The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-02-25
c. F. SEARLE, Sec'ry.

We publish to day the Prox of State officers for
the ensuing year, which has been formed by the
committee, to whom the matter was referred by the
general State Convention in January last. With
two exceptions viz. Joseph Sphinx of North Kings
ton in the place of VIM. Browning, and Jacob Bah
bitt of Bristol in place of Byron Dymond the prox is
composed of the same gentlemen who now hold the
respective offices to which they elected in May
last. We understand that Mr.. Browning has been
elected one of the Judges of the Court of Common
Pleas for Washington County, and that Byron Dy-
mond was set aside for his desertion of the Admin
isration party and voting with their opponents Be
ing mere tool of James D'Wolf, perhaps he more
to be pted than blamed.
We are happy to find that the prospects of
thier reelection by an increased majority very
fattering, and with ordinary exertons on the part
of its friends the whole prox will doubtless be
elected by triumphant majority.
The packet ship Sully from Havre arrived at New
York on Saturday last. The news received by her
is highly important and interesting to the people of
this country We are happy to find that there is
some prospect of amicabe termination of our diff
fculties with France. That our country may es-
cape the evils of war, if it be done consistently
with due regard to the rights and dignity of the
nation is what every good citizen will ferventy pray
for. War in whatever shape it appears is one of
the greatest caamities which can befall a nation !;
but though in itself evil may not only un-
der certain circumstances be justified but is the
only left to nations by which still greater
evils may be prevented, and the most grievous nju-
ries redressed. In applying these remarks to the
peculiar relation of this country with France, we
have ample of congratulation in the rehec-
ton, that if war must be the result of the existing
difficulties, it will be of self-defence approx
ed of by the soundest principles of national policy
and the motives to which will command the appro-
baton and applause of other nations. Again we
say we feel happy at the prospect of amicable adj
justmeh of our difficulties. France is our ancient
friend and highly esteemed ally. In the times that
tried mems souls, she friend indeed but let us
not deceive ourselves, by recolectons of this nature
There are certain rights appertanng to nations as
well as individuals, the infringement of which de-
mand not only spirit of resistance, but even can
eel the claims of gratitude. No one we presume
would think OF returning thanks to the man who
should deliver him from the hands of the spoier on
y that he may have the opportunity of perpetratng
a crime of a like nature 1t is our hope however
that the United States will not be driven to such an
extremity. We had much rather continue to cher
lsh those feelings of gratitude insed into boz
SONS by our fathers of the revolution. We would
still remember the people of France our earliest
and long tried friends, who inspired hearts with
new courage and nerved our with renewed vig-
or in the darkest period of country's history.
But there considerations which go back of all this
I We should neither show ourselves worthy of the
proud privileges enjoy, nor merit the character OF
an enlightened and independent nation, were we
meeky to submit to open and positive injury from
either friend OF foe. If our demand was for favor
with or without profered recompcnse, then indeed
might sit down under a refusal and yet preserve
the honor Of our country untarnisbed; but when We
ask only for justice, how abandon the claim
and still preserve national dignity, the resPec
of other nations. Where shall the line be drawn,
we tamely acqucsce in the refusal Of France to pa,
us debt acknowledged by solemn treaty be just
Iy due MS Would not every nation be ready ant
likely to take advantage Of our pusianimous con
duct Night not England or Russia follow the ex