The Irish standard., 1904-03-05


august master and all Russia have
pledged the most friendly interest, for
the countries, placed at the extreme
ties of the two worlds, both in the as.
cending period Of their DEVELOPMENT.
appear called to natural community
of interest and Of sympathies, of which
they have already given mutual proofs
to each other.'
"Early in the war Mr.. Seward
learned through the legation at st,
Petersburg that an understanding had
been effected between the governments
of Great Britain and France that thew
should take one and the same course
on the subject Of the American war,
including the possible recognition of
the rebels. Later the understanding
was distinctly avowed by M. Thouven.
el to Mr. Sanford Of Paris
"This alliance or joint action might
dictate it's own terms. From a joint
announcement Of neutrality it would
be only step to join mediation or in.
tervention, and it would hardly be an
ticipated that the Washington govern.
ment, struggling with an insurrection
which had rent the country asunder,
would be willing to face also the COM
bined power Of the two great empires
of Western Europe
''To the minds of the French and
English statesmen the project was
even praiseworthy. 1t would stop the
effusion of blood, as was said, and
increase supply of cotton. 1t would
leave the American Union permanently
divided, and that was consummation
that European statesmen in general
would not grieve over.
"Well, on the morning of June IS,
1861, there occurred scene at tle
state department which, though it has
attracted but cursory attention from
the historian, had more influence OH
the fortunes of the Union than
pitched battle.
"Mr. Seward was sitting at his
table reading dispatches when his
messenger announced:
The English minister is here to
see you, sir, and the French minister,
Also
Which came firstY inquired Mr.,
Seward.
Lord Lyons, sir: but they say they
both want to see you together
"Mr. Seward instinctively guessed
the motive for so unusual diplomatic
proceeding He paused a moment and
tllrn said:
"Show them both into the assistant
secretary's room and will come in
presently
$50 they both came into my room
and l asked them to be seated. A few
minutes later. while the two ministers
were seated side by side OH the sofa,
the door opened and the secretary en-.
tered. Smiling and shaking his head,
he said:
"'No, no, no. This will never do
| cannot see you in that way
''rhe ministers rose to greet him.
True said one Of them, it is unusual,
but we are obeying our Instructions
And at least said the other, you will
allow us to state the object of our
visit
"'No,' said Mr.. Seward; we must
start right about it, whatever it is.
NJ. MERCER. will you do me the favor
to come to dine with me this evening?
Then we can talk over your business
at leisure, and if Lord Lyons will step
with me into my room now we will
discuss what he has to say to me-
"'If you refuse to see us together
began the French minister, with a
courteous smile pnd sIhrug
Certainly, do refuseto,, see you
together interrupted father, but
1 will see either eu separately,
here or elsewhere So the interviews
were held severally, not Jointly, and
the papers which they had been in
structed jointly to present and formal
" read were left for the secretary's ili-
formal inspection. "a brief exaMinas d
j *