The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-10-15
politnaI.


The whole of the correspondence that has taker
place between the agents OF the two Governments
of the United States and France, relative TO the un
pleasant difficulty which arose from the reclama
tons in the two affairs of NJ. Port and the French
vessel Eugene, has been laid before the public. In
looking it find that the official communica-
tons made by Secretary Clayton TO the French
Minister at Washington are characterized by ex-
treme courtesy Of language, in striking contrast
with the "acerbity and harshness," TO use NJ dc
Tocqueville's expression of that employed by NJ
Poussin. In note addressed by Mr.. Clayton 70
the French Minister, dated Washington APrii ~
there occurs this passage:
under these circumstances, (after perIrsal OF
your note, which was laid before me this mornlng,)
] lose not moment in requesting you TO repair TO
this city without unnecessary delay
This, NJ. de Tocqueville says, estimated with
certain degree of susceptibility, might have seemed
10 be rather an imperious summons than dlplo-
matte invitation" and he observes that NJ Poussn
gave signal proof of his conclliatory spirit by alb
staining from animadversion on il. But the fact
is that Mr.. Clayton's note was evidently intended
more as private than diplomatic communication,
his object being 70 induce NJ Poussin 10 Withdraw
the original atfront contained in his letter. and
which really effected in private interview.
Take away, then, this Objectionable passage-for TO
hesitate at that, and 10 look with compacency on
the offensive style adopted by M Poussln, IN his
communications, would be s'to strain at gnat
and TO swallow q camel there is not phrase
used by MIR. Clayton IN his correspondence with the
French Minister, that might not be cited as model
of scrupulous politeness.
We have been led to make these remarks TO prove
that Nj. de Tocqueville was in error when he in
cluded Mr.. Claytons communications III the ''harsh
and bitter category which excited his regret and
astonishment. Whatever harshness and acerbity
the correspondence contained was clearly confined
To M Poussin's share in it.
IL is the opinion OF every one on this side of the
water, that nothing unpleasant will grow out Of
this misunderstanding further than the absence for
a few weeks, of an accredited French diplomatic
agent at Washington. Of the right of our E1ecu-
tive 10 decline correspondence with any foreign
minister at Washington, there can be no doubt.
The simple departure of NJ. Poussin, then, from the
United States cannot of itself interrupt friend
ly relations with France. For proofs of the Just
of the views and the correctness of the decision
of Secretary Clayton in reference to the affairs of
Port and the French ship Eugene, We have only to
point To the correspondence just published. IL af-
fords triumphant vindicaton of his conduct, and
gives him additional claims the respect Of his
countrymen for talent and energy. The President
of course acted with his wonted vigor of under
standing, when the facts were made known 10 him
We now await the denouement, in the reply Of
NJ. de Tocqueville to Mr. Clayton's last commune
cation.-N o. PicQuins