The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-01-27
[vol. 25


part by their refusal to perform engage
ments contained in treaty, from. the
faithful performance of which, by us,
they are to this day enjoying many inn
portant commercial advantages.
It is time that this unequal position Of
affairs should cease, and that legislative
action should be brought to sustain ex-
ecutive eXertion in such measures as the
case requires. While France persists in
her refusal to comply with the termof as
treaty, The object of which was, by re-
moving all causes of mutual complaint
10 renew ancient feelings of friendship,
and To unite the two nations in the bonds
of amity and of mutually beneficial
commerce, she cannot Justly complain if
we adopt such peaceful remedies rs the
Law of Nations and the circumstances
of the case may authorize and demand.
OF the nature of these remedies have
heretofore had occasion to speak, aud,
IN reference 10 a particular contingency,
to express my conviction that reprisals
would be best adapted 10 the emergency
then contemplated
Since that period, France, by all the
Departments Of her Government, has ac-
knowledged the validity of our claims,
aud the obligations of the treaty, and has
appropriated the moneys which are nec-
essary TO its execution; and, though
payment is withheld on grounds vitality
important to our existence as an indc-
pendent Nation, it would not bc believed
that she can have determined, pcrma-
ncntly, To retain position so utterly i'll
deicnsible. In the altered state Of tho
questions IN controversy, and under alp
existing circumstances, it appears to mo
that, until such determination shall
have become evident, il will be proper
and sufficient to rctalatc her present re.
fusal to comply with her engagements,
by prohibiting the introduction of French
products and the entry of French vessels
into our ports Between this and the in
terdiclon of all commercial intercourse
or other remedies, you, as the represen-
tativcs of the People, must determine.
recommend the former, in the present
posture of our affairs, ms being the least
injurious to our commerce, and rs at
tended with the least difficulty Of return
ing to the usual state of friendly inter-
cuursc, if The Government Of Franco shall
render us the justice that is due, and al
so, MS proper preliminary step to stron-
ger measures, should their adoption be
deemed necessary by subsequent events.
The return Of our Charge d. Aifares
is attended with public notices of naval
preparations on the part of France des-
tined for our seas. OF the Gauge and
intent Of these armnmcnts ] have no
authentic information,. nor any other
means Of judging except such ms are
common to yourselves and to the public;
but, whatever may be their object, wc
are not at liberty to regard them as un-
connected with the measures which hos
tile movements on the part Of France
may compel us To pursue. They ut least
deserve to be met by adequate prcpara-
ton on our part, and ! therefore strongly
urge large and speedy appropriations
for the increase Oft navy and the COM
ple,ion Of oLr coast defenccs.
II tlIis array Of military force be really
designed to affect the action Of the Gov
ernment and People Of the United States
on the questions now pending between
the two nniions, then, indeed, would it
bo dislionorablc to pause moment on
the alternative which such state of
things would present to us. Come what
may, the explanation which France de-
mands can never be accorded and no
armament, however powerful and impos--
ing, at distance or ON our coast, will,
trust, deter US from dschnrging The high
duties which we owe to our constituents
our noional character, aud to the world.
The House Of Representatives, at the
close of the last session of congress, u
unanimously resolved that the treaty ofthe
4lh Of July, 1881, should be maintained
and its execution insisted on by the
United States. II is due TO The welfare
of the human race, not less than to our
own interests and honor, that this res
olution should, Mt all hazards, be adhered
to. II, after 50 signal an example ms that
given by the American People during
their long protrac,ed difficulties with
France, of forbcarance uuder accunu-
lated wrongs, and Of generous confidence
in her ultimate return to justice, she
shall now be permitted to withhold from
us the tardy and imperfect indcmnifica-
ton which, af.er years of remonstrance
&. discussion, had at length been solemn
~ agreed OH by the treaty of 1881, and
to set at naught the obligation it imposes
the U. States will no. be the only suffer-
ers. The efforts Of humanity aud relig-
ion, to subs ituie the appeals Of justice
and the nT5i,ramcnt of reason for th.
coerciye remedies usually resoried to by
injured nations, will receive little err
couragement from such m issur. BY
,be seIectiou and enforcement of sucb