The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1834-12-10


1t is undoubtedly IN the power Of Congress seriously to
affect the agricultural and manufacturing interests OF France
BY the passage of laws relating TO her trade with the Uni
ted States er products manufactures and tonnage, may
be subjected to heavy duties in ports all commercial
intercourse with her may be suspended. But there
powerful and my mind, conclusive objections TO this
mode proceeding. We cannot embarrass or cut OIL
the tradeef France without at the time, IN some de-
gree, embarrassing cutting off own trade. The
injury cf such warfare must fall, though unequaly,
upon our citizens, and likewise could not but i'm
pair the means of the oYerament and weaken that united
senim support Of the rights and honor Of the nation
which hHsnow sade every bosom.
Nor is It impossible that such course Of legislation
pSs ~GSd oo. o o s''
have been recently put Besides, by every
ado Ay the government ofthe United States with the
view of hrng Fra clear perception of right which
will induce people, and the rulers and people Of
all other nations of irsD herself to pronounce our
quarrel just will be obsevd aud the support rendered
in final TO Moro decisive measures will be
limited and eqivocal'-There is but point in the
troversy and upon that the whole civilized world must pro-
France be in the wrong We einsist that she shall
paw of money, which she has acknowledged to be
due and of the Justice of this demand, there can be but
one opinion among mankind True policy 70 dictate
that the question issue should be kept thus dsncunbcred
and that not the slightest prctcnce should be given to
France persist IN her refusal to make payment by any
act ourpart affecting the interest Of her people The
question should be left as is now, in such attitude that
when France ffls her treaty sPuatons all controversy
will &c at ED.
prompt execution ofthe treaty and in case b. refused
longer Delayed take redrosguto their hands. After the
delay the part of France Of nearly quarter OF CEN
ury il acknowledging these claims by treaty not to b.
tolerated that another quarter Of century is to be wasted
in negotiating about the payment The laws Of nations
provide Il rcm2dJ for such occasous.It is Il well settled
principle of the international CODE that whore nation
another wdated debt, which it refuses uegects
opay the aggoved party may seize the property belong
ing the other its citzausor subjects sufficiently pay the
debt without giving just Of This remedy has
4i,- ,rr
SELF towards Portugal uador circumstances less unqucs
tonable
The TIM which resort should be had to this or any
other mode ofrcdross point be decided by Congress.
Ii any appropriation shah not be made by the French
Chambers at their next session, may Justly be cOnciu
dcd that the Government of France has finally determined
to disregard s solemn undertaking. and refuse to pay
acknowledged debt In that event, every days delay
part, viii be a stain upon our national honor, as
well ns denial of justice to injured citizens. Promp,
measures, when the refusal of France shall be complete,
will not only be most honorable and just but will have the
best effect upon national character
Since France in violation of the pledge given through
her minister here, has delayed her final action so long
her decision will not probably be known in time to be
communicated to this Congress- | recommend that a law
be passed. authorizing reprsals upon French property
provisions shall be made for the payment of the
debt at the approaching session of the French Chnbers.
Such measure ought be considered by France
menace. Her pride and power well known to
expect any thing from her fears and preclude the
sity of declaration that nothing partaking of the charac
ter of intimidation, is intended by She ought to look
upon it the evidence only Of nfcxibc dctcrmino-
ton the part of the United States, insist them
rights That Government by doing only what it has it.
self acknowledged to be just, will be able spare the
United States the necessity of taking redress in their
hands, and save the property of French citizens from that
seizure and sCquestraon which American citizens long
endured without retaliation redress. II she should
tinue to refuse that act of acknowledged justice, and in
violation of the law ofnatons make rcprsas part the
occasion of hOsies against the United States she would
hut add violence 10 injustice and cosd not fail TO expose
herself to the just of civilized nations, aud the
tribUtivc judgments of Heaven.
Collision with France is the to be regretted,
of the position she occupies in Europe in relation
to liberal institutions. But in maintaining our national
rights and honor, all governments alike us-f by
collision with France, in where she is clearly in
the wrong, the marcs of liberal principles shall be mped-
ed, the responsibility for thar result well other
will rest on her head.
Having submitted these considerations it belongs to
Congress to decide, whether after what has taken place,
will still await the further action of the French Cham
bers or now adopt such provisional measures as may
deem necessary and best adapted protect the rights and
maintain the honor of the country Whatever that decs-
ion may be- wilt be faithfully enforced by the Executive
as far as he is authorized TO do.
According 20 the estimate Of the Treasury Department
the accrng from all sources during the pres
ent year. will amount twenty millions six hundred and
twenty thousand hundred and seventeen dol
lars, which with the balance remaining in the Treasury
the first of January, last of eleven millions seven hum
dred aud two thousand nine hundred and five dollars pro-
duces aggregate of thirwo millions three hundred
and wenyseven thousand six hundred and twenty
dollars The total expenditure during the year for all
Objects including the public debt is estimated a twenty
FIVE millions five hundred and nuev-one thousand thrsr