Mr. Hay to Mr. Seward
Sir: There have recently appeared paragraphs in the journals of Paris announcing the contemplated departure from Mexico of the wife of the Archduke Maximilian. These naturally created some degree of discussion and comment generally unfavorable to the imperial cause in Mexico. To check this injurious line of remark, the Memorial Diplomatique, the organ of the so-called Mexican empire in Paris, in its last issue published the following formal announcement:
“We are authorized to contradict, in the most formal manner, the rumor that the empress of Mexico is on her way to Europe.
“The same report was circulated at the time of her Majesty’s departure for Yucatan, and it is known that the emperor Maximilian, on a solemn occasion, [Page 337] denounced as an infamous calumny the mere supposition that either he or his august spouse could ever be false to their duty.”
The Pays, a journal in the same interest, published on the following day this additional denial of the same rumor:
“A journal, tormented with the desire of producing sensation news, has mentioned in reference to Mexico a completely absurd rumor started at Paris, by no one knows who, some days go.
“There is not one word of truth or reason in the assertion.”
Yesterday, to the confusion of these positive and indignant friends, the lady in question arrived in Paris, and alighted at the Grand Hotel. She was immediately waited upon by Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, who passed in her company the greater part of the afternoon.
To-day the morning papers publish the following extract from the official journal of Mexico, of the 8th July:
“The empress leaves for Europe, where she is going to treat of the affairs of Mexico, and regulate different international matters. This mission, accepted by our sovereign with real patriotism, is the greatest proof of abnegation that the emperor could offer to his new country. We give this intelligence that the public may know the real object of her Majesty’s absence.”
The princess is accompanied by Mr. Martin Castillo, minister of foreign affairs, the Comte del Valle, her grand chamberlain, the Comte de Bouehelles, and other officers and attendants.
The most unfavorable conclusions are deduced from this visit, especially by those who are so unfortunate as to hold large amounts of the Mexican loan. It is generally regarded as a final effort to obtain by personal influence and solicitation that indispensable aid for the Mexican empire which has been refused to its accredited diplomatic representative.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.