Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward.

No. 161.]

Sir: I have reason to believe that Belgium will accept the invitation of the Emperor of the French to take part in the proposed congress of European powers, but will probably wait upon the action of the majority of the other powers before giving in its adhesion. It is a position of some embarrassment to conciliate the role of a neutral power with participation in such a congress, and the recognition of Victor Emanuel as king of Italy by this government, when other European powers had refused, would seem to have been construed as an abandonment in fact, if not in theory, of the position of neutrality.

The announcement in the Emperor’s discourse from the throne, that the treaties of Vienna had ceased to exist, seems to have excited susceptibilities on the part of other powers, which have caused further explanations to be made, modifying very materially its bearing as applied to other states.

A circular to this effect has, I am informed, been received here to-day at the French legation.

Italy, Spain, Portugal, Rome, Wurtemburg, and Saxony seem to be, thus far, the only powers which have adhered to the proposition for a congress. That the principle will be generally accepted, but that the difficulty will be to come to an agreement as to its functions, seems to be the general opinion here in political circles; and also, that if the congress only meets, that fact, as annulling, ipso facto, the outlawry of the Bonapartes by the congress of Vienna, will be a great gain for the Napoleonic dynasty.

This subject naturally excites great attention, solicitude, even, here, as a symptom of, if not a remedy for, the gravity of the political situation in Europe.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,

H. S. SANFORD.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.