Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The usual official reception by the King on the 1st of January, which for the past two years had been suspended on account of his sickness, did not take place this year, and, owing to slight indisposition, the King did not appear at the ball given at the palace yesterday. I have nothing, therefore, to report in this connexion.
Since my last despatch the house of representatives, after annulling the election at Bruges and providing for the levying of taxes for the coming year, adjourned over the holidays. Since coming together again on the 5th instant it has been occupied with the discussion of the “projet” of address in reply to the discourse of the King on opening the legislative session. The debates are characterized by a good deal of acrimony. The political divisions of the country seem to become more and more sharply marked, and party spirit, as this divergence increases, to become more envenomed.
The new elections at Bruges take place on the 12th; should, as it is possible, the conservative party carry them, the cabinet will be left in a majority of two, will hardly be able to carry on the government, and will probably resign.
The conservative party, as such, could not form a cabinet capable of sustaining itself. Under these circumstances, and in the event of the resignation of those now in power, a “business” cabinet would probably be formed, if a certain number of the liberal party could be found to support it, (which, with the present bitterness of feeling between the parties, I think not very likely,) or Parliament would be dissolved and recourse had to new elections.
The message of the President has been very favorably received by the press and the public generally. The evidences of strength, public confidence, credit, and a resolution to put down, at any cost, the rebellion, which the message and accompanying documents furnish, seem to shake the faith of those heretofore the most incredulous as to the ultimate restoration of the authority of the government over the whole territory of the United States.
The change in public sentiment within the past five weeks with regard to the war, and its final result, has been as satisfactory as it has been great. The cause of the rebellion seems to be considered as hopeless, even by that class whose interests or whose instincts have caused them to sympathize with it; and to the reproach which remained of seeking the subjugation or extermination of those in arms against the government, has come, very opportunely in reply, the proclamation of the President. I regret not to have had the opportunity, on the new year, to have learned the views of the King on this subject. You will remember the hope expressed to me by his Majesty, in conversation the past summer, that the occasion would be afforded to the people in rebellion to come back to their allegiance through concessions which should give them a means of return short of compulsion at the point of the sword or humiliating exactions. I count upon having an opportunity of conversation with his Majesty on this subject at an early day.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.