Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1851-12-18
M. KCss UIII AND CITIZEN
GENET.

OF Citizen Genet made under moi very
dlssimllar circumstances. A little oi the
space OF our colu umns may not be unpro-
filahly occupied in recurring 10 The his
tory of Geners appeal particularly as
the event. and the interesting period in
which it occurred have frequently been
referred to of late, in connection with
the sentiments of Washington and the
established policy Of our Government,
on the important question OF Intervention
in the atinirs OF other nations.
Washingt N had just EN- cred upon the
second term of his Presidency, when
France declared war against England
and Holland, and was IN fact IN "A state
OF war against all Europe. The French
Republic just emerged from bloody
and lerocious revolution. was then the
rallyIng point of universal liberty. Eve
ry one who is familiar with the history
OF that day, knows that the cry OF ''uni-
versal liberty, equality and fraternity,
is by no means peculiar TO the present
although SO many Of our modern
"patriots" and soi-disdn friends OF iree-
dom imagine that liberty was born with
them.
Washington, in common with the
whole people o. our then young and Tree
republic, had sympaihized with the
French revolution in its earlier stages;
but he was not Of the party which con-
tlnued th,ir sympathies in spite Of the
sanguinary and horrible means which
were employed TO carry It on. This par
ty, however, was large, and rs ardcn,ly
anxious as any ''fllibusters" of the pres
ent day, to give activity and efficacy TO
their sympathies by enlsting the inhu-
ence, and The armies il need be, Of the
United States, in the warfare in which
France was engaged. 1t was regarded
by them as the great warfare Of the
world-tne decisive struggle Of LIBERAL
ism with dcspotsm.
A new era was then, as now, suppos-
ed to have arisen, when liberty was
about to go forth to break down the
strongholds Of tyranny everywhere
France stood. as ii were, with the hands
Of all the world against her. A combi-
nation Of kings. princes and states was
actually at war with her: or enlisted
against her, which for extent OF dominion,
wealth and power, was without example
in the history OF the world Great Bri-
tain, Spain, Holland, the German EN-.
pire, Austria Sardinia, Prussia, the cleo
iorales of Mentz, Treves, Hanover, Hes
sc Cassel, the republics Of Hamburg
and Bremen, &c, were in hostile array
against the new republic. a serious
auestion arose, rs TO what part the Uni
ted States should take IN this war
France expected us 20 engage on her
eide, alleg ng that we were under treaty
obligations 10 become party in her aid;
and the general and deep rooted preju-
diccs against England which still exist
ed here, were counted on as likely TO III
sligate s.rh Intervention. a strong
party here favored ana encouraged the
views and expectt,ions Of France.
Washington seized the first proper
moment to avow his determination TO
maintain a strict and peace.nl neutrali
". The celebrated proclamatit \ oi neu-
tra!ity was iseu d Oh the 22d OF Aprll,
1893, and may be regarded as having
settled the policy OF this country. IN re-
gard to intervention in foreign affairs
The proclamation warned all citizens
carefully 10 avoid all acts and proceed
inys uhdtSOerer, which might in any
mdantr tend to contravene the disposition
of the United States to observe friendly
and impartial relations towards all the
bcllgerent parties. This proclamation.
which was one of the most important
measures OF the administration OF WASH
ington. and which became the basis OF
the system upon which our intercourse
with foreign nations has ever since been
regulated, d,-mct with strong opposition,
aud enkaded serious and threatening
party strife. 1t was denounced as dar-
ing assumption OF power "A violation OF
treaty obligations, and as an instrument
f,r etftcting party purposes. Washing
tons character was assailed, and Tie
most unworthy means were resortcd to
by designing and even prominent men,
and by Democratic societies" aud "Ja-
Goblin clubs" 10 weaken the influence
and thwart the dcs gus Of the Govern
ment.
In his state Of things, Genet, the first
minister that came here from the French
republic, landed in the country. 1t had
been previously decided to receive a
minister from the republic. The cabinet
were divided Oh the subjec Jefferson
and Randolph being in favor OF it, and
Hamilton and Knox against il and the
President adopted the opinion oi the tor,
mer. Genet landed at Charleston, ).
G protesting to have no desire to ell
gage the u. s., in war, but with secret
instructions, as was afterwards Proved
to raise forces and fit out privateers from
our ports. to attack British and Spanish
possessions OH this continent. He actu-
ally employed the first hours OF his resi-
dence in the country in carrying out his
unlawful dcs gns, and before he left
Charleston. or had been received and ac-
credited by the Government, gave orders
f.r arming vessels in that port TO cruise
as privateers aud commit hosliIliies on
the commerce ui nations AT peace with
ours.
Genet was received nj Charleston with
every demonstration Of respect aud Joy;
and his Journey thence TO Philadelphia,
the seat of Government, was ike trl-
umphant march Of IA victorious chief
On his arrival at Philadelphia, the bells
OF Christ Church were rung, among 9th.
er g7atulatory proceedings. On the
day succeeding his arrival, Il committee
ol the commercial and trading interests,
consisting OF about one hundred gentle
men, waited Oh Pre-, idcnt Washing ton,
and presented him an address. in which
they expressed their high sense OF the
wisdom aud goodness which had dcla-
ted the proclamation OF neutrality, and
avowcd their determination TO pay the
stricrcsi regard to It themselves and to
discouncnance any contrary disposition