The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-02-18


The propositions stated in clear and forci-
bic manner, and, if sustained by the facts present
stronger case for the action of Congress than we
bad supposed to exist.
After attentive consideration of the important
subject submitted TO them, the committee believe
the following positions TO be established by un =
questionable evidence:
/. Previous 10 the ratification of the convention
Of September 80, 1900, numerous American citi-
z-ns had just demands against the government Of
France for property of the value OF several millions
OF dollars, seized and confscated under authority
Of that government in violation of treaties and ma
nonal law, for which France bound TO make
indemnify 10 the sufferers.
2. These demands were recognised and insisted
upon by our Government TO be just.
8. Their justice was acknowledged by France,
who prolessed her readiness TO make indemnify,
and at the same time preferred claims Of her own
against the United States.
4. Our Government undertook The prosecution
OF these demands invited the sufferers to foru ard
their evidence, and pledged the public faith that
proper proceedings should be adopted for their
relief
.. Our Government, ia the ratification Of the
convention OF September 80, 1900, cancelled those
demands, and in distinct terms forever released
and discharged France from all claim therefor
8. Our Government obtained for this reease a
remuneration by France Of claims Of n national cha
racter which she preferred against the United
States, for which our negouators had offered large
.
rejected by the French authoriues
The claims Of France which were thus purcha sed
with the private claims OF our citizens rested AZ
was urged, on treaty obght tons.
by The Hcaig Of alliance Of February 6, l77S, the
United States guaranteed to France, from that date
forever, the then existing possessions Of the crown
OF France in America, as well as those il ght nc
quire ~ the future treaty Of peace, in considcra
ton OF the invaluable guarantee by France TO the
United States Of their liberty, sovereignty and in.
dependence. This treaty had never been violated
by France; and che had expended many millions
Of dollars in the ii brought upon her The
obligations resting upon the United States we're
great and embarrassing as many Of the possessions
thus guaranteed TO France forever had been con
quercd by the arms Of Great Britain, and the resi-
due were exposed to such conquest
by the Treaty Of Hraify and Commpee, ofthe same
date, each party stipulated to make its porte an
asylum for the chips Of and prizes Of tho other
party, and TO exclude tbose Of her enemies; and
this stipulation, 80 essential to France in her
/ test with England, had been violated ms she al
legod, by jays treaty, and our practice under IT,
Without noticing, in this brief analysis, other
/ provisions Of these treaties, which were aso sub.
Jects oil controversy or the consular convention Of
i75S, il is sufficient TO say that France claimed
damages for the non fullmcnt of the treaties nd
/ a recognition Of their continued existence.
! IL IL thus seen that immunity was purchased
/ from national claims Of a most embarrassing char.
nctcr by the priUdfe claims Of our citizens II was
The appropriation Of private property for the public
uscj Tor which, IN The opinion Of the committee,
1 just compensation should he made.
! These claims have often been the subject Of
elaborate report that the committee do not deem il
necessary TO go into detail uf the facts and argu.
ments That constitute the basis which they rest;
aad they would refer 20 tho annexed report from
The pen OF that distinguished statesman and ,uris
EDWARD Lvingston, as a document presenting a
| fair and just view OF the subject.
They annex, also, schedule Of the reports that
have been made from time to time by committees
oil the Senate and House Of Representatives on ths
SUBJECT. The claimants believe that no one will
reject such an accumulation of authority as these
twenty eight favorable reports afford. unloss n
thorough personal examination shalt leave the con.
viclon that the results oS these numerous invcst.
cations, as well ne the opinions OF Madison, Mar
shall, and Monroe, are founded in error.