The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1898-06-08
IF SPAIN is SEEKING PEACE.

Washington. June 6-In the belief that
Spain is seeking peace the precedents
bearing on peace negotiations are being
looked into. They disclose many interest
ing features in negotiations following
wars in which the United States has en-
gagged.
The peace negotiations closing the revo-
lutionary war came about in a romantic
manner Franklin and Kay were living in
Paris at the time. having succeeded in
enlisting the assistance OF France. Among
Franktn's neighbors was Mile Britton.
with whom the famous stateSman-scient-
ist formed a fast friendship Mile. Brit
ton spent the summer at Nice, where she
met several English nob.emen. among
whom was Lord CholmOndeley. The latter
on learning that she was a friend OF
Franklin asked for note OF introduce
ton to him, saying he would call and
drink tea with him at Passy. The letter
was given and Franklin and Lord Chol-
mOndeley We're brought together in friend
" terms. His lordship stated that he
was an intimate friend Of Lord Shelburne,
who had Just become the ruling figure or
the British ministry and it was suggested
that Franklin write letter TO Lord Shell
burne. which Lord Cholmondeley under
took TO deliver in person. Acting on the
suggestion Franklin wrote brief letter
expressing the wish that general peace
might be brought about. But he was
careful to avoid betraying any anxiety
that peace might take place Franklin
felt sure of his ground. as the political
conditions in the United States We're much
disturbed. The letter was very welcome
to Lord Shelburne as it arrived just after
a serious upheaval in the British parlia-
ment. The ministry Of Lord North, which
had conducted the war, narrowly escaped
vote of cenSure and it gave place to a
ministry favorable TO the recognition OF
American Independence. Lord Shelburne
had not wished 20 inia,ilte the movement,
but Franklin's letter paved the way and
as result formal negotiations were
opened between Franklin and Lord Shell
burne leading to the recognition of Ameri-
con independence.
The peace negotiations after the war OF
1872 were more formal. After the war
began President Madison took the first
step toward restoring peace and in a
message to congress on November 4, 1872,
he said:
Anxious to bridge the evils from which
state of war cannot be exempt, l lost no
time after it had been declared in con-
veying to the British government terms
on which its progress might be assisted -
The terms proposed by Madison were
that Great Britain vacate the order in
council on blockades and on the Impress
ment of American seamen The move
ment came to naught. The emperor of
Russia took the next step to restore peace.
He addressed communication to John |
Quincy Adams, our minister to st, Peters |
burg, suggesting that he would act as
mediator The proposition was forwarded |
to the state department at Washington |
through the Russian minister, II was ac-
cepted by the United states and Bayard, |
Gallatin and Adams received instructions
on April Is, 1878. TO proceed to st, Peters |
burg. Their instructions began. Your
first duty will be to conclude peace with
Great Britain" The terms of peace
were the same as Madison had previously
specified, but these were not indispen-
sable conditions. Great Britain declined