Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1834-12-18
2 2d Congress. bird Session.
RELATIONS WITH FRANCE.

ber9.
Mr. CLAYTON, ofGeo. submitted the follow
ing resolution
That so much OF the Presidents Message, as
relate, 10 the Treaty with france, concluded at
Paris on the 4th Of July, 1881 be referred TO the
) Committee Foreign Affairs, with instructions
to repor, tina, i, Is expedent to await the further
action of the French Chambers on the question
submitted to them, of granting the appropriations
necessary to carry the Treaty into effect, nasmuch
as the delay Of communicating its terms, seems to
have proceeded more from the delicate and lmpor
tent character of the claims, resting on vouminous
documentary evidence, their long standing, and The
peculiar complexiy Of the principles involved IN
heir adjustment, than from any design, on their
part, to impair the friendly relations which have
so long and happily suosised between the French
and American Governments, or any desire to
evadc the performance Of ample justice when the
whole matter shall have been fully and fairly con-
sidered."
Mr. c. supported the foregoing resolution in n
long speech, in Which he deprecated the occur
renee of war between this country and France, as
well because of the past rela ions existing between
Ihe two nations as the o. the general I'M
policy of such n mrnsure--a measure which ne
asserted was moi demanded by circumstances. owe
rcgre, that VIC have no, for Es speech IN CT
tenso)
Mr.. CLAIBORNE, Of Va, said he TO sup
port the motion made by the gentleman from Geor-
gia (Mr CLAYroN) He said he could not refrain
from mnglng IN the discussion Of question SO vi
tally intere sting to his constituents and 10 the world.
Were he dumb, he would make effort to break
the bands of silence, to give ulterance to his feel
ings upon this all-impouant subject. Mr.. c. said
he spoke on this question without prcmeditaton
relying upon the spontaneous feelings of his heart,
and the best interests Of his constituents, 10 direct
both the matter and manner of his address. He
said the winds Of Heaven at this moment
waiting the Presidents Message to every portion Of
the CT, ilizcd world. 1t had been asserted that the
| Message contained no menace-no threat. But
fear, said Mr. G.. it may be differently understood
by the French People, and that they may look upon
ii as having received the sanction of the American
netlon He said he believed the nation wanted, II
possible, to live in peace with all foreign powers
1t was their interest us we'll as duty. He said he
had no hestoton in asserting that as far as he had
been able to ascertain public opinion, IT was averse
to war. The people were disposed to live in peace
with all the world and especially with their an
cient friend and nlly, France. From this deter
nnaton they would not depart, long they
could adhere to it without sacrifice of national
honor.
Mr.. C. asked, what did the President recon-.
mend He recommended. in the event of a certain
ing the necessary appropriations carry into effect
u their treaty with u.s. that them and in that event,
he, tho President, should be authorized by Con-
gress TO make reprisals on French property to the
! amount OF The sum stipulated TO be paid the Ameri-
b can Government in the treaty of the 4th of July
1881 Yes said Mr.. c., to arm him with power
to seize upon the property ofinnocent and unoffend
Y my individuals. II this power he conferred upon
u hum, II will bc, virtually, comforting upon the Presl
,In,t IL
Is Wa For, disguise the fact gentlemen may,
he can view 1t IN no other light than declaration Of
IS war. Is there any gentleman on this floor who
does not believe that war W Ill be the inevitable con
10 sequence of the measure 3? yes, sir, will follow
IS with the certainty that the peal Of thunder succeeds
the electric flash IN the gathering storm. Sir, nm
vi not afraid 10 express my sentiments the present
occasion. am one of the representatives Of the
d people, and fee man. come here to advocate
d the peoples interest. That is the goal that d.
rect all my efforts TO- l will support the
n ofthc Administration when think them right anC
$, oppose them when believe them wrong. | am nc
7, partlzan and if an impuaton of that sort should
IN be made against me, se!tposed and self-sus,ancd
nc will stand conscious and erect. Gentlemen have
IS read history to little effect if they are ready tc
clothe single individual with the power of making
OF war. l! we are TO derive wisdom from experience
c, and from the admonitions OF history, we will with
H. hold H. The granting of this power improvi dcny
has carried the sword through the farcst provinces
T. of the world, and brought ruin to the doors Of mil
h. lions. When cause of war shall exist, and the
b honor Of the nation shnll demand declaration
will, as the representative of proud and chivaou.
s. people, join in meeting its horrors but until dire
y, necessity shall require j. | shall use all my effort.
OF to avoid II. Policy sound morals, every thing tell:
e, me this is the proper determination.
e, But, Mr.. Chairman, does the existing difference
between the United States and France present such
7. case In my humble judgmen. it does moi,
n What, Sir, is the state ofthe facts Is not the Eek
l. ecu'lVe Government OF France making use of eve
y, ry cxertlon 10 obtain from the Chambers the ne.
n, cessary appropriations Does it cot already ap.
r pear 10 every gentleman who has given himself the
u trouble to read the debates in the Chambers that a
n respectable portion of that body do not regard the
r. treaty as binding until ratified by Them. the orv
h, constitutional power in the French Government IL
I'll levy ajax upon the People We should, in the ex
Of animation of this question: have some regard to the
r existing state of affairs in thu, country VIVA,
would be our situation # the President AMI Senate
n were 10 make treaty. and in that treaty spuls,c
5 10 pay sum of money, and Congress was TO re-.
fuse to grant the appropriations I The Prcsiden,
would surely, IN that case, recommend the dissp.
pointed nation 10 stay their hand little and civ
lime TO- effect change of public opinion. The Go
OF vernment OF France and the Government of the
IN nj e" States are governments founded on public
= opinion, anu sustained by popular sentiments and
d. popular lee"hgs. Who says nay TO this PROPOSE
Hoh None--no not one. IL ought To be rcmcn,.
e, oeteo, That majority of eight only were asains,
IS, ''c necessary appropriation, at the time the CUES
H. lion was FIRST taken in the Chambers. Hcannot b,
forgotten, that the King has pledged himself &c