[From the Temps, May 4, 1865.]
Paris, May 1, 1865. To the Editor: The government and the great bodies of the state have solemnly testified the grief and indignation they felt at the assassination of President Lincoln.
The press, it may be said, of all shades of political opinion, has gone before the public authorities in the spontaneous expressions of horror and regret.
Some citizens, necessarily in small numbers, will be able to add their signatures to those of the deputies and writers who have taken the initiative in an address of condolence to the United States.
But will not the people of Paris, whose sympathies and liberal instincts have been so deeply wounded by this crime, have an opportunity afforded them of publicly lamenting the fate of the former workman—almost one of themselves, who was the greatest and the purest-minded among the successors of Washington? The mass of the people cannot sign addresses. Would it not be a great satisfaction to them to find some easy mode of expressing their sentiments, such as the wearing some sign of mourning, for example a piece of crape, or a simple black ribbon-—on the arm? This mourning might last a day or two, and commence, suppose, on Monday next.
Nobody, it seems to me, would think of doing any party act, much less committing himself to any seditious proceeding in a manifestation common to all, the result of official manifestations, whose great moral effect would be completed by this demonstration.
If you coincide with these views, sir, will you have the goodness to submit them to your confrères, and also to your readers? They will be well received, if I am not mistaken, and religiously carried out. Accept, &c.,
34 Rue du Chateau d’Eau.