Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception from the department of despatch No. 1763, of the 21st May.
The events of the past week have not been without interest, both as connected with the internal as with the foreign affairs of the kingdom.
The grand combination of the elements of opposition to the reform measure, which was to have tried its strength with the ministry on Monday night, suddenly and rather unaccountably broke down at the most critical moment. The rue cause of this it is difficult to discover. There are rumors generally current here that it grew out of a private understanding between the members of the government and the disaffected persons in their own ranks, to the effect that, in consideration of a united demonstration in favor of the bill at this stage, the attempt to carry it through would be abandoned for the present session. This applies so great a disregard of character and all past declarations on the part of karl Russell and Mr. Gladstone, that it is impossible to give it credit for a single moment. It is more reasonable to presume that the ill-assorted union proved impracticable, and that many of those who had been led to join it determined to retrace their steps whilst retreat was possible.
But although the reform measure is thus proved to be too strong to be resisted by direct means, its fate, under the joint effect of procrastination and incidental mendment, yet remains very doubtful. The fact of the secret indisposition towards it of the great majority remains indisputable. If, under all these disadvantages, the energy and power of Mr. Gladstone should ultimately force it rough, at least so far as it relates to the essential point of the lowering of the anchise, his triumph will prove one of the most remarkable events in English parliamentary history.
The other event is the final abandonment of the project of the conference of be great powers, suggested by France and Great Britain, as a means of averting be dangers of a continental war. It laterly bore on its face so much the aspect an invitation to Austria to consent to see itself dismembered without a murur, that its refusal can scarcely give occasion for surprise. The only doubt entertained is as to the expediency of making its declarations in advance. War now regarded as inevitable. The great interest of it will turn upon its possible operation upon the liberal movement of Europe. Austria and Prussia both have elements of commotion agitating then within, which may find vent in some expected and momentous developments on the first opportunity. Behind [Page 128] them is visible the position of France, prepared to take advantage of any opening for the modification of the map of Europe, whilst that of Great Britain is close observation of the tendency of any such proceeding to compromise her power. The statesmen of this country affect to consider themselves as safe in their policy of isolation and the professed amity of their great neighbor. How slippery that foundation may prove in an emergency they do not appear anxious to examine. Neither is it at all clear that their situation would be bettered if they did. Their proximity to danger is a circumstance which no care or anxiety could avert.
The commercial panic is slowly passing over, though heavy bankruptcies continue to occur. Great relief has been felt from the reception of a large sum in gold from America at a moment when the reserves of the bank had been reduced to a very low point. It is to be hoped that this transfer will not have a pernicious influence on the prospect of a restoration of our own currency.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.