Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1848-06-09

ed the duties of his mission, and continued id
their regular execution till its termination
He was proverbial for his kindness and hos
pitality to his countrymen, none of whom
were denied his attentions, and few of whom
visited Paris without being invited to his
mouse. His observations upon the govern
sneht ana people of France were given to the.
pnohc IN the pages of the Democratic Review,
IN an article entitled France, its King, Court.
and Government" which most of our readers
will probably recollect. Among other litera-
ry papers he published in this country, was
one upon the French tribunals of Justice.
which contained much information interesting
to an American, and in which the author ex.
pressed his decided condemnation OF the sys-
tenn of the English common law, looking upl
on it as code originating in feudal and all
most semi-barbaIous times, and utterly insult
ed 10 our condition and institutions. This o.
pnlon is fast gaining ground, and we trust
the time is rapidly approaching when this rel
&c OF feudal tyranny-this perfection of sense
as II is called, but this perfection of nonsense
as 1t in many cases is-wlll give tray to rea.
son and justice.
In 1871 arose the well-known QUESTION
of the quintuple treaty, in which General
Cass acted prominent and an efficient
part. The British government, in IFS scheme
OF maritime superiority, which it never aban-
dons any more than lis plans ofterritorial ag-
grandzement, projected plan, by which, un.
der the pretence of aboIishing the slave trade,
her ships Of war would have been enabled to
search and examine; and ultimately 10 seize.
the vessels of other nations al their pleasure.
This plan was 10 form a treaty, to which the
five great powers of Europe should be parties,
by which means new principle in the laws
of nations would be established, and our flag,
among others, Frustrated at the feet of Eng
land. This treaty was negotiated and actual
ly signed by the ministers of the FIVE powers
those of England, France, Russia, Prussia, and
Austrla-before the nature of the transaction
was fully understood by the world. It be-
came disclosed before the ratifCatons were
exchanged with the French government
General Cass published pamphlet which en-
tered deeply into the whole matter, and which
was translated into French and German, and
extensively circulated upon the continent It
awakened the public attention, and created q
great sensation even in England. The Lon
don Times. in announcing it, said
{" 1t is a shrewd performance, written with
some spirit, much bold assertion of facts, and
a very audacons unfairness of argument,
which is rather amusing, when contrasted
with certain tone OF gentlemanly candors
which is occasionally adopted even in the We
ry act of performing some OF his most glazing
perversOns."
In addition, also, to the pamphlet, he pre-
scented protest TO the French government a.
ganst the ratification of the treaty. In doing
this, he stated that he had no instructions t0
pursue such course, and adds
Il have presumed, in the views have
submitted to you, I'M. Guizot. the French
Minister of Foreign AffaiIs,1 rrHt express
fha g h. nd
people. If in this | have deceived myself,
the responsibility will be mine. AS soon as
| can receive dispatches from the u. States,
IN answer 10 my communications, | shall be-
enabled TO declare TO you either that my con-
duct has been approved by the President, or
that my mission is termnated.'
But he did not deceve himself. His course
was warmly applauded by the American peo-
pie, who are ever alive to national interest
and honor, and coldly approved by the gov
eminent.
The following short extract will exhibit the
split which pervaded this memorable paper:
''But the subject assumes another aspect.
when they Ohe American peope) are told
by one of the parties that their vessels are to
be forcibly entered and examined, in order to
carry into effect these stipulations, Certainly
the American government does not believe
|
this treaty, have any wish TO compel the u
nited States, by force, 10 adapt their measures
to its provisions, or to adopt its stipulations.
They have too much confidence in their sense
of justice to fear any such result; and they
will see with pleasure the prompt disavowal
made by yourself, sir, in the name of your
country, al the tribune of the Chamber of
Deputies, of any intentions of this nature
But were it otherwise and were it possible
they might be deceived in this confident ex4
pectation, that would not alter in one title
their course of action. Their duty would be
the same, and the same would be their deter
mination to fulfil it. They would prepare
themselves, with apprehension indeed, but
without dismay-wth regret, but with firm
ness-for one of those desperate struggles
which have sometimes occurred in the history
of the world, but where just cause and the
favor of Providence have given strength 10
comparative weakness, and enabled it 10 break
down the pride of power
The success OF this scheme, so long cher
lshed, and so long projected on the part of
England, turned upon the ratification of
France. With it she could hope TO establish
this new principle in maritime law, and with
that attain her daring object of maritime SUI
premacy. But the opposition OF two such
commercial nations as the United States and
| France to this Interpolation WouId hdVC Iel-
dered hopeless its general recognition. Hence
her efforts to accomplish this measure; and as,
for more than l.aIf a century, she had not fail
ed in any great object of her policy, her pride
and interest were aqually united in this. Her
journals, therefore, were filled with the sub
iect. 1t occupied the attention Of her govern
ment, her people, and her press and her diplo-.
matte agents through Europe were active and
persevering. While the subject was under
discussion in the French Chamber OF Deputies
the eyes of Europe were directed to PaHs'
anxiousIy watching the result. That result
was soon manifested The public opinion of
France spoke too loudly 10 be resisted. The
government gave way, ana refused to ratiiy
treaty. negotiated under its own directions,
and signed by its own minister. The part
which General Cass bore in this transaction is
we'll understood and appreciated by his coun-
trvmen and, if any doubt existed on the sub
ject, it would have been removed by the a
buse heaped upon him in the English Journ-
ais, and by the declaration OF Lord Palmerston.
in the House of Commons, that his efforts con-
tributel in great degree 10 the rejection OF
the measure.
An American writing from European Nies's
Register, March, 1912, says:
"Gen'l Cass has hastily prepared Pamph-
let setting forth the true import and dangers
of this treaty. twill be readily every states
man in Europe; and, added TO the Generals
4 IINp