Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception from the department of despatch No. 1967, of the 26th of April. The matter referred to has been explained according to the desire therein expressed.
The conference alluded to in my No. 1364 has been held here this week, and has terminated in an arrangement for the neutralization of Luxembourg under the guarantee of the great powers. This is considered as equivalent to the maintenance of peace at least for the present year. But the preparations notoriously going on in France continue to give uneasiness in Germany as to the future.
The result of another division following a sharp discussion in the House of Commons upon an essential point in the enfranchisement bill, has confirmed the previous impression that the government will be able to carry it through against all opposition. The conflict which seemed last week to impend upon the attempt of the ministry to forbid the assemblage of a popular meeting in Hyde Park to consider the bill, was prevented by their abandonment of all resistance to it. The meeting consequently took place without any serious result. The only consequence was the retirement of the minister of the home department, Mr. Spencer Walpole, upon whom the responsibility for this proceeding was imposed by public opinion, although it appears reasonable to suppose that it should more properly attach to the whole cabinet.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.