The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-01-27
MR.. WEBSTER TO Mr.. RIvEs.
DEPARTMENT or SrArr

received up to the oath Of last month. The
movements made by the Republic of France,
on the End ult., created surprise here as well as
with you, not only by the boldness aud extent
of its purpose, but also by the secrecy with
which preparation for il had been made--the
suddenness of its execution, and the success
which appeared to have attended it. 1t was
quite natural that you should be in no haste to
appear at the public eception of the President
after the overthrow of the written Republican
Constitution of France. You sympathise, in
this respect, with the great body Of your coun-
tryinen. Ii that overthrow has become neces-
sary, its necessity is deeply to be deplored, be-
cause, ,however mperfectitss structure, il wa the
only great republican government in Europe,
and oil Americans wished il success. We feel
as if the catastrophe which has befalen it ma Y
weaken the faith of mankind in the permanent
cy and solidity of popular institutions. Never
theless, and although our own government is
now the only republic ranking among coun-
tries of the first class. we cling to its principles
with increased affection. Long experience has
convinced US of its practicability to do good,
and its power to maintain liberty and ORDER
We know that it has conferred the greatest
blessings on the country. and raised her to
emlnence and distinction among the nations,
and if we are destined to stand the only great
republican nation. SO we shall still stand
Before this reaches you, the election will be
over, and il, as is probable, q decided majority
of the people should be found to support the
President, the course Of duty for you will be-
come plain. ta #
From President Washington's time down to
the present day, it has been principle always
acknowledged by the United States, that any
nation possesses right TO govern itself accord
ing to its own will--to change its institutions
at discretion, and to transact its business
through whatever agents it may think proper
TO employ. This cardinal point in our policy
has been strongly illustrated, by recognizing
the many forms of political power which have
been successfully adopted in France, in the
series of revolutions with which that country
has been visited. Throughout all these
changes, the government of the United States
has conducted itself in strict conformity to the
original principles adopted by Washington,
and made known to the diplomatic agents
abroad, and to the nations of the world, by Mr.
Jefferson's letter to Governor Morris, of the
18th of March, 1898. If the French people
have now substantially made another change,
we have no choice but to acknowledge that
also; and as the diplomatic representative of
your country IN France, you will act as your
predecessors have acted, and conform to what
appears to be settled national authority; and
while we deeply regret the destruction of po-
pular institutions, yet our ancient ally has still
our good wishes for her prosperity and happi-
ness, and we are bound to leave her to the
choice of means for the promotion of those
ends. | am, sir, respectfully ,tyour obedient
servant, d. WEBSTER.
To Hon. WIN. C.. RIvEs. ..s
GEN. TARvER.-IhIs gentleman is dead.
He was the richest man in Georgia-ewned fil-
teenhundred slaves. He was moral, benev-
olent, temperate, and universally esteemed
yet his last words were: "After.. all, | have
spent my life to no important purpose. in the
pursuit Of unsubstantial things. If had il to
live over again, it should be devoted to the
study OF the Bible-to prayer-to preparation
for the life to come. The things of this world
will do to live by, but will not do to die by"
The new mammoth steamer Eclipse was to
have been foated oft the stocks at New Albany,
Indiana, on the 1lth inst. She is the largest,
and will be the most magnificent vessel ever
aunched on the Western waters. She will be
ready for her first trip TO New Orleans in about
a month, ----~s---r----