[Extract.]
Mr. Dayton to Mr.
Seward
No. 449.]
Paris,
April 11, 1864.
Sir: After sundry impediments, which, it would
seem, have rendered the action of the Archduke Maximilian somewhat
uncertain, and have much delayed
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his departure, it would seem he has at last accepted the offered crown
of Mexico, and to-day he starts on his most adventurous career, going to
that country by the way of Rome that he may receive the benediction of
the Pope. I enclose you a slip, cut from Galignani, giving the substance
of his speech to the Mexican deputation upon accepting the crown offered
by them, and likewise another short slip, cut from the Moniteur, being
its only comment of to-day on the subject. The French papers say that
his government will not only be promptly acknowledged by the Catholic
powers, but by all the leading governments of Europe, including England,
Russia, Prussia, and France. For something like this you will, of
course, be prepared.
I need not say what I have in substance said before, that I look upon
this proceeding with intense anxiety. Nothing has occurred since my
residence at this court which foreshadows future difficulty with France
so probably as its action in this matter. God grant that it may be long
delayed, and, if possible, avoided; but I fear. * * * * * * *
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward
Secretary of State, &c., &c.,
&c.
[Untitled]
“Trieste, 10th.—The
Emperor arrived at Miramar yesterday morning at eight o’clock. After
signing the documents and taking breakfast, his Majesty returned to
Vienna, accompanied by the archdukes and Count de Rechberg. Their
Mexican Majesties will leave to-morrow at 4 p. m. The reception of
the deputation takes place this day.”
“Trieste, 10th.—This
day, a little before noon, took place, at Miramar, the official
reception of the Mexican deputation, and the acceptation of the
crown of Mexico by the Archduke Maximilian. M. Guttierez de Estrada,
the head of the deputation, delivered a long address, in which he
dwelt on the importance of the national vote of Mexico. The
archduke, replying in Spanish, said that he felt not the slightest
doubt, from the act of adhesion just presented to him, that the
immense majority of the country were in favor of the imperial form
of government, and of himself as the head of the state. The choice
of the country had been laid down in his reply of October 3 as one
condition of his acceptance; and another was that full guarantees
should be given of his being able to devote himself peaceably to the
task of advancing the prosperity of the country. Those guarantees
were now fully assured, thanks to the magnanimity of the Emperor of
the French, who, during the whole of the negotiations, had shown a
straightforwardness and kindness which he (the speaker) could never
forget. ‘The illustrious head of my family,’ pursued the archduke,
‘having given his consent, I now declare that, relying on the
assistance of the Almighty, I accept the crown offered me by the
Mexican nation. As I stated in my address of October 3, I shall
endeavor to place the monarchy under the authority of the
constitutional laws as soon as the pacification of the country shall
be complete. The force of a government is, in my opinion, more
assured by sound regulations than by the extent of its limits, and I
shall be anxious for the exercise of my government to fix such
bounds to it as may insure its duration. I shall hold firmly aloft
the flag of independence, as the symbol of our future grandeur. I
call for the cooperation of all the Mexicans who love their country
to aid me in the accomplishment of my noble but most difficult task.
Never shall my government forget the gratitude it owes to the
illustrious sovereign whose friendly support has rendered the
regeneration of our noble land possible. I am now on the point of
leaving for my new country, paying, as I go, a visit to Rome, where
I shall receive from the holy father that benediction which is so
precious for all sovereigns, but above all to me, called, as I am,
to found a new empire.”
[Page 69]
[Translation.]
To-day, the 10th of April, at ten o’clock in the morning, the
Archduke Maximilian received at his palace of Miramar the Mexican
deputation charged with the duty of offering to him the crown. Mr.
Gutierez de Estrada, the head of the deputation, made a speech to
his imperial and royal highness on presenting to him the vote of the
people of the various localities.
The archduke replied by a formal acceptance.
The head of the deputation thanked his Majesty, and laid at his feet
the testimonial of fidelity of the Mexican nation.
Immediately the Mexican flag was hoisted on the palace, and was
saluted with twenty-one guns. A Te Deum was
sung.
To-morrow, at four o’clock, the Emperor and Empress of Mexico will
set out for their new dominions.
