The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-07-22
THE UNION.
Foreign Correspondence.

was not mistaken when | informed you, that the
French people are sincerely interested in our pro-
gress and prosperity. The French press did Gen,
Taylor and the gallant officers and soldiers under
his command ample justice, and expressed, for the
most part, its sincere Joy at the defeat Of the Mexi
cans. With the exception Of the Journal Des
Debats, and the Epoque, which communicated the
news in cold, but respectful terms, all the Paris
papers were unanimous in representing the victories
Of our brave army those Of order and liberty
over lawless despotism and the possible machine
tons OF European diplomacy. OF many modern
European statesmen may be said what Napoleon
said Of Mons. do Metternich in 1910 and 1911.
"MOnsieur de Meternich, !" said the emperor, 'erOi
gua fat de Ia pOliqus quand u fat de rinirs'e," (he
thinks he s politician when he is intriguing y and
against such men there is but one course to pursue
action, and nothing else. II we want TO remain
unmolested by European craftsmanship, we must
show ourselves capable Of resisting III if Europe has
an eye to Mexico it will be we'll for us to have a
hand and foot in it; for there is nothing so easily
settled as IN Jait aeeomph-the great ultmatum Of
NJ Guizot in the French chambers. Prince Henry
Of Spain, who has just quilted Bayonne, where for
a while he was kept little better than prisoner, Is
hourly expected in Paris; but he will have no bust
ness here, connected with Amencs, il Gen. Taylor
do not initiate Napoleon after the battle Of the Mos
cowa-yz: remain six weeks completely inactive,
awaiting oyertures Of peace from the enemys CAPT
tai. These six weeks were sufficient to lose him
and his army. 1t gave his enemies time to reorgan-
ise their army, and his doubtful friends to oonspre
behind his back. IL brought him into the
middle Of the inclement season, and at last
forced him to abandon his advantages. | mention
these things not to cite great names, or to go-
nfy war and conquest, but because our own po-
siuon at this moment is somewhat similar to that
OF Bonaparte during the period of his success. His
power and influence were suspected in proportion
TO the weakness Of his enemies, and he was
whether justly or unjustly have not here room to
discussconsidered the representative Of the reyo-
luton he was, therefore, an object Of constant
solicude on the one hand and of dread and dislike
on the other. His security was coextensive with
his power, but went no further To suppose that
any Of The European governments cherished partc-
ular affection for US, would be fattering our ami
ability too much, after admit that principles
arethose agsinstthe adoption Of which Their whole
energy is now directed. Our true reliance is on
our strength! The better we can resist European
encroachments, and multiply the expenses of them,
in that same proportion will respect be paid to our
Of political economy; which, as the leading men Of
Europe are 6naneiers, is the safest basis we can
gain for our diplomatic relations with the Old
World. The British press may represent our coun-
try az being without credit but they forget that IN
trusting the government, the moneyed men Of Eu-
rope only trust those who hold power by commits
sion from the bankers, and that consequently no
actual confidence is implied, as would be the case
with ourgoyernment, If it were to appear as Dor
rover in the money market. But the very fact that
the governments of Europe are dependent on the
bankers is guarantee of the continuance of peace.
1t ia for the maintenance of peace that the ndustr-
Gus classes of France, for instance, submit to much
that would, under different circumstances, divide
and perplex the nation. A ministry which would
depart from the great principle of preserving peace,
would instantly be called upon to meet its other OBJ
legations, as a man whose credit is shaken must
expect a general run from his creditors. M.
Guizot 10 strong by the support of many
who neither like bin personally, nor approve
in general of his policy. But they believe
France requires peace, and is by peace best pre-
pairing for future contingencies. For this reason,
they support him, and his great master, 'the Napo-
leon of peace.n But il does not follow therefore,
that the supporters Of the present administration Of
France would remain attached to it in case of danger
On the contrary, the belief is universal that on the
mere approach of it the administration would have to
be changed not to forfeit the confidence Of the ma
ton. 1t is for this reason that ministerial crisis in
England always Produces by sort of contre coups,
ministerial crisis in France, which, turn, is like
y to produce important changes in Spain, Portugal,
and Belgium. Thus a war which is sure to unite
all parties in America one man, leads necessari-
ly TO- a division in Europe. 1t destroys newfan-
gled alliances, court-mnsters, bank-adherens, and
railroad supporters, and endangers at once the har-
mony and order of every government. 1t is one
thing to be strong in peace and another to be strong
in war. As a general rule avaricious men do not
like to gamble; they hate to expose their fortunes to
mere chance; and chances a war always includes,
even to the strongest France, therefore, you may
rest assured, will not sacrifice to freak impera-
tive necessity. The present government will not
undermine the peace on which its support within,
and its quiet progress without, manly depend
The governments Of Europe are automatically
strong; but war brings another element into their
combinations, which is not easily eliminated when
once introduced; for that element il nothing less
than the people itself. You can make peace without
the people, but you cannot make war without
them. Herein is our security, and the danger Of
European governments 1T .,es..,
The British press, too, has received the late Amer
lean news with more than its usual dignity. With
one or two exceptions, which too insignificant to
be mentioned, they have, though not without reuc-
lance II seems received US into the ranks ofthe Anglo
Saxons, and numbered the achievements on the Rio
Grsnde among the victories accomplished by that
The news which reaches us this day Of the probable
settlement ofthe Oregon question, has had similar
effect and can say, without fear of contradiction,
that there was some cordially in the shaking Of
hands which took place on the occasion between
Americans and Englishmen on this side Of the wa
ter. You may rely on il, England is glad to have
that question settled, and in the interest of human
ty all parties ought to rejoice at it. With the atti.
tude that the administration and the country have
assumed, with the spirit of patriotism displayed
triumpbantly in every part of the Union, and with
the noble emulation Of parties to prove their devo-
ton to the interests and the honor Of the country
the world will certainly not accuse us Of more
than Unsuitable desire for peace, or disposition to
yield particle Of our rights without reasonable
motive such as leaves our national reputation un-
sulied, and the field Of action for our future useful
ness unincumbered by the memory Of real or dipo.
matte defeats. We have not moftgsged particle
of our future; we have not surrendered the smallest
portion Of our natural inheritance we have secured
aposition which, il we remain true to our mission
will in due course Of time lead to the possession OF
all that is desirable. II has always been good
principle in diplomacy and commercial relations q
take small payments on account rather than give
long credits for large Indebtedness. There are
very few reasonable Engshmen who have not theil
minds made up to losing not only the whole Of Or