The herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1835-1837, 1836-01-21
It between their Government an

and the respect due Others than to attempt 10 ss.
the Executive as the passive organ of their commani
cations.
Il due TO the character OF cur institutions that the
diplomatic intercourse OF this Government should be
conducted with the utmost direcmess and simplicity
and that IN all cases OF importance, the
received or made by the Executive should the
accustomed official form. Ii is only by insisting en-
this FORM that foreign Powers be held to full re-
sponsiblty, that their communications be officially
reped to- or that the advice or Interference Of the Lee
gisature with propnety be invited by the President
This course is also best calculated. on the one hand
10 shield that officer from unjust suspicious and on the
other subject this portion of his acts TO public scru
ny, and, if occasion shalt require It, TO constitutional
aaimadversion. Ii was the necessary to adhere
these principles In the instance question inasmuch
as IN addition TO other important interests, very init
mately concerned the national honor-a matter in NV
Judgment, much too sacred be made the object of
private and unofficial Regotiaiion
Ii will be perceived that this letter of the French
Minister O Foreign Affairs read to the Secretary
OF State on The llth of September last. This was the
first authentic Indication Of the specific views Of the
French Government received by the Government of the
United States after the passage of the bill of indemn6
cation. Inasmuch the letter had been written before
the official notice of nv approval of Mr. Liyngston's
last explanation and circumstances could have reached
Paris, just ground o hope was left has been before
stated, that the French Government, receiving thai
information m the the alleged offensive
message had reached them would desst from their ex
uaoFdinary demand, and pay the money at once. To
give them an opportunity TO do and at all events
elicit their final determination and the ground they in
tended TO occupy the instructions were given TO our
Charge Afiaires which adverted at the COM
mencement OF the present session of Congress. The
result, you have seen, demand of official writ
ten expression OF regets, and direct explanation adj
dressed FraRce, with distinct intmaon that this is
sine qua
Mr. Barton having, in pursuance OF his instructions
returned 10 the United States and the Charge Aaires
Of the French having been recalled all diplomatic inter-
course between the two countries is suspended-a
ofthings originating in unreasonable susceptibility
the part Of the French Government and rendered
part by their refusal perform engage
menis contained in treaty. from the faithful perior-
nance OF which, by US, they this day enoying
many important commercial advantages.
Ii Is time that this unequal position of affairs should
cease and that Legislative action should be brought 10
sustain executive exerton in such measures as the case
requires While France persists in her refusal TO COM
ply with the terms of treaty, the object of which was
BY removing all of mutual complaint 10 renew
ancient feelings OF friendship, and TO unite the
noas IN the bonds OF amty and of mutually beneficial
commerce, she cannot justly complain if we adopt such
peaceful remedies the law Of Nations and The cir
cumstances Of the may authorise and demand OF
the nature OF these remedies have here ofoe had occa-
sion to speak, and, in reference TO particular eontin
gency to express my conviction that reprsals would
be best adapted 10 the emergency then contemplated.
Since that PERIOD France by all the Departments OF
her Government has acknowledged the VALIDITY of our
claims, and the obligations Of the treaty, and has ap-
proprIaed the moneys which necessary 10 its exc
eution and, though payment is withheld grounds
vitality important 10 existence independent ma
t0n 1t Is not TO be believed that she have determin
ed, permanently to retain position utterly indeen-
sibe. IL the altered of the questions in contro
versy and under all existing circumstances appears
TO me that, until such determination shall have be-
come evident viii be proper and sufficient etaate
her present refusal TO comply with her engagements
by prohibiting the introduction OF French products and
the entry Of French vessels into ports Betw cen
this and the inierdction Of all commercial intercourse
other remedies, You, the representatives. Of the
People, must determine. | recommend the former in /
the present posture OF affairs, as being the least
Injurious 10 commerce, and attended with the
least dculfy OF returning TO the usual Of friend
ly intercourse if the Government of France shall rem
der the justice that is DUE and also as proper pre-
minary step TO stronger measures, should their adsp
ton be deemed necessary BY subsequent events
The return Of our Charge Aaires is attended with
public notices OF naval preparations the part France
destined for OF the and intent of these
ornaments | have authentic information nor any
other means OF Judging except s1eh common 10
yourselves and TO the public but whatever may be their
object not at liberty regard them as uHcon-
nected with the measures which hostile movements on
the part OF Fmnce may compel pursue. They OF
least deserve 10 be met by adequate preparation on our
part, and therefore strongly urge large and speedy
appropriations for the inel OF the navy and the
completion Of our defences
If this array Of military force be really designed to
affect the action OF the Government and People of the
United States on the questions pending between
the nations, then, indeed wOud be dshonorabc
TO pause a moment the alternative which such !
state Of things would present to us. Come what nav
the explanation which France demands can never be
accorded; and no armament, however powerful and i'm
posing, at distance coast will, trust deter
Us from discharging the high duties which owe 10
constituents, national characisr, and to the
world.
TIE House Of Representatives, at the closs of tho
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