The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-06-07
AS TO PEACE.

h.
Washington, June I'm view OF the
growing belief that Spain is seeking to mi.
tiate peace movement, the precrdeni
bearing on negotiations is being looked
into.
The peace negotiations closing the Rovo.
lutionary war came about In a romantic
manner. Franklin and Jay ware living in
Paris at the time, having succeeded in en-
listing the active assistance of France
Among Franklins neighbors was q Madam
Brbton, with whom the famous statesman
scientist formed fast friendship. Madam
Britton spent the summer in Paris. where
she net several prominent English noble
men, among whom was Lord Cholmodely
The latter, on learning that she was
friend of Franlsln's, asked for note of
introduction TO him. saying he would call
| and drink tea with him at Passey. The
letter was given and Franklin and Lord
Cholmondely were brought together His
lordship stated that he was an intimate
friend OF Lord Shelburn who had Just be-
come a ruling figure OF the British min
istry and 1t Was suggested that Franklin
write letter to Lord Shelbuu. which
Lord Shelburn Undertook 10 deliver in per-
son.
brief letter expressing the wish that a
general peace might be brought about"
but no was careful to avoid betraying any
anxiety or hope that the peace would i'm
mediately take place. Franklin felt sure OF
his ground as the British troops had met
with serious reverses.
The letter was very welcome TO Lord
Sheldon, as it arrived Just at a serious up
heaval OF the British parliament The min
| istry OF Lord North. which had conducted
the war narrowly escaped vote OF CEN
| sure and it gave place TO ministry favor
| able to the recognition OF American indie
| nanience, Lord Shelburn had not wishet
| 10 initiate the movement, but Frankiin's
letter paved the way and as result formal
negotiations were opened betwasn Franklin
| ara ,ord Shelburn, leading TO the recogni-
! ton Of American independence
soon after the war began in 1872, Presi-
| don't Madison took the first step toward
res,or,nc peace and in a message to con-
qress on November 4. 1912. he said:
! Anxious to abridge the evils from which
a state Of war can not be exempt, lose no
time. after it has been declared IN con-
yeying to the British government the terms
! ON which its progress might be arrested
The terms proposed by Madison were
that Great Britain yacate the orders IN
council on blockades and on the Impress
| ment OF American seamen. The movement
| can't 10 naught.
The emperor OF Russia took the next steT
| IN restore peace. He first made prop
i osition to John Quincy Adams, our min
| ister to ST. Petersburg suggesting that nc
would act as mediator The proposition
Il was also made to the state department
\ through the Russian minister at Washing
ton. II was accepted by the United States
and Messrs. Bayard, Gallatin and Adams
4 received instructions on April 10, 1873 e
proceed TO st. Petersburg.
Their instructions were: Your first dur,
will be to conclude peace with Grea
Britain"
The terms OF peace we're the same al
! Madison had previously specified, but thes'
we're not indispensable conditions
Great Britain declined the overture, how
ever and Lord Castlereigh wrote TO TN
state department suggesting direct neso'