The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-07-30
The British and French Diplomatic Mis-.
sions to the United States


The French steamer " Conner" and the British
tnsite " Warspite," now lying so quietly and calm
Iy, within shot of each ether, in the beautiful water.
OF the Hudson, are the outward evidences of Ger
tam diplomatic and commercial missions, sent from
Europe to America, that are probably of more sig
nal Importance, and leading TO more lasting conse
queaces, than any that have taken place during the
present century.
Inc irSate Warsplte brought to these shores Lorc
Ashburton, sent as a special plenpotentiary, 10 ar
range all existing differences between England ana
The United States, and to strengthen and to widen
the commercial Intercourse OF the two greatest ma
rltime nations of the world This mission has been
attended with much pomp and great importance
and some success thus far. Coupled with the esta-
bllshnent OF numerous lines OF steamers, encircng
the western continent, il indicates the importance
wnlch the enlightened statesmen of England attach
TO peace, friendship, and reciprocal commerce with
the western Republic The mission is now in full
career at Washington, and few weeks or months
Will deveope Its results.
In the midst OF this movement of the British Co
vernment, their European rivals in art and arms the
French, could not sit idly by and see such efforts
gong forward, without rousng themselves into ac-
lion. Accordingly within the last two weeks we
have seen the arrival in our waters of one of the
most splendid steamers in the French navy, with
eight Commissioners, sent out by their own govern
ment, on diplomatic and commercial mission TO
this continent, with view no doubt to counteract
the efforts Of the British and to Law the foundation
OF Intercourse that will lead to vast results in then
naval seTvice-ln their foreign trade-and in all
future events. Two of these French Commissioners
have been at Washington, and at once we see the
President communicating TO Congress the inteli-
gence that the French government had already
opened negotiation for certain privileges-one the
establishment of weekly steam line between
France and the United States. In other quarters
1t Is generally said that the French mission has d.
rections to collect every species of information that
may lead TO reciprocal and enlightened enlarge
men OF French and American commerce.
Thus IT will be seen, from the rival movements of
the two great commercial and maritime nations OF
Europe, that the spirit and circumstances of the age
have caused each to adopt new and original policy
In naval and commercial affairs. England creates
fleet OF fifty or sixty steamers, to be used in time Of
peace packets and merchant vessels, trading to
every important port in this hemisphere. France
startes into arenewed life at such movement, and
already we hear OF the erection of eighty steamers,
besides the first being sent to this port mission
oil the utmost Importance the future interests of
the two nations.
These events lead the mind to various conclusions
In the time of peace, the French will! he the ear
nest, devoted ardent. energetic rivals of the British
for the trade and commerce of the United States
IN time Of war, If ever that unhappy condition of hui
man life should again take place in the civilized
world, we may prepare for one of the most magnifi-
cent bloody and destructive scourpes tta; ever
crimsoned any sea.
In the meantime, while peace lasts, these rival
movements OF France and England tend to produce
corresponding effects favorable TO the trade and
commerce of this country. Determines are in store
for us all We shall watch and report the progress
OF each of these missions.