The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1811-08-21
MISCELLANY.
FRANCE.


FRANCE.
WE have heard much from the British &C.
hoes in this country, of the distress entailed
on the inhabitants of France by her revolution,
and OF the ruin which at this day is impend-
ing over her. Our ears have been stunned
with the cries and groans Of her peasantry,
under the iron yoke of Napoleon, doled out
TO US, for our admonition, by the pensioned
partizans of our late most excellen, mother !;
until we are almost convinced, that happiness
or contentmenls have no longer an existence
on {" the vinc-coyercd hills," or in the " gay
valles of France. Without the wish TO
prove that the French are happy people ,and
indeed, without the slightest belief that such
is tho fact, we copy the following extracts
from " Travels in France" by an American
gentleman, published III the Port Folio, Tor
the purpose of showing the consistency OF
federalism. Prop. Phenir
The peasants IN the neighbourhood of
La Farinierc, like ,hose of every part of
France had hitherto visited, have benefited
by the revolution. They have paid their
debts in deprecated assgnats they have adj
dcd to their little purchases OF property by
purchases Of land on very easy terms they
arc relieved from the taiHe, which was not
only oppressive but degrading, and from the
gabotfe, which exposed them at all times to
have their houses searched, and their daily
consumption of provisions scrutinized, and
from the injurious effects OF the ancient corn
police, which prevented the superluity of one
district from passing into another, even in
cases of absolute want, they are relieved too
from the absurd oppression OF the ancient
al r al
from the coryie, from many tcudal services,
which were prejudcial to the cultivation Of
the iittle spot, that was to give bread TO the
family of each, and FROM the mockcry of
justice in the feigneurial courts, which COM
priscd every species OF dcspotism, and occa-
stoned an irreparable loss Of time and cnor-
nous expenses on the most trifling oc ccasions
The taxes, though heavy, are now in the
proportion to the property they hold, and to
their consumption. Their wages as abour-
crs arc increased, and every article which
they can raise for the use of the neighbour
ing towns commands a higher price they
arc in short, better led, better clothed, better
protected by the law, and live in better hous-
es, than before the revolution. What they
feel most is the conscription but the COM
plants of those who lament the absence Of
their children or deplorc their loss, are
drowned in shouts of victory at the arrival of
every courier, and SO great are the effects of
the general uxultation among the lower or
ders in some of the distant provinces, that
without any knowledge OF the enemy 10 be
combat,ed, or OF the occasion of the war, or
even of the part of the world it is to be car
ried on in, thousands Of them would fly 20
arms at the first summons F; a single defeat
Of a French army, however, commanded by
the Emperour IN person, might pu. an end
to all this enthusiasm, and cure them of their
dclirium, for all depends upon the high idea
they entertain of his capacity, and of his
good fortune,
The price Of Land, Notwithstanding the
heavy taxes and the small profits which arise
from Agriculture, is much greater than be-
fore tho Revolution; that part which is pro-
tected from the river is sold, as was assured
at one hundred and twenty pounds sterling
an acre." ...,.. .,-.
" felt and il gave tincturc Of some
what like melancholy TO my thoughts, as we
drove along the last part that we were now 10
tako leave of travelling in France, which is
certainly one OF the most agreeable countries
in the world TO travel over the accommoda-
tions are generally good, the roads excellent,
ADD the horses as strong and willing as they
are coarse and ugly us to the postillions,
they are as lively and good natured as ever,
and much less importunatc than formerly"