Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward.
Sir: On the 18th instant, a Te Deum was celebrated in the Metropolitan church of St. Michel and St. Gudule upon the accession of Leopold II, which was attended by the King, the diplomatic corps, and the extraordinary missions present here, as well as by the legislative chambers and the great corps of the [Page 59] state. Unlike similar services for the late Protestant sovereign, which were celebrated by the curé and local clergy, the cardinal archbishop, with five of the six Belgian bishops and a numerous train of church dignitaries and clergy, presided at this solemnity for their Roman Catholic King.
His Majesty, both in going to and returning from the church, was received with the greatest enthusiasm, the cadets of the military academy, as I am informed, being only restrained by the King from removing his horses, and dragging his carriage back to the palace.
The returns from all parts of the country demonstrate the greatest satisfaction with the discourse of the King on his inauguration, and all his acts and words that have been made public since. It cannot be affirmed that he was very popular in Belgium before the King’s death, although greatly respected. He had been kept back by his father from a prominent position before the country, and only those who had personal access to him could well appreciate those qualities which, brought prominently to light when called to the throne, have won all hearts. There is more in this rapidly acquired popularity than a reaction from the universal sorrow for the death of the King and the desire to respond energetically to the sinister predictions over the future of Belgium. All his acts thus far have shown tact, a thorough knowledge of the people, and an earnest desire to act in accordance with its sentiments, and this has been responded to most cordially by the whole nation. King Leopold II commences his reign, in so far as internal affairs are concerned, under the best auspices. The very enthusiasm with which his accession has been universally acclaimed may, perhaps, be indicated as a difficulty, for it will not be easy to keep the people up to its present fever heat.
The first official act of the King has been to grant, under date of the 17th instant, remission of all penalties to persons condemned to prison for three months and under, or to fines not exceeding 500 francs.
The Moniteur of this morning announces that the ministers, after the inauguration of the King, had offered to him their resignations, but that he, “while appreciating the sentiment of delicacy which had inspired this step, had graciously expressed to them the desire that they would continue to exercise the high functions which they owed to the confidence of his father;” and that, in consequence, the ministers had again taken the direction of their departments. So far as political changes are concerned, I presume all will remain in statu quo till after the election in June.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.