Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish
Sir: We have reached another stage in the progress of the extraordinary events which have convulsed France for the last seven months [Page 299] M. Thiers having been named by the National Asembly at Bordeaux chief of the executive power and president of the council of ministers of the French Republic, has selected his ministers. The new ministry is announced in the Journal Officiel of this morning. I advised you of the fact of the complete organization of this new government by telegraph this morning, and asked instructions. Four of the old ministers are in the new ministry. Much to my gratification M. Jules Favre retains the portfolio of foreign affairs, M. Ernest Picard has been transferred from the finance to the interior department, M. Jules Simon remains in the public instruction, and General Le Floa in the war. The minister of finance has not yet been designated; rumor has it that this portfolio will be confided to Buffet, one of the late ministers of finance under the empire. He has the reputation of being an honest and capable man; but, when he was minister, he distinguished himself by his opposition to any liberal postal treaty with our Government. Of the other ministers, De Larcy is the minister of public works, Lambrecht is the minister of commerce, and Vice-Admiral Pothnan is minister of the marine and the colonies. The antecedents of the last three gentlemen named I am not familiar with. All the gentlemen have accepted the portfolios which have been confided to them.
Messrs. Thiers, Favre, and Picard arrived yesterday from Bordeaux, and to-day M. Thiers has gone to Versailles to open negotiations for a peace. The national convention at Bordeaux, after having appointed fifteen commissioners to assist in the peace negotiations, took a recess until negotiations shall have been concluded.
I have the honor to send you the communication which M. Thiers made to the National Assembly at Bordeaux on Sunday last. I am sure your will read with profound interest that wonderful production of that venerable and patriotic man. He is now the leading figure in France. The nation leans upon him with hope and confidence.
My health has not permitted me to be out in the city for the last few days, but I understand that a most Wonderful change has taken place; that Paris has become quite herself again. The tone of the press, however, shows there is intense anxiety in regard to the peace. The great problem must soon be solved, for it is evident, from the expression of the German official paper at Versailles, that the whole matter must be settled without much further delay. Of all these matters you will be fully advised by telegraph before you receive this dispatch.
I have, &c.,