Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1848-06-07

Justice, which contained much information
Interesting to an American, and in which
the author expressed his decided condem-
nation of the system Of the English COM
mon law, looking upon it as code origi-
mating in feudal and almost semi-barbarous
times, and utterly unsuited to our condi-
ton and institutions. This opinion is fast
gaining ground, and we trust the time is
rapidly approaching when this relic Of
feudal tyrranny-this perfection of sense
as it is called, but this perfection of nom
sense as it in many eases is'-will give
way to reason and justice.
In 1841 arose the well known question
of the quintuple treaty, in which General
Cass acted prominent and efficient part
The British Government, in its scheme Of
maritime superiority, which it never aban-
dons, any more than its plans of territorial
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, projected aplan, by which
under the pretence Of abolishing the slave
trade, her ships of war would have been
enabled to search and examine, and ulti.
mately to seize, the vessels of other ma.
tons at their pleasure. This plan was tt
form treaty to which the FIVE great Pow.
ers of Europe should be parties, by which
means a new principle in the law of ma.
tons would be established, and our flag
among others, Frustrated at the feet of Eng.
land. This treaty was negotiated and &C.
tually signed by the ministers of the five
Powers-those of England, France, Rus.
STA, Prussia, and Austria-before the ma.
ture of the transaction was fully under,
stood by the world. 1t became disclosed
before the notifications were exchanged
with the French Government. Genera
Cass published pamphlet which entered
deeply into the whole matter, and which
was translated into French and German
and extensively circulated upon the cont.
nent. 1t awakened the public attention
and created great sensation even in Eng.
land. The London Times, in announcing
it, said:
"It is shrewd performance, written with some
spirit much bold assertion of facts, and very auda
cious unfairness of argument, which is rather
ing, when contrasted with a certain tone of gentle
manly candor, which is occasionally adopted wher
in the very act Of performing Of his most gar
ing perversions.'
In addition also tothe pamphlet, he pre-,
scented protest to the French Govern.
ment against tina ratification of the treay
In doing this, he stated that he had no in.
structions to pursue such a course ant
adds
81 have presumed, in the views have submitted
to you, m. Guizot, the French Minister of Foreg,
Atfairsl that express the feelings of the American
Government and people. If in this view have de
Ceived yself, the responsibility will be mine. A
soon as can receive dispatches from the Unite,
States, in answer to my communications, shall b.
enabled to declare to you either that my conduct
been approved by the President, or that my miss
has terminated.''
But he did not deceive himself. Hi
course was warmly applauded by the A
merican people, who are ever alive to ma
tional interest and honor, and coldly ap
proved by the Government.
The following short extract will exhibi
the spirit which pervaded this memorable
paper:
eBut the subject assumes another aspect whe
they the American people, told by one Of the par
ties that their vessels to be forcibly entered
examined, in order to carry into effect these Stpu
lations. Certainly the American Government doe
not believe that the high Powers, contracting partie
to this treaty, have any wish to compel the Unite
States. by force, to adapt their to its pro
visions, or to adopt its stipulaions. They have to
much confidence in their of justice to fear
such result; and they will see with pleasure tn
prompt disavowal made by yourself, sir in the nam
of your country, at the tribunal of the Chamber c
Deputies, of any intentions OF this nature. But
it otherwise, and were it possible they might be de
ceived in this confident expectation, that would nc
alter in one little their Of action. Their du
ty would be the same, and the same would be thei
determination to fulfil it. They worll prepar
themselves, with apprehension indeed. but wthou
dismay-with regret, but with firmness--for one c
those desperate struggles which have sometime
occurred in the history of the world. but where
just cause and the favor Of Providence have give
strength to comparative weakness, and enabled it
break down the pride Of power.'
The success of this scheme, so lon
cherished. and so long projected on tn
part of England, turned upon the ratitica
ton of France. With it she could hope t
establish this new principle in martin
law, and with that attain her darling objee
of maritime supremacy. But the opposi
ton oftwo such commercial nations sith
United States and France to this intepola
ton would have rendered hopeless its gen
eral recognition. Hence her efforts to &C
complish this measure; and as, for NOR
than half century, she had not faile
in any great object of her policy, he
pride and interest were equally united i
this. Her journals, therefore, were file
with the subject. 1t occupied the atten
ton of her Government, her people, an
her press; and her diplomatic agents thre
Europe were active and persevering.-
While the subject was under discussio
in the French Chamber of Deputies, tn
eyes of Europe were directed to Pari.
anxiously watching The result. That resu
was soon manifested. The public opin
ion of France spoke too loudly to be re
sisted. The Government gave way, an
refused to ratiiy treaty, negotiated unde
its own directions, and signed by its ow
Minister. The part which Gen. Cass too
in this transaction is we'll understood an
appreciated by his countreymen; and,
any doubt existed on the subject, it woul
have been removed by the abuse heape
upon him in the English journals, and b
the declaration of Lord Palmerston, in tn
House of Commyns, that his efforts cor
tributed in great degree to the rejectio
of the measure.
| CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK.