The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-02-28

hundred and eighty tons. and are packed away on
board three brigs chartered for the purpose. The
building OF the rest Is progressing with activity.
The number Of men employed has been increased
to three hundred and fifty, and they often labor all
night. The whole eighty four barracks will be de-
ivered before the LIST of March They take to pieces
at will, and intended for the accommodation of
two thousand two hundred convicts and political
prisoners. Ten ships are engaged to export them
TO Guiana The steam-frigate Canada. which left
3rest, fortnight ago. with detachment of exiles,
narrowly escaped shipwreck off the leland of Rel she
was drawn in among the breakers, but succeeded
in escaping, though ii ID said in disabled condi-
ton
Among the gratifying subjects of contemplation
with US exlcs from home is the general American
feeling presented by our counrymen. few of
them who have been long resident at Paris may
have lost in the seductions of this gay metropolis,
or weening cosmopolitan, this love of country;
but these instances few and far between; and it
may be remarked that in these very cases the in
dviduals gain neither influence respect even
among those foreigners with whom it is their desire
to blend and to be identified. AT the bottom of pub
lie opinion all over Europe there ia profound
regard for our country, however it may be the
interest OF kings and ministers to degrade in
the eyes of the world. 1t is understood, from the
perity, liberty, power; it means people of high
intelligence, stern independence, and growing in
luence everywhere. 1t is known to be the land
that offers shelter to the oppressed and gives back
rebuke to tho oppressor. 1T is known to be the
land of Washington and Webster, Franklin and
Fulton. The name of American is therefore title
OF respect; and one of our citizens who seeks to
dodge it or throw it off. in order to favor and facl
itatc his intercourse with European aristocrncy,
begets contempt in the eyes Of those he would
cajole.
There are few persons of this sort here; but,
have said, they very rare The news from
home is always looked to with great interest; and
though partisan opinions subdued and mo-
derated by widened sentiment of patriotism, yet
there Ia probably no other point in which feel
ings are less animated than yours in regard to the
events which are Transporting in the United States.
On one subject, perhaps, we feel liveer interest
than yourselves and that is the American transat-
lantic steamers. There may be something of sell
iishness in this. These floating palaces, these fiery
steeds of the ocean, connect Us with home. They
bring US the tidings OF events the other eide of
the water; they come laden with letters from
friends; they hope when We desire 70 re-
turn to our native land. They the glory of our
country in the eyes of the world. The Collins
| steamers especially, have gained a triumph in
the race OF the seas against all competitors nclud-
ing boastful Britannia. This line has crowned our
victory in greater battle than that of Marengo
Austerlitz. We Americans abroad have good
means Of estimating the value of this triumph in
national point of view, and would gladly add our
voice to the general sentiment in the United States
in behalf of the claims Of these noble ships to the
encouragement of Congress FRANCO.