Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1846-03-28
.ss cen.r,rUrsoN-sr nIemrs.



Polk been more evident and unfortunate than IN
his cavalier language towards our ancient ally OF
France. II the President had been governed
only by the dictates of worldly wisdom, and had
discarded from his breast every sentiment OF gra-
titudc and friendship, II seems To us that, stiil'
co.lmon prudence might have taught hun TO adopt
a ,lftrcn dcmesnor towards n Government which
could render us the most essential services IN the
event of hostile collision with Great Britain.
England herself armed she il at all points,
takes good care 10 conciate the other powerful
empires of the world, before she involves herself
in the VORTEX Of a She seeks TO cooperate
with them in objects of Importance to them all.
She places herself in regard TO us IN the attitude
Of a Government ready 10 sacrifice PRIDE and
make every reasonable advance for the preserva.
ton of peace. Thus, when war arrives, she will
be sustained not only 10y the undivided efforts of
her own people, but by the warm and general
sympaihies of the world. Our Administration,
on the contrary, rejects the advances OF Great
Britain, aud, needing the aid oil foreign pow
far more than does England, adopts TO.
wards the most formidable of them all, bearing
well calculated TO indignation and enmty.
We would moi have our Government involve IT.
pose of securing the "balance of power" in any
part OF the world but it might, without derogation
from its dignity, refrain from insulting them in
such crisis as the present.
IL but the other day that "the Organ" in
the loud haelulahs which it was pealing TO MIR.
Polk, declared that his had impressed
France with profound respect for our country.
We intmated our doubts of the entire correct
ness Of this remark. The Editor can scarcely
be right. unless he is more intelligent exponent
of the sentiments of France than the French
Chambers. The late proceedings in that body,
upon American affairs, given by the Paris cor
respondent of the European Times, showed the
effect of the menacing attitude which MIR. Polk
had seen fit TO assume towards the French Go
vernment. Several attempts by distinguished
members, To obtain an expression of sympathy for
the United States, in preference to England, have
been defeated by overwhelming maJorities. "But
the debates which, preceded this one" says the
correspondent of the Times, "were even more i'm.
portant for in .hem was made the memorable de-
clarations that henceforth that close and intimate
union between France and the United States,
which has hitherto existed will exist no mOre-that
the two countries longer united, as ii were,
for good and for evil fortune-that each will pur-
sue its own path without asking caring whether
1t may please the other"
Now, for ali this, Mr. Polk, and he alone, is
responsible He has aenated from us the heart
of a country which had always beat in sympathy
with our cause. He has converted into a cold
and Indifferent spectator of our fortunes, that gal
liant nation, which never before refused its fer
vent wishes for our success, when England mena-
ced us with war. Upon many battlefield, the
banners Of France have foatcd in union with the
American flag. The bones of her gallant sons
have whi;ened Cur soil, and been mingled with
the ashes OF our Revolutionary fathers, from Maine
to Georgia. Side by side, her columns thunder.
ed with in the browning victory of our
war for independence. She has watched our pro.
gres' from infancy to manhood, with none of those
Jealous emotions which have agitatcd other Euro
pean powers. And, should our controversy with
England unfortunately terminate in war, there
can be no doubt that, but for Mr.. Folks gratui-
tous insult, we should have France with us.
body and SOUL as in the days of our ancient bro
therhood.
1t is the received opinion. we are well aware,
among Fourth Of July orators and Western candI-
dates for Congress, that one American is equal TO
two Englishmen, III courage, skill and physical
e. 9TH. |; is an equally well established princl-
pr England, that one Englishman is match
for three Frenchmen. The Duke of Wellington
once asked whether this was not the fact, but
the old soldier replied that, although he had often
heard the statement he was glad he had never
had an opportunity to test its truth upon the field.
With due Difference therefore to those patriotic
persons who deem It little short Of treason to doubt
that our Republic is able to defy world in arms,
We may be permitted to rejoice that she has never
yet been exposed to so severe IN ordeal of her
strength and endurance, and to express the hope
that her foreign relations may be 80 conducted as
10 avoid the somewhat hazardous experiment Of a
collision with all the powerful empires of the
globe. We know that Mr.. Polk is called the
young Napoleon" Of Democracy, but he should
remember that even the great Captain after whom
he is named, and whom he 50 slrikingly resembles
m military skill and prowess, fell at last before the
universal storm which his mad ambition had
arOu sed.
- ty