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resented by his son, Lord Stanley. By this new organization, formed somewhat after the pattern of the whilom party in France of the "juste milieu," it is hoped that the odium of antiquated toryism may be avoided on the one hand, whilst on the other a heavy embankment may be raised against the growing power of reform, and Mr. Bright as its exponent.

With Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Bright and their respective friends in opposi tion, I can see no prospect of durability for any such project. It is scarcely to be imagined that Lord Clarendon would consent to commit himself to any policy which must depend for its success upon the party with which he has no real connection, and in opposition to that with which he has so long been associated; neither is it at all likely that the comparatively small number of the discontented could make good the loss of moral support which he would suffer by a separation from the character and connection of the old and the new liberals. If Lord Clarendon should not be disposed to undertake such a responsibility, I do not perceive any other of the whig statesmen able to assume it.

The only natural alternative is an appeal to Lord Derby himself, and his friends, reinforced by the body of disaffected whigs, who will be obliged ultimately to merge themselves into his ranks. Such is probably the next step that will follow; but this can scarcely be a successful movement in the face of the majority of the present Parliament, unless, indeed, they should be brought to consent to accept nearly every liberal measure, with, perhaps, the exception of the reform of the franchise. Past experience rather justifies the notion that under the lead of Lord Stanley, known to differ little with his opponents on most points, such a result might be arrived at; but if it were, the end would only be again so far to strengthen the true liberal interest, as practically to accelerate their permanent recovery of power. Mr. Gladstone appears, therefore, not likely to be very far wrong in the prediction with which he closes his eloquent speech. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

No. 1751.]

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

Washington, April 30, 1866.

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 12th instant, No. 1181. It contains an account of your interview with Lord Clarendon on the subject of the treatment of American citizens, native and naturalized, arrested under a suspension of the habeas corpus in Ireland.

It is with pleasure that we infer from the tone of Lord Clarendon in that conversation that the unreasonable discrimination between the prisoners made by the local authorities in Ireland, of which discrimination I complained in my previous communication, will probably be removed. It is to be regretted, however, that we are left in uncertainty upon that subject. Should the desire of this goverument still remain an open question when this communication shall have reached you, I have to request that you ask for an understanding sufficiently explicit to enable the government to define a policy.

It remains only to say that I approve of your own proceedings in the matter. I am, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

No. 1752.]

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams

DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

Washington, May 1, 1866.

SIR: I enclose for your information a copy of a communication of the 11th ultimo, from Señor Manuel Maria Gautier, of the department for foreign relations of the Dominican republic, in regard to the disposition of that government to make a definitive treaty of peace with the government of Hayti. It appears from the note of Señor Manuel M. Gautier that the French and English consuls residing in the country of Saint Domingo have been informed of the desire of the government, and have been requested to use their good offices in bringing about the agreeable result; provided, however, that the government of Hayti, as a preliminary to further negotiation, will acknowledge the unconditional independence and autonomy of the Dominican republic. With a view to obtain the sentiment of her Majesty's government upon this matter, I will thank you to sound the Earl of Clarendon, to endeavor to obtain from him information whether if we will address Hayti and Domingo desiring the establishment of harmony and peace, the government of Great Britain will concur.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Same, mutatis mutandis, to United States minister at Paris.)

Señor Gautier to Mr. Seward.

[Translation.]

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS-GOD, COUNTRY, LIBERTY!

SANTO DOMINGO, April 11, 1866.

Mr. SECRETARY: The undersigned, secretary of state for foreign relations of the Dominican republic, is especially instructed by his government to send the Secretary of State of the United States a copy of the despatch of the 7th instant, addresed to the French and English consuls residing in this city, declaring the good dispositions that animate the Dominican government to make a lasting treaty of peace with the government of Hayti.

The Dominican government would have been pleased to find a representative of the United States in this city of sufficient rank to have informed him of the above declaration, but as there is none, it has thought proper to address it to your excellency.

The Dominican government has always desired peace with Hayti, and now gives official expression of its sentiments, believing it acts honorably, as every government that has selfrespect; and thinks this the more necessary at this time, as the government of President Geffrard is adopting the most contrary policy on our southwestern frontier, encouraging an insurrection, and furnishing men, arms, money, and munitions of war. This has been done since the cabinet of General Baez received Salnave and his companions, and prevented them from fighting against the government of their country.

The government of the undersigned has documents to prove these facts.

The high consideration that the government of the United States has had for the Dominican republic, particularly since your excellency had the kindness to visit our capital, and the well-known spirit of justice in all the acts of the great American nation, prompts the government of the undersigned to hope that its loyal intentions in this affair may be impartially, judged by your excellency.

The undersigned embraces the occasion to repeat to your excellency the sentiments of his most profound respect and distinguished consideration." MANUEL MARIA GAUTIER.

Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State of the United States.

Circular to the consuls.
[Translation.]

SANTO DOMINGO, April 7, 1866.

SIR: The undersigned, secretary of state for the office of foreign relations of the republic of Dominica, is charged by his government to inform you and your worthy colleague (the

British or French consul) residing in this city, as former mediatorial agents between the republies of Dominica and Hayti, of the following:

Ever since the inauguration of the government of which General Baez is President, his whole attention has been directed to the perfect pacification of the country. The mere defensive attitude of the Dominican republic, confined to the preservation of its territory, besides justifying its sincerity, excuses it from overtures of peace negotiations. In the opinion of the government of the undersigned, the first steps towards reconciliation ought to be taken by the government guilty of the first hostility; and this is more reasonably expected, as in driving the foreign invader from the soil the Dominicans have served the interests of Hayti, politically speaking, as much as their own. Yet, as peace, reciprocal convenience, the cause of humanity, and civilization are concerned, the Domincan government does not derogate from its honorable character in making advances in a way that may tend to strengthen interests of so much importance. In virtue whereof the cabinet of which the undersigned is a member does not hesitate to instruct him to say to you that it is favorably disposed to conclude a definitive treaty of peace with the republic of Hayti, provided, as a preliminary to further negotiation, it will acknowledge the unconditional independence and autonomy of the Dominican republic.

He respectfully requests you to transmit this declaration to the representative of your government in Port-au-Prince, authorizing him to make it known to the government of Hayti, and leave a copy if desired.

The government of the undersigned desires to have the official acknowledgment of this act and its justification recorded in the most authentic manner. As it is not in the power of the human mind to predict the evolutions of future policy, it is but just that events should always find nations, both great and small, in the position they may have chosen.

The undersigned embraces the occasion to renew to your excellency the sentiments of his distinguished consideration.

To the CONSULS of his Imperial Majesty and her Britannic Majesty.

M. M. GAUTIER.

A true copy:

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

M. M. GAUTIER.

No. 1753.]

DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

Washington, May 1, 1866.

SIR: I enclose herewith a letter of the 26th of April from the Hon. R. B. Hayes, a member of the House of Representatives, accompanied by three other communications from different sources, and the affidavit of Bartholomew Smith, in regard to the alleged improper detention in prison, at Dublin, of his brother, James Smith, who, it appears, has been arrested in Ireland on suspicion of complicity with the movements of the Fenians. I will thank you to invite the attention of her Majesty's government to this case, and at the same time to request that an investigation of it may be made with a view either to his release or to an explanation of the reasons which justify his continued imprisonment.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Mr. Hayes to Mr. Seward.

THIRTY-NINTH Congress, UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Washington, D. C., April 26, 1866.

66

SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith papers showing that James Smith, a citizen of the United States, residing in Cincinnati, Ohio, and born in that city, was on the 17th day of February last arrested and imprisoned in Mount Joy, Dublin, Ireland, on suspicion of complicity with the movements of the Fenians" that no trial or investigation of his case has been had; that he is still in prison, and is likely to remain for an indefinite period, unless the government of the United States takes action in his behalf. I therefore request that proper steps be taken to procure his release. I am personally acquainted with his brother, Bartholomew Smith, and can say that the statements of his affidavit enclosed may be relied

upon.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. B. HAYES, Member of Congress, Second District of Ohio. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.

Mr. Groesbeck to Mr. Seward.

CINCINNATI, March 14, 1866. DEAR SIR: The brother of the bearer, James Smith, who was a second lieutenant in the third artillery, United States army, has been arrested in Ireland on suspicion of being connected with the Fenian movement, and is yet in prison.

The bearer, Bartholomew Smith, is anxious to procure the relase of his brother, believing that he was improperly arrested, and that he can make it so appear without doubt. The writ of habeas corpus having been suspended in Ireland, and the prisoner being for that reason in danger of a long confinement, the bearer feels that he should do something at once, and I take the liberty of soliciting for him any assistance which the State Department may properly afford.

I have known Mr. B. Smith a long time and favorably, and I commend his application to your attention.

Very respectfully,

Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.

W. S. GROESBECK.

Mr. Pendleton to Mr. Speed.

:

CINCINNATI, March 15, 18€6.

SIR The bearer, Bartholomew Smith, is an old resident of this city, and favorably known to most of its citizens. He visits Washington to look after the interests of his brother, Lieutenant James Smith, late of the third regiment of artillery, United States army, who is now under arrest in Ireland for alleged complicity with the Fenians. Mr. Smith, the prisoner, served with great credit for six or eight years, and was promoted from the ranks for gallant service during the late war. I am assured that the object of his visit to Ireland can be made clear, and that such a case can be made as would instantly secure his liberation. Inasmuch, however, as the courts are closed by the suspension of the habeas corpus, redress must be sought through the political power. If in any manner the case should come into your department, I beg to commend it to your most favorable consideration.

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DEAR SIR: Mr. Bartholomew Smith, who will present you this letter, desires to visit Ireland for the purpose of attempting to procure the release of his brother, James Smith, formerly second lieutenant in third artillery, United States army, who has recently been arrested in that country upon the charge of being implicated in the Fenian movement.

Mr. B. Smith is of opinion that the charge against his brother cannot be sustained, and is desirous of doing what he can in his behalf. The present state of affairs in Ireland makes him anxious to give such assistance as he can, as soon as may be. Such aid as he may obtain from your department in visiting Ireland, without difficulty, would be appreciated by him, and acknowledged by your obedient servant,

Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, &c.

L. A. HARRIS, Mayor.

THE STATE OF OHIO, Hamilton county, to wit:

Bartholomew Smith says that he is the eldest living brother of James Smith, now confined in Mount Joy prison, Dublin, Ireland, on suspicion of complicity with the movements of the Fenians: that the said James was born on the 14th day of April, in the year 1831, in the city of Cincinnati, and State of Ohio, where his parents then resided; that he lived in the said city until about the year 1853, when he went to California and Oregon. Soon after he enlisted in the army of the United States, and continued in the service until last October, when he resigned the lieutenancy, to which he had been promoted. When James Smith left Cincinnati last October, it was for the purpose of settling an estate of his uncle's. He was not a Fenian at that time, and had no complicity with them. BARTHOLOMEW SMITH.

Annexed:

THE STATE OF OHIO, Hamilton county, ss :

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a justice of the peace within and for the township of Cincinnati, county of Hamilton, and State of Ohio, having been duly elected and now in office, and duly qualified by law, under the statute to administer oaths, Bartholomew Smith, of lawful age, and long a resident of the city of Cincinnati, county and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law, on his oath deposeth and saith, that the statement by him subscribed, and unto which my official jurat is attached, is a correet and true statement, to the best of his knowledge and belief; he, the affiant, being an elder brother of James Smith, and who (by letter received by me through the Department of State at Washington, United States of America) is now imprisoned in the city of Dublin, Ireland; and further says not.

Sworn to and subscribed before me in the city of Cincinnati, county and State aforesaid, on this 14th day of April, A. D. 1866.

[Rev. stamp.]

JOHN L. POWERS,

Justice of the Peace. CINCINNATI, April 13, 1866.

The undersigned state that they are well acquainted with the above named Bartholomew Smith, and know him to be the person he represents himself to be, and that his statements are entitled to credence.

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The decision of the government consequent upon the vote in the Commons, on the motion of Lord Grosvenor, has been in conformity with the impression which I reported as prevailing here, in my No. 1489, sent last week. A copy of the Times of Tuesday, containing a report of the announcement of the chancellor of the exchequer on Monday night is herewith transmitted. The idea now gains currency that some measure extending the franchise may be actually passed. It is understood that the opposition, instead of attempting to resist the government bill altogether, will direct its efforts to the adoption of amendments reducing the extent of the enfranchisement, by raising the proposed property qualification. The question has in the mean time been laid over to next Monday, when the other portions of the government plan will be offered to the House. The final issue, in case of the adoption of important amendments, remains as uncertain as ever. It is probable that the ministers are not yet quite agreed on the limit to which they would be willing to make concessions in order to save the bill.

Meanwhile the chancellor of the exchequer improves the opportunity of the interval to make his annual speech on the budget. He has latterly sought several occasions to speak with me in regard to our supposed policy of keeping up a high rate of taxation in order to pay off by degrees the heavy debt we have contracted during the war. He admires it much, and is very desirous of introducing the idea into the financial system of this kingdom. To that end he is pleased to attach much importance to the example we may set to all the other powers of the world. He looks with some uneasiness to the general tendency now visible among them, to accumulate a heavy debt by annual deficiencies, and feels the importance of establishing a counter influence. Whilst I have given him such information as I obtain respecting the policy of the Secretary of the Treasury, it has been out of my power to say in what degree it may be sus

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