Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-06-09
NEGOTIATIONS FOR PEACE
Interesting Features Of the Conclusion of
Wars in the Past.
How FrankIin's Letter Paved the
Way to Recognition of American
Independence After Revolution.

independence After ReSoiutioh.
In view of the growing belief that Spain
is seeking 10 initiate peace movement,
the presidents bearing on peace Hegotia-
tons are being looked into. They disclose
many interesting features in the negotia-
tiOns following wars in which the United
States has engaged
The peace negotiations closing the revo-
lutionary war came about in a romantic
manner Franklin and Jay were living in
Paris at the time. having succeeded in en-
listing the active assistance of France.
Among Franklin's neighbors was a Madam
Britton with whom the famous statesman
scientist formed fast friendship. Madam
Brition spent the summer at Nice. where
she met several English noblemen, among
whom was Lord CholmOndeley. The latter,
on learning that she was friend of Frank
lin. 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 Cholmondeley were
brought together friendly terms. His
lordship stated that he was an intimate
friend of Lord Shelburn who had just be-
come the ruling figure of the British minis
try. and IL was suggested that Franklin
write letter to Lord Shelburn, which Lord
tNOllnONutiey uIUSElOOh 10 tcIlNtI III pei
son. Acting on the suggestion. Franklin
wrote a brief letter. expressing the wish
that a general peace might be brought
about. But he was careful to avoid betray
ing any anxiety or hope that the peace
would Immediately take place. Franklin
felt sure of his ground. political condi
tons in the United States were much dis
turbed- The letter was very welcome to
Lord Shelburn. ii arrived just after
serious upheaval in the British parliament.
The ministry of Lord North. which had
conducted the war, narrowly escaped
vote of censure. and IL gave place to a min
istry favorable to the recognition of Ameri-
can independence. Lord Shelburn had not
wished to initiate the movement. but
Franklin's letter paved the way, and. as
result. formal negotiations were opened be-
tween Franklin and Lord Shelburn leading
10 the recognition of American independ-
snce and the conclusion of peace with the
American colonies.
The War of 1912.
The peace negotiations after the war Of
1872 were more formal in character. Soon
after the war began President Madison
took the first step toward restoring peace
and in a message to Congress on November
4. 1872 HI said
Anxious to abridge the evils from which
a state Of war cannot be exempt. 1 lost no
time after it had been declared in convey
Ing 10 the British government the terms on
which its progress might he arrested.
The terms proposed by Madison were that
Great Britain vacate the orders in council
on blockades and on the impressment of
American seamen. The movement came to
Iaught.
The Emperor of Russia took the next step
To restore peace He first made PROPOSE
ton TO John Quincy Adams, our minister to
St. Petersburg, suggesting that he would
ect as mediator The proposition was also
made to the State Department at Washing
ton through the Russian minister here. 1t
was accepted by the United States. and
Messrs. Rayard. Gallatin and Adams re-
ceived instructions April Il. 1913. TO pro-
coed TO st. Petersburg Their instruc tions
began: Your first duty will be TO conclude
q peace with Great Britain" The terms of
peace were the SAM as Madison had pre-
viot1Sfy specified. but these were not indis-
Iensable conditions.
Great Britain declined the overture, how
ever. and Lord Castlereish wrote to the
State Department suggesting direct nego-
tiations- Accordingly Henry Clay and JON
athan Russell were added to the peace COM
mission. receiving new instructions January
Is 1914. British commissioners were ap-
PORTED, and the commission met at Client,
August :. The British presented four points,
the Americans three. Among the BIRTHS
points was that relating TO the maintenance
of a warship on the great lakes. which has
since become an established practice. The
peace treaty was finally agreed to Dec. a.
1871
The Mexican War.
During the Mexican war, while hostilities
were still in progress, the chief clerk of
the State Department, Nicholas p. Trst,
was sent to Mexico to open negotiations
for peace He was instructed to demand
the esssion of New Mexico and California.
These terms were rejected by Mexico.
Thereupon the United States recalled Trist.
This caused much agitation in Mexico, as
II was feared the United States would
adopt very aggressive steps. Trist had not
acted on the recall. but had remained in
Mexico. He succeeded, as a result of the
peace known as the treaty of Guadalupe
HidalgO, February 4, 1S4S.
The Civil War.
At the close Of the civil war there were
no peace negotiations or treaty in the usual
sense Being a rebellion, the federal gov
eminent recognized no power with which
it could make a treaty. The surrender at
Appomattox was without condition, but an
arrangement was made by which certain
military concessions were allowed by Gen
eral Grant 10 the surrendering armies. Be
You'd this there no formal peace treat
les or agreement.
The precedent of Franklin's peace over
lures suggest that if Spain is unable to
secure the mediation of the European pow
ers she might enlist the services of some
friend who, in an individual capacity, could
take the initiative. Franklin did. That
u 49, suggests thdl formal peace over
lures are to be made through commission
ers duly instructed on the terms they can
giant II the precedent of the Mexican
war Were followed, then one of the officials
OF SPANS foreign office could come to
Washington and make personal overtures
toward peace The precedents show that
there is no fixed procedure under inter
national law. toward a restoration of peace
and that the form adopted is dictated
mainly by the eXpediency and a desire to
avoid the undue Humiliation of the van
pushed party.