The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-10-25
HANDS OFF.

Mr.. Gaillardet, the eminent editor Of the Courier
dss Etais Unis, is now in Europe; and the last num-
Der OF that paper contains an account of an inter-
view between himself and M. Guizot at his coun-
try-seat Bsaussjotr, near Passy.
After speaking of M Guizot in those terms which
his distinguished capacity, elevated position, and
pure character demand, Mr.. Gaillardet thus pro-
ceeds sour conversation turned, as you may easily
suppose, on America and the questions now IN
agitation there. M. Guzot treats these subjects in
a manner at once dignlhed, national, and liberal.
His views he has already expressed at the tribune
He respects the rights of the Americans, and re-
cognises their legitimate ambition. He profoundly
sympathses with this great people, whom he regards
the missionaries of civilization, liberty, order
and industry in the New World; but France mus,
desire (doit desirer que the American Union, while
carrying out her high and vast mission, to respect
the nationaities her borders. When he de-
clared in the Chambers, that France interested
in maintaining the equilibrium existing between the
different powers of America, M. Guizot did not, in
my judgment, mean that France should endeavor TO
establish in the western hemisphere an equality OF
strength between the various powers existing there;
this would be chimerica but that France should
desire to see rights already existing treated with
respect. This is, Notwithstanding all that has been
said Just and honorable policy, which abridges in
nothing the legitimate sphere of action of the Amer
lean people The Union is regarded by M. Guzot,
as by every statesman imbued with national spirit,
v,
This language would not, perhaps, have any pc
culiar significance, did it not closely tally with
M. Guizots remarkable speech on the subject of the
annexation of Texas--that cit behoopes France" (ii
hi oppartenD to preserve the balance of power in
the Western Hemisphere and this is what NJ Gail
lardet evidently Misunderstanding rights to be
respectednthe ''nationaites on her borders" g. e.,
Mexico, California, Canada Oregon, Guatemala)
"are to be respected"
In other words, the European doctrine Of the bal
of power, under the penalties of intervention,
is to be applied to this continent. This language,
coming from open foes, would be startling from
professed friends it is certainly very extraordinary.
There can be no doubt that, henceforward, the
foreign policy of this Union will command more at
tention and excite much more interest, than il has
done for the last thirty years Our unparalleled
growth, our vast maritime strength, and, above all
extension of the great principles of free govern
ment, render us obnoxious to every sovereign, ev-
cry minister in Europe--whether the limited mon-
archy of England, the military system of France,
or the relentless despotism of Russia: our success
is equally menacing to ALL Here are daily growing
and spreading the doctrines that must ultimately
prove fatal to the oligarchies of the Old World.
Nor in this matter can word of complaint be
uttered against our national conduct. No propa-
gandism can be charged against us. We have look
ed on in tranquility while the abhorrent doctrines
of the balance of power and military Intervention
have alternately wasted every country in Europe
rIuHCc, Opditi, iu1y, TOaHu, nave Deen alter-
nately rodden down under the feet of foreign aris
tocrats; the effort to suppress free opinion, and to
maintain the unbroken chain of irresponsible govern
ments, has blasted with fire and sword the fairest
countries of Europe. We have looked on all this
without murmur-without an effort to defend
those who were, in fact, struggling in the same
cause with ourselves.
But there is point beyond which the country
will not carry its passive policy and that point we
are rapidly approaching. This country will never
permit the European powers to apply their notions
Of International law to this hemisphere 1t is
now hardly twenty years since Mr.. Monroe made
his celebrated declaration hat any interference on
the part of the great powers of Europe for the pur-
pose of depressing or controlling the destiny OF
the Spansh-Amercan States which had declared
their independence, would be dangerous the peace
and safety of the United States and would be con-
sdered as the manifestation Of an unfriendly dispo-
siton towards them" BY that declaration this re-
public will certainly abide.
Nor is it discreet in the great statesmen Of
France to use language of this kind. They will
gain nothing by joining hands with the olgarchs of
England, to cramp the progress cripple the ener-
gies of this country; while no course is better
adapted to destroy our long and well cemented
friendship Come what come may-the hour that
sees the European governments leaguing to arrest
the progress either Of our territory or our princi-
Piles on this continent, will see the commencement
of the most formidable struggle that the world has
yet witnessed. HANDS OFF
NJ Y. Epening Post.