Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1835-11-10
FOR JYLk EMO JlYRER.
THE FRENCH QUESTION

In the Enquirer of the 9th inst is a quotation from
Noah paper, contrasting the of Washington $
an" Adams Administrations with TINT of Jack s. on
similar occasions and of etiquette with France
This quotation think, is followed by some very apnro
pirate, correct aud strong Editorial remarks whic are
not TO be reuted orimproved but might be weaned by
any iur'hcr notice OF them. One thing, however might
perhaps be advuntageousy added c,ion ore
writer OF that article, which he has omitted
Mr. Adams, it cannot be forgotten, or refised TO be
admitted, did go further in his strong re-
sentiment towards France, and his after condcsor dirr
concessions TO her. than Washington ever went or would
co. or than Jackson has yet gone any true American
lover OF his country's rights and dignity would ever
wish to see him go. As far the course of the
latter has yet gone, then, Washingons and his haye
been nearly parallel except (as the article above alluded
TO very earnestly and clearly shos that w never did
or would make amy exp nation of his message France
directly or indirectly through his Secretary his Minis
tcrs, rany one else Whereas, has, through his Mi
nsier conhrned by his letter by his Secretary approy
ing of what his Minister had done And this is ali il is
hoped, Tor his own honor and that of his country he
ever VIII do except to explain himself if he chuoses Ia
that country Not Mr. Adams either in the proyoca-
items between the two Governments, the recamtaons
OF them.
II will be remembered, that, after the noted X. Y n
affair, IN one of his empesis of passion 10 which he
was SO subject, he declared a he would not send ano
ther Minister TO France after the ndlgnty with which
te last had been treated until France should come down
ana make satisfactory concessions for that insult" Very
soon after, however, he singled out Elbridne Gerry
Vhohg me most thoroughbred native American adj
Gates and zealOs for French principles and
IN the T. States, and just aeeH hnosc 10 Le- SO by
france as Dy11cffed to adjust aud hush poues
anu chickering's. Just well might he have SCI the
French Minister himself from the American Cont e,
intercede Tor forgiveness and pardon which would
have been quite credibie under such eirc
TO himself and his country.
But remember, Mr.. Adams second election was East
approaching, and appearances abe were looking very
sqnaIly About this ne lac begun his mild conclia.
tory and cmporising system towards bis enemies with
some unfrendly aud Objectionable proceedings among
his friends. Among other things, he dismissed from
high offices, Pickering and MclIenry, two of Washing
Ton faithful and tav"rte companions throuoout the
Revolution This sudden and total change oil condnc
brought upon him the disapprobation of most of his
prominent and influential Federal friends and were all
made conspicuous part of lamons Sc we're deuuncia-
tons OF him And, although these added nothing i'm
act or effect to MIR JeersoDs strength, CT Pnckney
a leading Federast being in the fcd.) IT. weakened
ADAMS divided the Federal strength, and insured sue
cess TO Mr. Jefferson
Here, then, is be found the wide
Adams course then and Juckson now towards France
The latter believe always pendent Of suoI cons
deratIons has no election coming Not that mrnn
To throw the slightest stain MIR. Adams lnemorv
Gratitude tor his Jealous patriotism and able aid in tile
revolution ought TO cover his iracs (us all me have
then) and exempt him from eensure for any aererrors
we acts alone would imnoralize his the name of any
American that ever lived aude 10 his nomination Of
Washington, as commander in chief in prcf.rcnc to his
own fellow citizen OF Massachusetts, Gen. Ward gene
raiy locked to for that high Command and through the
war distinguished Major General. Secondly his Sc.
lection OF the great and able Marshall as Chief Justice
Of the u. States.
Upon the whole, making allowances for some fail
ties, which are but too prevalent among too many polti
cans al most ages and most countries, am willing TO
conclude with our great lyman, Franklin that
Adams was generally wise man, sometimes nadman.
but always all hUnest man ~ AN AMERICAN.