had been.
Under the existing circumstances he thought
it would be useless to take any steps in tnat
direction. Mr.. Washburne, being under the
impression that the Government would not
dare, in the excited state of public feeling in
Paris, to release the Archbishop, told Gener-
al Cluseret that he must see him and ascer-
tain whether he was in want Of anything.
General Cluseret at once complied, and went
with Mr.. Washburne to the Prefecture of Po-
lice, when permission was given to visit the
Archbishop freely at any time.
Taking advantage OF the permission the
Minister, in company with his secretary, visit
ed tine prison, and after being shown into .
vacant cell, the Archbishop was very soon
brought in. Mr.. Washburne was deeply
touched by the appearance of the venerable
man, and told him he had taken great pleas
ure at the instance of some of his faithful
friends in intervening in his behalf, and while
he could not promise himself the satisfaction
of seeing him released, he was very glad to
be able to visit him, to ascertain his wants,
and to assuage the cruel position in which he
was placed. The Archbishop expressed his
thanks most heartily and cordially for the in
terest the Minister had manifested towards
him, and MIR. Washburne was charmed with
his cheerful spirit and interesting conversa-
ton. He seemed to fully appreciate his criti-
cal situation, and to be prepared for the worst.
He had no word of bitterness or reproach for
his prosecutors, but remarked that the world
judged them to be worse than they really were.
He was patiently awaiting the logic of events,
and praying that Providence might find so
luton of these terrible troubles without the
further shedding of human blood. He is con-
in N oil tetv NV Tan blrr
little larger, which has the ordinary furni-
ture of the Mazas prison, wooden chair,
small wooden table and prison bed, and is
lighted by one sniaH window. As q political
prisoner, he is permitted to have his food
brought to him from outside the prison, and,
in answer to the suggestion OF Mr.. Washburne
that the latter would be glad to be of any SER
vice to him, said he was not in need at pres
ent. Mr.. Washburne was the first man he
had seen from the outside since his imprison-
ment, and he had not been permitted to see
the newspapers, or to have any intelligence of
passing events. Mr.. Washburne would make
arrangements to send him newspapers and
other reading matter, and would also visit him
to the end that he might afford him any prop
er assistance in his power. The fact could
not be concealed that he was in great danger,
which Mr.. Washburne would do all in his
power to prevent.
The Secretary of State is in receipt of
dispatch from Minister Washburne, dated from
the United States Legation, Paris, April 25.
in which Mr.. Washburne states that on the
morning of the above date application was
made to him by Mr.. Malet, of the British En-
baSsy, to interpose to prevent the enforcement
of decree of the Commune, by which requi-
siton was made of all the vacant apartments
in Paris, so far as the decree related to the
apartments of foreigners. Mr.. Washburne
Immediately communicated with Mr.. Paschal
Groussit, the delegue aux affaires strangers,
who at once informed him that the decree did
not include the apartments of foreigners,
though by inadvertence it was not so stated.
The correction was made and the apartments
were not disturbed.
From the Foreign Office Mr.. Washburne
went to the Prefecture of Police to obtain the
discharge of several Germans, some of them
| at pre- sent incarcerated at Mazas. He immedi-
| ately obtained written orders for the release
of the men referred to. An American lady
called at the Legation to get Mr.. Washburne
to interest himself to procure the release of
two French Sisters of Charity, who were in
prison. The lady was herselfa nun, and daugh.
ter of the late governor Roman, of Louisi-
ana. He told her he could do nothing off,
cially, but willingly consented as an act of
friendship to do what he could with the au-
thorties. He accordingly mentioned the mat
ter to the man in charge at the Prefecture,
who, without hesitation, gave an order for the
release of the parties.
In an hour Mr.. Washburne had the salts
faction of seeing the two Sisters safely out
ide the prison walls. He also secured the re-
slease of priest who had been incarcerated
Tor some time, and while in the prison called
upon the Archbishop of Paris, who appeared
to be quite cheerful.