President Thiers replied that he hoped the peaceful relations now existing between the two governments would never be interrupted.
The interview closed in the following words by President Smith: "President Thiers, God bless you."
These words inspired M. Thiers with renewed interest; he requested the Major to give a literal translation of that expression. The honesty, simplicity and earnestness in which this sentiment was delivered by President Smith, not only excited pleasurable emotions in M. Thiers, but also were visible in the features of his ministers who were now crowding around.
President Thiers cordially shook hands with each one of our party. We then repaired to our carriages and returned to Paris the same evening.
Shortly after this interview, the circumstance of our reception was published in several of the French papers. Please accept my regards for yourself and family. Lorenzo Snow.
From the Paris "American Register."
"On Tuesday last, the Mormon party, now passing through Europe on their way to Palestine, visited Versailles and were received in the evening by M. Thiers. The Hon. George A. Smith, leader of the party, gave the president a curious and interesting account of Mormonism in the United States, and stated that the sect which he represents is already composed of about one hundred and twenty thousand members. Mr. Smith and his party started for Lyons on Thursday, and leave that city to-day for Marseilles, where, after remaining a couple of days, they will proceed to Nice.
"Although the Mormon party at present in France disclaim any other motive than that of pleasure and instruction for their proposed visit to Palestine, it is asserted by some who profess to be well informed, that they are going there to explore the ground for the foundation of a new Jerusalem. We see nothing improbable in this assumption. The people who created a paradise in Salt Lake may well aim at founding an Eden in the land of Prophets.
"The long interview which the Mormon Elders had with the French president, the other day, has, we are informed, seriously disquieted Madame Thiers. Surely at the president's advanced time of life there is no fear of his conversion to Mormon doctrines. As Thiers was born April 16, 1797, and, consequently, will be seventy-six years of age in April next, we sincerely sympathize with Madame in her alarm."