Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department numbered from 1687 to 1690, inclusive, likewise of 1684, reported as missing last week, and lastly of a bound set of the Diplomatic Correspondence of 1864.
On the evening of the day on which I last wrote, another debate took place in the House of Commons on questions of maritime law, a report of which, in the London Times, I have the honor to transmit. It appears that the attorney general seized the opportunity to make the necessary corrections of his speech the week before. The only point he failed to make quite clear was the alleged effect of the answer of our government in producing the decision of the ministry here not to propose any modification of the enlistment law. The fact that this decision was reached irrespective of and prior to the communication of that answer is made so clear on the very face of the correspondence that in common candor the truth should have been frankly recognized.
Although the course of this debate gives an appearance of preponderance in sentiment in one direction, it must not be inferred that that indicates the prevalence of that sentiment among the members generally. The truth is, the subject as it now stands is felt to be so full of difficulties that much the greater number decline to commit themselves upon it in any way. This is particularly the case with the opposition, most of whom, including some of the leading men, absented themselves from the discussion altogether. Meanwhile there are domestic questions coming up which will, probably, absorb the attention of the body for some time to come. The government bill for the extension of the franchise is announced for introduction on Monday. If this be successful, which is much doubted, it will be followed by the question of Jamaica, and lastly that of Ireland, both of which can scarcely fail to elicit serious differences of opinion. Hence, it appears unlikely, unless some unexpected event should revive them, that any one of the international questions raised by the late war will receive during the rest of this session more than an accidental passing notice.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.