Mr. de Geofroy to Mr. Seward
Sir: By two decrees, dated June 22 and the 1st of last month, the Emperor has ordered that a universal exhibition of the productions of agriculture, manufacture, and the fine arts should be opened at Paris May 1, 1867. Another decree, also issued February 1, of this year, and published in the Moniteur the 21st of the same month, has placed this grand international solemnity under the direction and supervision of a commission, the presidency of which has been confided to his Serene Highness Prince Napoleon.
Such a selection bears too high testimony to the importance which the Emperor attaches to the success of this universal exhibition to leave any need to dwell upon it. As to the commission, it is composed of several of his Majesty’s ministers, of high functionaries of state, as well as of the most competent of notable individuals.
The government of his Majesty charges me to give notice, officially, of these aforesaid decrees to the cabinet of Washington, to invite its valuable concurrence, and to designate an authority with which the imperial commission could have a direct understanding.
It would also be of advantage, to avoid all loss of time, that the government of the United States should make choice at Paris of an agent who would be specially delegated to be near his serene highness the Prince Napoleon.
This mode of procedure is the most suitable channel, and the speediest, to convey to the knowledge of the imperial commission the wishes of the exhibitors from abroad.
[Page 357]The government of his Majesty would attach a high value to being informed as early as possible of the result of the steps I am charged to take which have an exceptional character of urgency.
The objects sent to the exhibition will be received, in effect, in a palace constructed for the occasion of this solemnity, and the size of which should meet the actual need of the exhibitors of all nations. But that the general arrangements and plans which shall be adopted may be in relation with the claims for space which will be preferred, it will be necessary that the imperial commission should know, with the least delay, what States will take part in the exhibition, and how much space each would desire to obtain.
In ending the letter he has written to me on the subject, the minister for foreign affairs adds that he is gratified to hope that the government of the United States will show a disposition to facilitate, so far as it is concerned, the success of the work confided to the imperial commission. It is too enlightened not to appreciate the advantages of these solemnities, at which nations contract new ties, collect useful and mutual lessons, and thus assure the development of their prosperity.
Accept, sir, the assurances of my high consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.