Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-04-08
THE FRENCH QUESTION.
SPEECH OF Mn. CALHOUN.
In sENArE. MAaoH a0.


Mr.. CALHOUN. | do not perceive the slightest nece
sy for referring this resolution proposing congratulations
the Fench to the committee, and that point entirely
cur with the views Of the of it. The resolution is sin
Pile it requires examination Of details and the Senate
just competent form opinion of its merits as any
muee possibly be.
do not intend to enter at present into the great queso
presented in the resolution To act upon il now would
my judgment, he premature The people Of France hay
done much They have made mighty revolution The
have overhrown old and powerful monarchy and decree
the establishment of republic. All this they have accom-
pshed in very short PERIOD and without any extraordnar
boodhed confusion. II is indeed calculated excite
wonder and so far the aim OF the French people extends
our lively sympathy But the time has not yet arrived 70
congratulations Much remains to be done. The real worl
be performed yet before them. They have decreed
public but it remains for them to establish republic II thu
French people shall succeed in that they shall prove them
selves to be wise in constructing proper constitution
they have proved themselves he sku in demoshng the
old form Of government if they shall really form constu
ton which shall hand guard against violence and
anarchy and the other against oppression of the people,
they will have achieved indeed, great work. They will
then be entitled to the congratulations not only of this
try, but of the whole civilized world But if they fail what
then What then : Can there be important nqni
y If France FAIL under what form Of government will she
find herself' suppose will be of the question go
back to constitutional 1narchy. The Bourbon family in
all its branches is take it, odious to the French peo-
pe They will hardly think Of reinstating the old imperial
dynasty Of Napoleon An aristocracy they cannot think Of
and what then, must be the result if they fail TO establish
republic If il come contests Within without il
shall be necessary force repress internal dis
cord foreign assailants-que possible
France may find herself in the embrace OF military despos
Such result would furnish ground for congatuation,
either our part or that Of the civilized world.
This is, indeed, mighty 1t is pregnant with
mighty consequences Whether the result shall prove to be
blessing TO France and the world, depends upon
L..I
revolution in itself is blessing The revolution
compished by the French people is, indeed wonderful
eventhe most striking. in my opinion, in history but it
may lead to events which will make it mighty evil Ii is
therefore, premature 10 offer congratulations merely upon
revelation We look to the consequences and the
end. We must await the termination of the movement.
wish well to Fancesncerely do wish her well There is
that breahes who has deeper profound love
of constitutional government than have-not But
have known period when there great
sy for we deliberate cautious procedure Great events
before There lives not the who say what
other year lnsy bring forth.
offer opinion the failure of the French
people in this effort tremendous difficulties IN the way
of success difficulties resulting from the social condition of
France, and the composition Of her people see, the
other hand good deal of encouragement The success of
the French people WILL in my opinion depend, at least in
very high degree upon the fact whether she prevent
that again depending upon circumstances one, whether
she may have the self control TO abstain from improper inter-
ference with surrounding countries the other whether they
have the moderation and good to abstain from
sailing France. Thus far the leading Power Of Europe has
certainly displayed great good and foresight Great
Britain has done she ought have done and trust that
every other Power in Europe will stand and look giving
France fair opportunity consummate the great work in
which she has engaged 1t is due France the civilized
world and to themselves that European Powers should OBJ
strict non-nererence II she succeed it will be adj
monon oil Europe that the time has arrived when they must
agree yield liberty in constitutional and stable form
Thrones will fade away and freedom and republican nstitu
tons the order of the day. IT, the contrary, stand
ing aoof and avoiding all contest France shall fail in this
great undertaking. after fair trial. without the interference Of
other Powers, will do to put down liberty under
publican form of government than any other event which could
occur. s3
Now think that it is due all round that there shall be
fair trial The first step that in my opinion consists in
quiet ooking.on and little interference possible. To
France the people every where will extend their sympathy
but do contend that the Governments themselves ought be
prudent and abs,emous the expression Of their sentiments
II government extend congratulations in this for
NAL and solemn manner others take the opposite and de-
mandatory and between the two that result will be
produced which must inevitably overthrow the REVOLUTIONARY
appeal TO That is why this Government,
looking the Interests of France alone and with the kndes
feeling ought to be cautious and absemious in making
My opinion, then, is that the wsest will be
to lay this resolution the table, expressly the ground that
it is premature The circumstances by which ought be
withholding congratulations have
When these circumstances
the time for taking up the subject will have arrived We
know that National Convention, called by the Provisional
Government is assemble about the middle OF next month
SPEECH OF SENATOR UNDERWOOD ON THE
SAME QUESTION.
NJ ITNnERWn0n conc,Y ant;Yelv With the yeua,L.