The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-02-21
American Affairs In Europe.-Neutralityo oil
France.

France.
We give on the outside Of to-day's paper, several
additional extracts, of considerable interest, from
our foreign papers, which refer to our relations with
France and Great Britain.
The Oregon question and the balance OF power
question seem TO have excited considerable atten-
ton in the French Chamber of Deputies. The de-
bates between M Guizot, Theirs, and Berryer, up
these matters were of very interesting charac-
ter, and resulted in the Ministry obtaining MAORI
ty OF seventy eight, in sustaining perfectly neutral
position in the event OF a collision between Great
Britain and the United States, upon the Oregon
question The French Ministry deny having inter-
fered in any way with the annexation of Texas
10 the United States any further than invitation
from the Texas government and of its Minister at
Paris; that France had advised Texas to maintain
her independence and Mexico to recognise it that
il had proclaimed Texas free to adopt any course
she pleased, and when once she had proclaimed her
choice, she had nothing to say. This was the
course Great Britain pursued in the affair, and
these admissions confirm the statements heretofore
made, that both Of these governments had exerted
themselves TO prevent the annexation Of Texas to
the United States They have had nothing to say
in relation to the result Of that movement, be-
cause they failed in their efforts
According 10 the remarks of the French Minister
of Foreign Affairs it would appear that France was
more disposed to aid this country in increasing its
possessions, than placing obstacles in the way.
There were at present, he said, g three powerful
nations intent aggrandizing, beyond measure,
their territory-Great Britain, Russia, and the
United States. That It was Of the highest impor-
tanoe ID France that these three nations should bal
ance each others power; and that none of them
should attain preponderating influence. She was,
consequently, interested in protecting the indepen
dence OF the American States"
From the tone of these remarks, we should Judge
that the French Government was more in favor OF
extension OF the territory of the United States
than that OF Great Britain.
The neutral position determined upon by the Gov
eminent of France, in the event of rupture be-
tween England and America, upon the Oregon
question, was considered the most honorable, the
most profitable, and the best calculated to pu, an
end TO the war. This neutrality would be difficult
TO maintain. The Government and the people Of
france do not take the same view OF matters, when
Great Britain party interested on side, and
the United States on the other Any disturbance in
the peaceful relations of these two countries, would,
in all probability, draw France into the affair, but
not in opposition TO the United States France
could not remain neutral The Government could
not maintain such position. There is too much
similarity in the principles of the people OF the
two countries-France and Amerca-and too much
sympathy among the masses for republican institu-
tons In the language OF M Theirs, every in
crease In the power OF the United States is another
step towards the political freedom of France
and with this principle in vew-with this fact
in their mind-the people of that country will not
be oontented with occupying neutral position
while Great Britain is striving TO check any in
crease in the power OF the United States to crush
or restrict us in territory. war between
the United States and Great Britain upon the Ore
gon question would, without doubt, involve the Prin-
cpal powers OF Europe which would strengthen
this country in its struggles rather than weaken it,
In come ction with these things, it appears that
on the 10Th OF January, the American Minister in
Londen, and Lord Aberdeen, the Minister Of For
eign Affairs held a conference of two hours, which
was the subject OF much remark in the political cir
ces OF London And among the passengers in the
Cambria, were Mr.. Bache, bearer Of dispatches
from Mr.. McLane to Mr.. Buchanan; Mr.. Champion,
son OF Sir Phillip Champion, the Secretary of Legs
ton to Washington, bearer of dispatches from the
English government to Mr., Pakenham