The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-05-19
WASHINGTON, May l

HANPDEN.
Washington.
WASHINGTON, May Is, 1852.
Anothsr Difficulty ,vih the French Republie--not a
Tobacco Claim, bit a Po,rdr CLain,-Theatened
Duel bettceen the French Minister and the Hon,
John Barney.
For some weeks past, there has been a censidera-
bic conmotion in the region Of Wizards, and the
diplomatic end of the town generaly-in conse-
quence Of belligerent rumors-which throws the &C.
LIBERATED Clayton and Poussn row completely in the
shade; and upon this occasion, the alluded to,
the French Minister was principal actor.
have been placed in possession Of letter, which
will be found below, from the Hon. John Barney to
the President, which explains, in n great measure
the whole matter. But there is, must say, very
skilful endeavor the part Of Mr. Barney to cover
up the real cause Of the first difficulty between
the distingui shed ex-member Of Congress and the
distinguished French Minister. AS Mr.. Barney has
made the matter public there cnn be no harm in
explaining what that gentleman's modesty has kept
in the dark.
Mr.. John Barney is very handsome gentleman,
and he consequently is great fayorte with
the ladies. His conversation is of such charming
character that he always peases when he makes the
attempt. NJ Sartiges is also very handsome man;
indeed, happen to know that his indemnity and Mr..
Barney's have been mistaken upon more than one
OCCASION III. Sartiges came to this country heralded
an acknowledged ady-killer. Who can wonder,
then, that in such a sphere as Washington, these
rival Adonises should disagree! Since the days of
Hclcn-if not of Adam himself-the gentler sex have
always been at the bottom of all mischief; and if
the United States and France should 60 to in
consequence of the disagreement Of Mr. Barney and
NJ Sartiges, it will not be the first chargeabe
to petticoat
The following is the letter.
WASHINGTON May a. 1852
SR1 grieve learn from Mrs Secretary Conrad rep
rosentatons have been made that by action Of mine
designed to invade the sanctity of the diplomatic corps
Truth is always the best explanation and propose to
condense the facts.
Among two hundred and thirteen members Of the Bal
timore Club, many annoyed by smoke and the
Presidents room was BY printed pacards reserved for
their exclusion.
Last November. on entering I found it filed with
smoke from segars of four gentlemen seated around the
IRE; called their attention to the rules and invited
them to adjourn to and every other Of the thirteen
rooms in the house. where they could indulge themselves
uninterrupted. subsequently informed that it
the French Minister and suite.
Anxious to obiterae any unavorabe impression of in
territorial rudeness obtained frem the gentleman who
introduced him to the club letter to NJ Sartges and
..t eAcInsns sen' ~ W pih Win pohte note,
inviting him to dine with the members of the cabinet,
foreign ministers judges Of the Supreme Court
tors, &c This he declined being prei4bems engageen
and INDUCED hope that had made my peace Not
So On beard the steamer Baltic expressed to Madam
regrets at not seeing her daughter Ter sister you
mean" said Sariges know that she is the daurh-
ter of her husband Their extreme youth might induce
any mistake them for sisters You are too late
with your compliments" replied he.
Number two occurred at large dinner party of ladies
and gentlemen. Al young lady sang very sweetly. /
marked that had never heard out OF Italy more rich
ness. compass or melody Of voice He said, sneerngly
These old members of Congress always praccing
fine specches-'tis their vocation
:, Number three occurred at the Spanish Minister'S
Dancing with young lady, - enQuired who she
was ! turned to whisper her name when NJ. Sartiges
remarked" Your partner has turned his back you,
Miss. Accept my ARM and led her away.
proprety observed that 1t the unprovokcd
insult she had Witnessed On meeting NJ Sartiges
the next day in public conservatory, cautioned him
never again to speak to or Of me.
At Senator Gwnn's ball which very crowded, as
to express bis discomfort he took segar out of his
pocket, deliberately walked up to the chandelier
pended in the centre of the drawing lit it. and
walked out putting his smoke in ladies' faces At the din
party alluded he repeated the oeucc-both
in my presence. He has remarked within my hearing
iha be inytes y Ms parties .e" married ladies' as
possible and no ugly ladies' married or SINGLE In many
instances he has selected pretty girl out Of family
without brother sister. father mother; and when
told there is an improperly in young ladies wishing
bachelors house without the protection of member Of
her family he replied: American women always will
ing to come to party with or without an invitation"
Sundays when others going church. and refuses
submit to any interference OF the police, his premises
being inviolable. Having long known Prince Jerome
Napoleon Bonaparte now PRESIDENT OF the senate
of France guest at my fathers house ut the time of
his marriage and subsequently received polite attentions
from him in Paris, sketched summary of these facts,
and forwarded to him on the third instant and addressed
to NJ Sartiges copy from Baltimore stating tohi that
my friend in anything therein contained was deem
ed exceptionabe would make arrangements to give him
any explanation &c that he might desire, at the
time ssurng him that his person ~ an ambassador
sacred else should have long since corrected his
bad manners; that i would remain in Baltimore four
days TO await his action could receive c0mmuni
cation from him in the District of Columbia, it being the
seat OF governMe Mt, &c Not hearing from him, /
turned resolved to have intercourse with him of any
character, and have adhered strictly to this resolution
conceived had right to report to his government
through friend that his conduct did not correspond
with the respect courtesy, amenity and propriey due
from the Minister of France to the rofhed circles of
Misunderstanding myself responsible to him for any
personal indignity, and to the world for the gospel
truth Of all the averments therein contained.
have the honor to bo, your obedicnt servant
To the PRESIDENT. JOHN BARNEY.
IL appears from this communication, that VI.
Sartgos has really made complaint to the govern
ment Of Mr. Barney, and demanded its protection.
The Secretary Of War naturally the person SCI
lected to try and cool Mr.. Baneys anger: and for
tunately he has succeeded. Mr.. Barney endeayors
to make it appear that M. Sartiges' destructive
rropensities upon rats and mice, the cause of
his hostility This might have been the case, were
the rumor true that MIR. Barney is applicant for
the mission to China, because in that case it might
reasonably be supposed he would lin advancc) ex-
ercse the same solicitude for rats and mice that we
would at seeing sheep and cows ruthessly destroy
ed But he has publicly declared he will not 90 to
China, and therefore it is evident the minute ''io-
nestle animals are merely mentioned to hide the
more serious cause Of anger, which have mention
ell in the commencement of the letter.