[Extract.]
Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
No. 449.]
Paris,
April 11, 1864.
Sir: After sundry impediments, which, it
would seem, have rendered the action of the Archduke Maximilian
somewhat uncertain, and have much delayed his departure, it would
seem he has at last accepted the offered crown of Mexico, and to-day
he starts on his most adventurous career, going to that country by
the way of Rome that he may receive the benediction of the Pope. I
enclose you a slip, cut from Galignani, giving the substance of his
speech to the Mexican deputation upon accepting the crown offered by
them, and likewise another short slip, cut from the Moniteur, being
its only comment of to-day on the subject. The French papers say
that his government will not only be promptly acknowledged by the
Catholic powers, but by all the leading governments of Europe,
including England, Russia, Prussia, and France. For something like
this you will, of course, be prepared.
I need not say what I have in substance said before, that I look upon
this proceeding with intense anxiety. Nothing has occurred since my
residence at this court which foreshadows future difficulty with
France so probably as its action in this matter. God grant that it
may be long delayed, and, if possible, avoided; but I fear. * * * *
*
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.
[Page 752]
[Untitled]
“Trieste, 10th.—The emperor arrived at Miramar yesterday morning at
eight o’clock. After signing the documents and taking breakfast,
his majesty returned to Vienna, accompanied by the archdukes and
Count de Rechberg. Their Mexican majesties will leave tomorrow
at 4 p. m. The reception of the deputation takes place this
day.”
“Trieste, 10th.—This day, a little before noon, took place, at
Miramar, the official reception of the Mexican deputation, and
the acceptance of the crown of Mexico by the Archduke
Maximilian. M. Gutierrez de Estrada, the head of the deputation,
delivered a long address, in which he dwelt on the importance of
the national vote of Mexico. The archduke, replying in Spanish,
said that he felt not the slightest doubt, from the act of
adhesion just presented to him, that the immense majority of the
country were in favor of the imperial form of government, and of
himself as the head of the state. The choice of the country had
been laid down in his reply of October 3 as one condition of his
acceptance; and another was, that full guarantees should be
given of his being able to devote himself peaceably to the task
of advancing the prosperity of the country. Those guarantees
were now fully assured, thanks to the magnanimity of the Emperor
of the French, who, during the whole of the negotiations, had
shown a straight-forwardness and kindness which he (the speaker)
could never forget. ‘The illustrious head of my family,’ pursued
the archduke, ‘having given his consent, I now declare that,
relying on the assistance of the Almighty, I accept the crown
offered me by the Mexican nation. As I stated in my address of
October 3, I shall endeavor to place the monarchy under the
authority of the constitutional laws as soon as the pacification
of the country shall be complete. The force of a government is,
in my opinion, more assured by sound regulations than by the
extent of its limits, and I shall be anxious for the exercise of
my government to fix such bounds to it as may insure its
duration. I shall hold firmly aloft the flag of independence, as
the symbol of our future grandeur. I call for the co-operation
of all the Mexicans who love their country, to aid me in the
accomplishment of my noble but most difficult task. Never shall
my government forget the gratitude it owes to the illustrious
sovereign whose friendly support has rendered the regeneration
of our noble land possible. I am now on the point of leaving for
my new country, paying, as I go, a visit to Rome, where I shall
receive from the holy father that benediction which is so
precious for all sovereigns, but above all to me, called, as I
am, to found a new empire.”
[Translation.]
Paris, April 10.
To-day, the 10th of April, at ten o’clock in the morning, the
Archduke Maximilian received at his palace of Miramar the
Mexican deputation charged with the duty of offering to him the
crown. Mr. Gutierrez de Estrada, the head of the deputation,
made a speech to his imperial and royal highness on presenting
to him the vote of the people of the various localities.
The archduke replied by a formal acceptance.
The head of the deputation thanked his Majesty, and laid at his
feet the testimonial of fidelity of the Mexican nation.
Immediately the Mexican flag was hoisted on the palace, and was
saluted with twenty-one guns. A Te Deum
was sung.
To-morrow, at four o’clock, the emperor and empress of Mexico
will set out for their new dominions.
