Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-09-28
Pn1LADE1PHIA. 1Qth SeDt-P. VI


independents; the Washington correspondent
ofthe North American, and who is reliable author
ity. speaking o. the ficulty between this Govern
ment and the French minister, says by Telegraph,
this morning:
In February, Pouss:n, the French ministerpre-
scented Mr.. Buchanan, then Secretary of state, a
claim on Iehalf of Mons. Porte, Frenchman. re-
81 ling in Mexico. Porte, purchased some Tobac-
co, sold by tie agents of the American army,
knowing 1t 10 be private property and not subject
to the rules of war. The tobacco was restored TO
its proper owner, by Col Chiles and the purchase
. money refunded TO Porte Under these circum-
stances, a claim was set up by the French minis
te- for danagcs--being the difference between the
price at which Porte had purchased and at which
it was sold. A court of inquiry was held, which
decided unanimCu ly again:t tie claim, and the de
csiOn was approved by Gen. Scott. Mr.. Buchan-
an went out Of office without examining the case.
When it came before the present administration,
the finding OF the court was affirmed by Mr. Clay
ton. and in answer to a note of VI. Poussin, the Sc
cretary Of state sustained the verdict of the Court
and added his own approval. Poussin rejoined-
charging Col Chiles. verbally, with perjury, IN
rathe' ms llting language. He was invited TO
Misunderstanding then absent-on the aterna-
tive OF withdrawing or adopting his offensive note
He withdrew II. expunged the offensive terms, and
then renewed his communication, which was &C
cepted. subsequently. Poussln presented another
mote, claiming the punishment of Commander Car
.penteT, under the following circumstances
Carpenter " lille forming part of the blockading
squadron on the coast Of Mexico, was called upon
by the cay thin OF the French ship Eugenie" to
rescue her from shipwreck. He, with his crew,
succeeded, after much labor, and afterwards re-
,4Uested The legal salvage This refused where
Ipon Capt Carpenter restored the vessel to the
: ,aptain-she having laid alongside Carpenters
. Ia p TOR thirty hours. MIR. Clifford, minister to
sNeNico, approved of Capt. Carpenters conduct
~ hen this subject was submitted to Mr. Clayton,
1t was referred TO Mr.. Preston, who confirmed
Capt Carpenters statement Of the facts. Poussin
! nstead OF referring the matter to his Government
swrote an insulting letter, in which he reflected
lgrossly the character and honor of the Ameri-
e:an Marine. The President then directed the
whole correspondence TO be laid before the French
expecting immediate and voluntary
SSedreks. Instead of atonement, the French minis
Ser of Foreign Affairs attempted to incupate our
gown Government. and to divide the responsibility.
:As soon as this information was received the Pres
1dCnt ordered further correspondence to be held
with Poussn and his passports to beplaced at his
Aisposal ne future is shrouded in doubt TIE
q Eocquevle, the Minister of foreign affairs must
e3igu, Poussin must be removed. The French
4 ihvernment must apologize, or rupture must en-
Cue. The Administration VIII not advance an inch
- retract a word and if France wishes war. as
fdere Is good reason to suppose she does, the res
FCnsl3Ihty Is on her own shoulders. This case
, admits of 10 diplomatic cobbling; 1t is question
y horor, in which the United States cannot aban-
lon z high position