Mr. Motley to Mr. Seward
Sir: I confine myself to-day to the simple statement that the new ministry is formed, although not yet formally announced.
Count Larisch, a noble of large fortune and high character, who has [Page 34] not been hitherto much employed in the public service, is to succeed M. De Plener as minister of finance. Like the other leading members of the new cabinet, Count Mensdorff, Count Maurice Esterhazy, Count Beleredi, and M. De Maylath, who are all between 40 and 50 years of age, he is in the prime of life for political labor.
This is also true of the new Travernicus of Hungary, Baron Seunyey, whose appointment is also settled. This post, which answers in some respects to that of a minister of the interior for Hungary, (Tavernicoumere regalium magister,) is of special importance at this moment, and I understand that M. De Seunyey, like M. De Maylath, the new Hungarian chancellor, belongs distinctly to the “old conservative” party.
It would seem obvious, therefore, that the effort to bring about a reconciliation of the kingdom of St. Stephen with the “hereditary provinces” is to be founded on a good understanding between the conservatives in all parts of the Austrian dominions.
It is not worth while to add any further conjectures to those already made in this correspondence as to the probable policy of the new administration. The budget for 1865 has been voted, and the Reichsrath will adjourn on the 27th instant. The lesser Reichsrath will probably not assemble before the new year.
Meantime, the Hungarian diet will be convoked in October, the measures of the government will then be developed, and the great practical questions, how to establish a united Austria for imperial purposes, how to reconcile the legal continuity of the Hungarian constitution with the February patent, and how to modify that organic law in a constitutional manner, will press for solution.
The Schleswig-Holstein matter is no nearer a settlement, and it cannot be denied that the fair days of the Austro-Prussian alliance have been succeeded by a somewhat threatening atmosphere.
I have the honor to remain, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.