Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1834-12-11
Continued from Isl page. |


sions 1t is well settled principle of the
code, that where one lation
owes another La lidated debt, which II re-
fuses or ncglects to pay, the aggrieved party
may seize on the property belonging TO the
other its citizens or subjects, suili 'cntto pay
the debt, without giving just cause OF war
This remedy has been repeatedly rcsortcdto,
and recently by France herself, towasds Por-
tugal, under circumstances less unquestlona-
bic.
The time at which resort should be had to
this or any other mode of redress, Is a point
to be decided by Congress. any appro-
priation shall not be made by the French
Chambers at their next session, it may justly
be concluded that the Government Of France
has finally determined to disregard its own
solemn undertaking, and refuse to pay an
acknowledged debt. In that event, every
days delay on our part, will be stain upon
our national honor, as well as denial of JUS
tce to our injured citizens. Prompt mea-
sures, when the refusal of France shall be
complete, will not only be most honorable
aud Just, but will have the best effect upon
our national character
Since France, in violation Of the pledge
given through her minister here, has delayed
her final action SO long that her decision VIII
not probably be known in time TO be cominu-
ncatcd to this Congress, recommend that
law be passed, authorizing reprlsals upon!
French property in case provisions shall not
be made for the payment of the debt, at the
approaching session of the French Chambers.
Such measure ought not to be considered
by France as n menace. Her pride and pow
or are too well known, to expect any thing
from her fears. and preclude the necessity Of
Z n Ipr lara n
character Of intimidation, is intended by us.
She ought to look upon it as the evidence
only Of all inteXlble determination on the
part of the United States, to insist on their
rights. That Government by doing only
/ what 1t has itself acknowledged to be Just,
will be able to spare the United States the
necessity of taking redress in their own hands,
and save the property otFrench citizens from
that seizure and scquestration which Amerl-
4 can citizens so long endured, without retalia-
ton or redress. il she should continue. to re-
fuse that act of acknowledged justice, and in
violation of the law of nations, make reprlsals
in our part the occasion Of hosilities against
the United States, she would but add violence
! to injustice, and could not fail to expose her.
/ sell to the just censure of civilized nations,
and the retributive judgments Of Heaven.
/ Collision with France Is the more to be re-
gretted, on account of the position she occu-
, pies IN Europe, in relation to liberal institu-
tons. But in maintaining our national rights
/ and honor, all governments are alike to U.s.
If by collision with France in case where
she is clearly in the wrong, the march of lib
I eral principles shall be impedcd, the respon-
sbility for that result, as well as every other,
will rest on her own head.
Il Having submitted these considerations, it
. ho1, 70 10 f.
ter what has taken place, it will still await the
! further action of the French Chambers, or
now adopt such provisional measures as it
may deem necessary, and best adapted to
protect the rights and maintain the honor OF
the country. Whatever that decision may
be, il will be faithfully enforced by the EX-
ecutivC, as far as he Is authorized so to do.
n According TO the estimate Of the Treasury
Department, the revenue accrulng, from all
sources, during the present year, will amount
to twenty millions six hundred and twenty
four thousand seven hundred and seventeen
dollars, which, with the balance remaining III
the Treasury on the first of January last, of
eleven millions seven hundred and two thou
sand nine hundred and five dollars, produces
an aggregate oithirty-two millions three hun
dred and twcnty-seveu thousand six hundred
and twenty three dollars. The total eXpen-
dituro during the year for all objects, includ-
ing the public debt, is estimated at twenty
five millions five hundred and ninety-one
thousand three hundred and ninety dollars,
which will leave Il balance in the Treasury
on the first Of January, 1885, of six millions
seven hundred and thlIty-slx thousand two
hundred and thrty-two dollars. In this bal
ance, however, will be included about one
million one hundred and fifty thousand dol
lars OF what was heretofore reported by the
Department as not affective.
Il Oi former appropriations, 1t is estimated
that there Will remain uneX pended at tie close
t of the year, eight millions two thousand nine
hundred and twenty-five dollars, and that OF
this sum, there will not be required more
than five millions one hundred and forty-one
thousand nine hundred and sixty four dol
lars, to accomplish the objects of all the cur
rent appropriations. Thus ii appears tha,
: after satisfying all those appropriations, ant
after discharging the last item Of our publ,
! debt, which will be done on the first OF Jan
q uary next, there will remain uneXpended il
q the Treasury, an effective balance Of abou
, four hundred and forty thousand dollars
), That such should be the aspect Of our fnan
p ces, is highly tiatterng to the industry anC
i cnterprizc of our population, and auspciou
n of the wealth and prosperity which await tht
f future cultivation Of their growing resources
/. 1t is not deemed prudent, however, to recon
d mend any change for the present in our i'm
i post rates, the effect Of the gradual reduction
n now in progress in many Of them, not beln.
:. sufficiently tested, to guide Us in determining
q the precise amount of revenue which the
i will produce.
; Free from public debt, at peace with al
II the world, and with no complicated interest
!. to consult in our intercourse with foreig
powers, the present may be hailed as tina
epoch in our history the most favorable fo