Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-08-05
THE FRENCH INDEMNITY.

As we were among those who objected to the
precipitation with which the French Government
was arraigned on charge Of bad faith because
Of the returned bill, we think it no more than
fair to say, that the aspect of this affair is en-
tirely changed by what has since taken place
1t is no longer a question concerning an acci.
dental protest, Of which the cause might be land
was) susceptible Of satisfactory explanation
If the first instalment of the indemnity was
no, due when the bill for the amount OF it was
drawn upon the French Government las SOME
mantain) it was known to the French Chamber
of Deputies, that it would become due before the
Chamber would meet again; aud. in good faith,
it ought to have been provided for before the ad-
iournment. 1t is maintained, we know, that the
Chamber has an absolute right to refuse an ap'
preparation to carry into effect Treaty, IN the
same manner that this power has been claimed
for our House of Representatives. But this
right ought not to be exercised to do wrong,
nor ought wrong to be done to foreign ma
ton to establish disputed power at home. lhe
Chamber Of Deputies of France owed it to the
character Of its liberalized institutions, not to
speak Of ancient friendship and its own honor.
to carry into prompt and full effect the Treaty
which had been solemnly ratified by both coun-
tries.
Moreover, though the power to refuse an ap-
preparation called for bv Treaty be acknow.
lodged 10 the Chamber of Deputies, as it is &c.
nerally admitted to exist in our House Of Repre-.
sentatives, il should be remembered that 1t
power which cannot be exercised without immi-
nent danger of collision with the foreign Govern
ment against whose rights or interest it is made
To operate. Far be it from US to encourage vim
dic,iye or hostile feeling towards the Govern
ment or the people of France on this account
1t is because We most seriously deprecate such
state of feeling between the two countries, that
we regret the course which things have taken.-
And it is because We were the first to defend the
French Government, in relation to this affair,
that we feel il incumbent upon US to say thus much
now. The King Of the French aud his Minis.
tiers, it seems, have done their duty IN this re.
gard, and it isths Chamber Of Deputies alone
to whom the breach Of faith is chargeable. Be.
tween the different branches Of the French CO.
vernment, however,i the United States can.
not discriminate; for Governments can only re-
cogpize each others actions in their integral
character.-Nat. Int
We understand from good authority that no
difficulties will arise between the United States
aud France, in relation to the fulfiIment Of the
recent treaty of indemnity for claims. very
friendly understanding exists between both 60
vern,nents on the subject. Notwithstanding the
complexion of the recent debates in the French
Chamber Of Deputies, the cabinet Of Louis Phil
Ippe have the fullest confidence 10 the appropria.
tion being passed as soon as certain documents
are received from this country.
The newly appointed minister to France. the
Hon. Edward Livingston, has been fully Instruct-
ed on this subject, and will, we learn, depart on
his mission 10 short time, by one Of the Havre
packets from New York. 1t was supposed, that
the United States vessel Of war, fitting out for
him recently at Norfolk, would take the minis.
ter and his suite out to France, but he has proba.
bly, made up his mind to select mode Of con-
veyance more rapid and comfortable, though not
so formal and magnificent as the national vessel
would have been. The ministers family have
been for some time at Hyde Park, in New York.
The delay created BY unforeseen continsen.
cies in the payment Of the money, amounting to
fve millions. will not affect. in the remotest de.
gree, the interest of the claimants. The French
government is bound to pay four per cent. inter.
cot from the date Of the ratification, up to the
day of liquidation. This will form an additional
advantage to the claimants, for we do not believe
that Congress will ever sanction the claim Of
damages put forth by the United States Bank on
The recent protested draft. In the mean time
the Board OF Commissioners will probably pro.
coed to business. BY law they have tUo years
to hear the claimants and decide upon them
Nothing will be paid till the expiration Of that pc.
iod, and thus ample time will be given to the
French government to raise the money.
Pennsylranian.
II ia atated. on pretty good authority, that the