Mr. Moran to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of despatches from the department numbered from 1846 to 1850, both inclusive.
There have been several incidents worthy of note in public affairs during the week. A great reform demonstration took place at Leeds, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, on Monday last, at which Mr. Bright spoke with his usual force. It has called forth much newspaper comment.
The conservative press is severe upon him, according to practice; but certain journals with liberal tendencies which have heretofore been given to indulge in expressions of disapproval of his views, display a willingness to co-operate with him that indicates a conviction on their part of the ultimate success of himself and friends in carrying parliamentary reform.
Mr. Grant Duff’s speech to his constituents, at Elgin, is attracting some notice. So far, it is the most elaborate of the extra-parliamentary utterances pronounced this autumn.
For some days past there has been a good deal of talk in club circles about the inefficiency of the foreign enlistment act, and the necessity for amending it. I transmit an article from the Standard of the 10th instant, on this subject, which is not without significance. That newspaper is identified with the tory [Page 209] party, and, although I cannot say that it is the recognized organ of any member of the present ministry, its known political bias and influence would seem to warrant the belief that it has authority for the announcement that Lord Derby is determined to appoint a royal commission to inquire into the workings of the existing law. The spirit of the article exhibits a feeling of assumed respect for the United States no one who read the Standard during our great struggle would be disposed to suspect it of entertaining.
If such a commission has been determined upon, it is not unfair to conclude that its conception is to be traced to the recent renewal of the President’s desire that the two governments should arrive at an early and satisfactory settlement of the claims arising out of the piracy of the Anglo-rebel cruisers.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.