The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-02-25

MIR. fECKHAM,--Ihe receipt of the President's
Message in France, appears to have caused some
irritation, and much speculation as to the course
which Congress might be expected to adopt. There
is nothing however, which indicates in the least de-
gree, disposition their part to resort to hostile
measures, nor have they the slightest pretence to do
So The wrong has been wholly on their side, and
they know it and until the U. States resort to Vi
olent remedy, hostile act from them is to be ex-
pected. We the injured creditor, and they the
debtor the amount has been settled by consent of
parties, and the time fixed for the payment by mu-
tual agreement 1t is like settlement, fna be-
tween two individuals, where note is given for an
acknowledged debt, to be paid a specified time by
the debtor to the creditor; and that time expired
and payment demand ded, winch is refused neg
lected. In which the creditor has his option
to prosecute the delinquent, to grant him further
indulgence; and he may do either at his own option.
If the creditor determines to waive his demand for
the present, to voluntarily give it up altogether,
there is no forfeiture of honor on his part. We will
go urher if the creditor prefers losing the debt to
the chance of making the debtor his enemy by
prosecution, that too is his business only and nei-
ther the creditor any else have right to call
motives to forego the money, than to the
payment, :.
This is the happy position in which the U. States
now stand towards France-she owes us an acknowl-
edged debt-which may, or may not prosecute,
at our own option. If we prosecute it forcibly, it.
must be by seizing French public or private proper
ty on the elsewhere to amount equal to
the debt for such reprisals to Nations what the
courts of law individuals for the collection of
debts due from one to another.
Reprisals may, and often have, produced war,
so that the prosecuting nation, like the individual,
mayhave the optionand waive the enforcement ofits
demand, if it chooses to do from whatever motive
peases, and if that motive purely of pecunary,
or precautionary nature still the national character
is not compromised.
] We had just cause of against France, when
she seized our property the high seas, and in
her own ports-why then did not declare war
because thought not to our interest at the time
We have of war, to certain extent
against France; but we have the option, to
right ourselves, by force, let it alone and.
own interest now-as then-we have the same hb-
erty to consult.
In opinion is better for the nation that the
payment be postponed, unjustly by France, than to
hazard the experiment of reprisals upon nation
whose means of annoyance so great, and whose
assailable wealthis so small. Our unprotected COM
whitens every seq, and the wealth and strength
of the nation, in measure, depends on its safe
ty our happiness, depend much less on the 25, OOO
600 franks due from France.
Is it not better, then, since the national character
is not at stake defer appeal to force and trust
to the returning sense of Justice in the French
Chambers for the present; reservng the right to do
our ourselves justice by force, hereafter if we find
honor, interest, inclination prompt us to such
a measure.
The President, in opinions did right in recon-
mcnding energetic measures, for by that means the
national rights are asserted in manner the most
imposing. lie did right also, saying that If Con-
gress were not prepared authorize reprisals, no
law the subject was necessary. Nothing ought
to be done by halves.
The U. States have complied with all the stipula-
tons of the Treaty of 1881 which places them above
all scensurc, and deem il expedicnt TO hold, at
least for the present that elevated stand.
The President having fully set forth tho rights of
the nation, and the mode, according to the laws of
Nations for compulsory redress, it better becomes
r Congress to defer its execution, showing at once,
that the nation will fall sh,.t, rather than strain the
power which the law of Nations have pus into their
1 hands. with the means Of empowering them also.
within their control
: Whenever in the course Of eventr, shis country