Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/163

Rh the same time, to substitute for the now valueless stipulations of the treaty of Miramar other arrangements intended to ensure the security of our claims. The emperor's minister at Mexico has consequently received instructions to conclude a new convention for this purpose.

These instructions, like all the acts of the Emperor Napoleon, are inspired by the natural sentiments which attach him to the Emperor of Mexico, and by a sincere desire to reconcile interests that he does not wish to see separated. He has duly appreciated the reasons which have led his representatives not to press for the immediate conclusion of the arrangements which had been prescribed; but he has regretted to see that the Mexican cabinet has profited by their compliance to remove to Paris the scene of a negotiation which can only be usefully carried on at Mexico.

The Emperor Napoleon has especially regretted to find included in the draft of a treaty submitted to his government by General Almonte certain propositions which have already been laid before them, and have been necessarily declined for the most powerful reasons every time that they have been brought forward. The stay of the troops (it is said) must be prolonged beyond the assigned periods; fresh advances are demanded of us, in the anticipation of a deficiency in the resources of the Mexican treasury, and the repayment of these advances is put off to undetermined dates; no pledge is offered, no guarantee is given for the security of our claims. After the frank, loyal, and full explanations of the French government, it is difficult to account for the persistency of illusion which must have guided the conception of this scheme.

It is impossible to accept the propositions brought by General Almonte, or even to authorise their discussion. It will be necessary to consent to a new convention.

If the combinations which will be proposed to him are accepted by his majesty the Emperor Maximilian, the times fixed for the gradual departure of the French troops will be maintained; and Marshal Bazaine, in conjunction with his majesty, will settle the measures necessary, in order that the evacuation of the Mexican territory may be carried out in the mode most favourable to the maintenance of order and the consolidation of the imperial power.