Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Although the war in Germany has but recently closed, and with its termination there seemed to be a general expectation of peace in Europe for at least a certain period of time, there are signs and notes of preparation which do not now encourage any fixed confidence in that belief.
The very powers which most promptly accepted the changed relations of the states lately at war, as a settlement calculated to assure tranquillity, are those the most active in preparing their standing armies for the contingency of another and a more serious rupture. Their workshops are fabricating new arms; improved appliances in military organization have been introduced; their tactics are being revised, and Europe is busy with the significant animation which precedes a mighty conflict.
[Page 106]Sagacious minds do not regard the contest as concluded in Germany, and they foresee the probability of grave complications with some of the frontier states, growing out of the last events. Superadded to this cause of anxiety, what is known as the “Eastern question” begins to loom up largely again and to take alarming proportions.
So widespread is this feeling of distrust and apprehension, that even in this remote part of the peninsula, which would seem almost removed by nature from the disturbing causes and ambitions that excite nations more immediately in contact, preparations of an unusual character have been undertaken and are already far advanced. The army is to be reorganized; the first reserve is to be called out; a vast camp of drill and exercise has been established, and a contract has been concluded in England for a supply of breech-loading guns of the pattern adopted by the British service. Yet Portugal is at peace with all the world, and her diplomatic relations are upon the best and most friendly footing.
It is not forgotten, however, that this country played an important part in former struggles between larger states, and that this port, which perhaps is the most accessible and the best in Europe, has been long coveted as a basis of operations by sea and land in the event of a general war or of a great conflict among the maritime powers. That fact explains materially the efforts which have been employed to cultivate alliances with Portugal, and in other times, to subject her policy to a system which would react to the advantage of the party holding such a relation. Her island possessions of the Azores, Madeira, and Cape de Verd would also necessarily become very important during a maritime war, and this government is by no means insensible to their value in that respect, or to the possibilities which might attend such a contingency. Hence the present precautions, in spite of all the sweet words of peace and good will issuing from lips which have heretofore employed the same mode of assurance upon the very eve of engaging in fierce war.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.