[Extract.]
Mr. Motley to Mr. Seward
No. 36.]
Legation of the United States of
America, Vienna,
October 5,
1863.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your despatch, No. 41, of date September 11, marked
confidential, in which information is conveyed to me as to the
attitude of the United States government in regard to the war now
existing between the empire of France and the republic of
Mexico.
I understand from the latter portion of the despatch that the
representatives of the United States abroad are instructed not to
engage in the political debates which the present unsettled aspect
of the war in Mexico has elicited. Hitherto I have occasionally
deemed it my duty, in my private and unofficial capacity, to give
expression to the almost universal American sentiment as to the
events in question, and as to the misfortunes which have come upon a
republic, our nearest neighbor, through the invasion of a distant
and powerful nation. Of course, I have never engaged in any
political debates, as I am fully aware that
[Page 787]
the United States government has never,
directly or indirectly, authorized me to that effect.
I have thought, however, that it might be useful for the department
to be informed, from time to time, of what might transpire as to the
candidacy of the Archduke Maximilian for the throne which it is
proposed to erect in Mexico, or in that part of the republic which
has been subdued by the armies of the French Emperor.
I regret that my last despatch, No. 35, conveyed incorrect
information. Although I stated that the source of that information
was not official, nor such as I could vouch for, while I relied
myself on its correctness, yet I should not have transmitted it at
all, except for strong reasons for my faith, not now necessary to
indicate.
At any rate, unless there has been some sudden change in the plans of
the archduke, which I have no reason to suppose, it is obvious that
the information was erroneous; for it now appears from the answer of
his Imperial Highness to the deputation of “notables,”
a translation of which is herewith transmitted, that his ultimate
acceptance of the offered crown is very problematical. The
conditions laid down are such as have been intimated in all my
previous despatches, except No. 35, and would seem very difficult of
fulfilment. One would suppose, for instance, although it is not
distinctly stated, that among the guarantees that of England would
be included, and it is difficult to imagine that this could be
obtained.
* * * * * * * *
I have the honor to remain, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Untitled]
Trieste,
October 3,
1863.
The Mexican deputation was received to-day by his Imperial Royal
Highness the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian. The archduke
answered the address of the deputation:
Gentlemen: I am deeply touched by the
wishes which were expressed by the assembly of notables at
Mexico, at their sitting of the 10th of June, and which you have
been charged to bring to me. It can only be flattering for our
house that, at the first mention of the word monarchy, the eyes
of your countrymen were at once turned to the race of Charles V.
Although the task of assuring the independence and well-being of
Mexico, by means of durable and free institutions, is a very
noble one, still I must acknowledge, in full understanding with
his Majesty the Emperor of the French, whose glorious initiative
makes the regeneration of your beautiful country possible, that
the monarchy cannot be restored, on legitimate and lasting
foundations, unless the whole nation, of its own free will,
ratifies the wish of the capital. Therefore, I must make my
acceptance of the throne which is offered to me depend, first,
on the result of a vote of the entire country. On the other
hand, my comprehension of the sacred duties of the ruler over
the restored empire makes it necessary for me to ask for those
guarantees which are indespensable to protect it from the
dangers which threaten its integrity and independence. Should
the assurances of a well-grounded security in the future be
obtained, and should the universal choice of the noble Mexican
people fall upon me, I shall be ready to accept the throne,
supported by the acquiescence of the high chief of my family,
and confiding in the protection of the Almighty. In case that I
should be called by Providence to the high mission of
civilization connected with this crown, I must, gentlemen,
declare to you, even now, my firm determination, following the
wise example of my imperial brother, to open to the country the
path of progress founded on law and order, by means of a
constitutional government, and as soon as the whole realm has
been restored to peace, to seal the fundamental fact with the
nation by my oath. Only in this way could a new and truly
national policy be called into life, in which all parties,
forgetting their ancient enmities, would help to raise Mexico to
that conspicuous rank among the nations to which she would seem
to be destined under a government which held as its highest
principle to let moderation and law govern.
Gentlemen, will you communicate to your countrymen these
resolutions, which I have freely imparted to you, and strive
that it may be made possible to the nation to declare what
government it wishes to see established.
