The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-11-01
Communicated


We propose TO revsw the correspondence on this ques
ton. Consequences may follow, ''nvolyng" not only
"the dignity" but also the peace Of both countries But
even no such consequences could be anticipated may
be well now 10 settle facts and opinions in reference
merely 10 the diplomatic temper and bearing OF the imme
date correspondents. Though every government as well
as every individual has the keeping OF its own honor,
yet those correspondents but agents. over whose con-
duct the people are the ultimate and final Judges and
those agents should be warned in tne that should they
mistake the pride vanity OF their private feelings for
the dignity OF the government, instead OF committing
their governments by their rash acts, they only commit
themselves.
The form OF repiew is chosen, to avoid the egosti-
cal style of the first person, alike unpleasant to the
writer and the reader Though it may, like the show OF
hats on quaker vessel give the false appearance
Of numbers being engaged in the work, yet It does not
at this day, do the publications OF semi officials under
the cover OF editorials work any deception. Reviewers
and kings have prescrptiye right speak in the pu
ral-We.
AS the review may be too extended to be published in
single paper, the first number will contain the mere
statement of the case This will enable the reader to
compare his first impressions with the comments in the
second number SAXONlS.
Review OF the French Qus,tion.-No. 1.
The immediate Issue between the two governments
arises OF expressions contained in Mr. Poussin letter
TO the Secretary OF State OF May &c. The offensive ex-
a though i never had been no reference could with
propey be made to by either party in the subsequent
discussion Of the controversy We regret that any part
the correspondence should render II necessary that
should refer TO il.
In stating the case, to avoid any incorrect or even
questionable differences, we shall quote SO much OF the
correspondence as will enable the reader 10 judge as to
the correctness of our comments
The facts in the case the following The Eugene,
French merchant vessel in November last, ran aground
near Vera Cruz Commander Carpenter, OF the United
States steamer Iris stationed that coast, went 10
her assistance and got her of, and then detained her
thirty hours claim OF salvage when, by the advice
OF the French and American consuls al Vera Cruz he
released her OF this on the 18th of May, Mr. Poussn,
in letter to the Secretary OF State complains in the
following language;
the cabinet Of Washington the most serious observations
on the abuse Of authority commitd by this officer Com
aoa VIII easily H. Secretary Of how
important i is that such occurrences should not be re-
peated, and that blame at least, should be laid
those who thus considered themselves empowered to sub
tute arbitrary for Justice and doubt not that
plant OF the French republic"
To this, on the 2sth May, Mr. Clayton replied:
"The Secretary OF the Navy to wnom translation of
your note was sent has communicated TO this department
Commander Carpenters explanation of the circumstances
Of his rescue The Eugene copy of which explanation
nil any misappresnsion phieh may sr The part
e Fen ga,srnmsn reatus to his conduct on Me osea-
To this Mr.. Poussinreplied, on the 3Oh May:
The explanations given by Commander Carpende. are
disconen which his proceedings have caused 70 nv gov.
eminent. lie considers he says, and he stu considers,
nm u. The he. ave- Of tie him 70 keep pos
tot her nntil his extravagant Pretensions were fully
when we have to condemn his conduct called On The
cabinet OF Washington Mr. Secretary OF State, TO address
eProof 10 that ocer Of the navy ia or
der the which he had committed point iapoip
ing hs dignity Of your national marine might not be repeat
.'From your answer Mr. Secretary Of State am unfor-
unaey induced TO believe that gepnnsn, sassciaes
der Iris; and haze only protest. in
the name OF my government, against those doctrines"
On the 5,h June Mr. Clayton, in a note to Mr.. Poussn,
which he says "will be communicated, together with
the rest OF the correspondence between you and this de-
parmen re subject 10 the minister oil the United States
in France with instructions TO submit il TO the consdea.
ton OF the French government"
| Mr.. Clayton. in his communication TO minister in
France, after stating the substance OF the correspondence
relative to the Eugene only, proceeds:
But Mr. P,ussn himsefw no, satisfied with the expla
nations furnished and without 70 rt M
declared the explanations 10 be no, OF nature calculated
81 as na ] ., ms hs S S,e
reproo OF his government for alleged error united
sy Of yo Iourl rarins the minister ianss the govern
United States with subscribing the
'oerinss of the Commander a. anst which doctrines
therefore proceeds To protest in the Of his govern
ment"
Il is fairly to be inferred from this letter. and from the
de Iocqueve) that Mr. Clayton also nclosed the
spondence in relation the hrs controversy. arising
the claim Of Mr. Porte copy OF the offensive words,
which Withdrawn, is published in the translation Of
Mr. Poussins letiet OF - April, 1919, though moi
in the original Mr. Rush's letter to Mr. de Tocquevle is
not published but Il Is presumed that the correspondence
on both subjects was communicated to Mr.. Tocquevie
The correspondence the first subject having thus
been communicated, becomes necessary, before coming
TO Mr. de Tocquevile's TO refer TO two letters OF
that correspondence the first OF Mr. Poussn, before
ered TO. which, sent at the rs contained the follow
ing sentence;
i "rhe government Of the United States must be con.
vincrd that hoaorabs aoya fairiy dot
during under the pressure VI Necessity, than q
dud is By sndeavorng 10 brand the ohardc.U "
an hoaesi NAV"
The second from Mr. Clayton OF the 21st April IS 10,
IN which, after acknowledging the receipt OF Mr.. Pous
sins letter. dated at Washngton) just referred 10, he
saysI
"Having Just had occasion address you private note,
learned through tbs messenger who desp ttchrd %
deliver H. thar you had bsen for the last weeks absent
o Washington and thai the period Of your hitheT
from New York was qnie uncertain.
"Undef these clfcumstances, (aler perusal OF
noie which laid before this morning) lose not
moment in requesting you TO repair TO this city whosi
unnecess1rV defav.'
Il may be proper remark that in this letter. as also
in Mr. Clayions letter OF June S. the Diplomatic close Of
III avail myself Of this opportunity 10 renew TO you, sir
the OF my high consideration Tor TO this ef
fec,,) dropped and that 10 ordinary usel have the
honor 10 be- very respectfully, your obedient servant
was adopted.
Mr. de Tociueve, in his reply to Mr. Rush Of the 9th
August, lSig, says:
1--WE have seen, with much establishment and regret the
turn which comm atoms between envoy aud
Mr. Clay have taken Even before had received the
Mr. Pou, sin had transmitted copies OF them TO me hsd
lbeen painfully impressed find that