The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-02-09
II See First Page for Proceedings of the
Legislature, Correspondence Of the Dispatch,
A SCRAP OF HISTORY.


. A SCRAP OF HISTORY.
The New York Times gives history Of the
law under which Capt. Levy stands indicted,
pretty much as follows:
During the days of the Directory, in France,
that BODY, as is well known, conceived vio-
lent amnesty against the Government OF this
country. partly on account OF It's refusal to as
sist France in her struggle with the Powers of
Europe, and partly on account OF the treaty
concluded with Great Britain, and known as
Jays freely. This hostility was still farther
Increased by the recall of Mr.. Monroe, who
was supposed to be favorable to France
Gerry, Marshall, and Pinckney were sent out
az ENJOYS, to settle all matters with France, in
1888, and il was during their mission that the
famous X, Y, 4, correspondence took place,
in which it was intimated that matters might
be smoothed by gift, or rather bribe, TO the
Directory. This was, Of course, rejected, and
the consequence was, that Marshall and Pinck-
ney were not only refused a hearing, but were
ordered to leave Paris under pain of arrest
Gerry, who belonged to the opposition party
At home, was permitted to stay, and to carry
on negotiations alone, which he declined to do,
though he remained for long time in Paris,
encouraging the French Government $50 the
Federalists said) to nope for a change of rulers
and consequently change of policy at home.
In the meantime, the X, Y, Z, correspondence
had been published in this country, and had
reused the spirit of party to the highest pitch
Its effect, however, was decidedly in favor of
the Federal party.
At this moment of time, new actor np-
peared on The theatre of public affairs. This
was DIR. Logan, of Germantown, Pennsylvania,
who was Quaker by birth and profession, a
man Of some reputation for talents and acquire
ments, a correspondent and friend Of Mr.. JEFF
ferson. and staunch member of the Republi-
can party. This gentleman determined to un-
dertake mission to France on his own hook,
and he left New York for that purpose, carry
ing with him private letters of introduction
from MIR. Jefferson, in lieu of the usual pass
port from the Secretary of State. From the
moment he landed in France, he was received
and treated with great attention, the Govern
ment OF that country recognising in him. whe-
Their justly or not, the Representative of the OPP
position party in the United States. When lie
returned TO this country in November, 1898, he
was furiously assailed by the Federal party;
but he nevertheless waited on the Secretary of
State to whom he unfolded the results of his
mission, and by whom he was coldIy received,
q well as ex-President Washington, from
whom he received severe reproof for pre-
Stunning TO interfere between the Government
and its agents. Not at all discouraged by this
rebuff, he next called upon President Adams,
At Braintree, and laid before him the reasons
which he had for believing that, under certain
circumstances, the French Government could
be brought 10 consent to receive a Minister
from the United States. That he made con-
siderable impression upon the mind of the Pre-
aident, is quite certain, and the Times thinks
that he then and there laid the train of causes
which produced the long and bitter war be-
tween that officer and the Federal party. A
proof of this consists in fact connected with
the preparation of his next message to Con-
gress. Oliver Walcott had drafted that part of
It relating to France with the appreciation of
the other Secretaries, and had nude the Pres-
dent say therein "to send another Minister to
France would be an act of humiliation not to
be submitted TO, except under the pressure of an
extreme necessity, which does not exist" The
President, under the influence of the interview
with Logan no doubt, softened this expression
"a follows, ''to send another Minister, without
more determinate assurance that he would be
received, would be an act of humiliation 10
which the United States ought not to submit.n
In answer TO this part of the message the Sc.
nate complained of an intercourse carried on
BY France, Through the medium of individuals
without public character or authority. DESIGNED
to separate the people from their Government.
and to bring about by intrigue that which omen
force could not effect" To this the President
responded by asking whether such s.temerity
and inperilnence on the part OF individuals,
ehecung TO interfere in public affairs, whether
Oy their secret correspondence or otherwise.
ana Intended to impose on the people, and to
separate them from their Government, ought
not to be enauired into.' The suggestion of
the President was made the basis of the act
OF iTs9, which has since been known as the
Logan Act and is that nnder which Levy
stands indicted. Ii subjects to fine of $4,000,
and imprisonment of not less than six months
nor more than three years duration, any per-
son who Of his own will and without the know
ledge or consent of the Government, shall carry
On any correspondence with foreign Govern
meat with the view Of thwarting the views o,
hn own, &c.
E The receipts of cotton at all the ship
ping ports to the latest dates, have increased
over those oflast year TO corresponding periods,
l0I $40 bales. The exports to foreign coun.
fries have increased s., l47 bales. Those to
the United States northern ports, IL sos bales.
Theexports to foreign countries have increased
- sgx l..ln m