Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1848-04-26

The following highly interesting Mes
sage was presented to both houses Of Con-
gress on the Sd inst.
To the &nate and House of
Representatives ofthe United States:
l communicate to Congress, for their in
formation, copy Of despatch, with the ac-
companying documents received at the De
partment Of State, from the envoy extraor-
binary and minister plenipetentiary of the
United States at Paris, giving official in
formation Of the overthrow OF the French
monarchy, and the establishment in its
stead Of provisional government, based
on republican principles"
This great event occurred suddenly, and
was accomplished almost without blood
shed. The world has seldom witnessed a
more interesting or sublime spectacle than
the peaceful rising of the French people,
resolved to secure for themselves enlare-
ed liberty, and to assert, in the majesty of
their strength, the great truth, that in this
enlightened age, man is capable ofgovern-
ing himself.
The prompt recognition of the govern
ment, by the representative Of the United
States at the Frennh court, meets my full
and unqualified appreciation; and he has
been authorized. in a suitable manner, to
make known this fact to the constituted
authorities Of the French republic.
Called upon to act in sudden emer-
1vh;,h could not have lno, ,,>t,o.
pated by his instructions; he Judged right
ly of the feelings and sentiments of his
government and of his countrymen, when,
in advance of the diplomatic representa-
tives Of other countries, he was the first
to recognize, SO far as it was in his pow
err, the free government established by
the French people.
The policy of the United States has ev-
er been that of non-intervention in the
domestic affairs of other countries, leav-
ing each to establish the form of govern
ment of its own choice.
While this wise policy will be main
tanned toward France, now suddenly
transformed from monarchy into re-
public, our sympathies are naturally en-
listed on the side of a great people who,
initiating our example, have resolved to
be free. That such sympathy should ex-
list on the part Of the people of the United
States with the friends of free govern
ment in every part of the world, and es-
pecially in France, is not remarkable
We can never forget that France was our
Wv 4rtorl IL rn,-,1,,.,o,,
and generously aided us in shaking off
foreign yoke, and becoming free and in
dependent people.
We have enjoyed the blessings of our
system Of well regulated government for
near three-tourths Of century, and can
properly appreciate its value. Our ar
dent and sincere congratulations are eX-
tended to the patriotic people of France,
upon their noble, and thus far successful,
efforts to found for their future govern
ment liberal institutions similar to our
own.
1t is not doubted, that under the benign
influence of free institutions, the might
ened statesmen ofrepublcan France, will
find it for her true interest and perma-
nent glory to cultivate with the United
States the most liberal principles of inter
national intercourse and commercial re-
ciprocity, whereby the happiness and
prosperity of both nations will be promo
ted.
JAMES X. POLK.
Washington, April Sd, 1913.