Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1848-04-13
TO the SENATE ANO HOUSE &c
REPRESENTATIVES Of The UNITED STATES:

com munlcate to Congress, for their
information, a copy of despatch, with
the accompanying documents, received
at the Department of State, from the
envoy extraordinary and minister pie
nipo,en,inry Of the United States at
Paris, giving official information Of the
overthrow of the French monarchy and
the establishment in its stead of a
"provisional government, based on re-
publican principles"
This great event occurred suddenly,
and was accomplished almost without
bIoodshed. The world has seldom
witnessed more interesting or sublime
spectacle than the peaceful rising Of
the French people, resolved TO secure
for themselves enlarged liberty, and to
asset, in the majesty of their strength,
the great truth, that in this enlIgh'en.
ed age, man is capable of governing
himself.
The prompt recognition of the new
government, by the representative of
the United States at the French court,
meets my full End unqualified app1oba-
ton; and Ae has been authorised, in a
suitable manner, to make known This
fact to the constituted authorities Of
the French republic.
Called upon to act upon sudden
emergency, which could not have been
anticipated by his Instructions, he judi
ged rightly of the feelings and senti-
ments Of his government and Of his
countrymen, when, in advance of the
diplomatic representatives of other
countries, he was the first to recognise,
so far as it was in his power, the free
government establi>ed by the French
people.
The policy Of ;he United States has
ever been that of non-intervention in
the domestic affairs of other countries,
leaving TO each to establish the form Of
government of its own choice.
While this wise policy will be main
tanned towards France, now suddenly
transformed from monarchy into re-
public, all our Sympa'hies are naturally
enlisted on the side of great people,
who, initiating our example, have re-
solved TO be free. That such svmpa-
thy should exist on the part of the peo-
pie of the U. States with the friends Of
Tree government in every part of the
world, and especially in France, is NOT
remarkable. We can never forget that
France was our early freni in our e.
ventfuI revolution, and generously aid
Ell us in shaking off foreign yoke, and
becoming a free and Independent peo-
pie.
We have enjoyed the blessings of
aur system Of well regulated govern.
men, for near three fourths of centu-
ry, and can properly appreciate its val
ue. Our ardent and sincere congratu
lalions are extended TO the patriotic
people of France, upon their noble,
end thus far successful, effort to found
for their future government liberal IN
stitutions similar to our own.
It's not doubted that, under the be-
nign influence Of free institutions, the
enlightened statemen Of republican
France will find il to be her true inter-
est and permanent glory TO cultivate
with the United States the most liberal
principles Of international intercourse
anL commercial reciprocity, whereby
the happiness and prosperity OF both
nations will be.promoied.
JAMES X. POLK.
Washington, April 3, l848.
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LEGATION OF THE u. STATES,
l Paris. March a. 1913.