The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-01-17
8 % ~ ~. = 80 - -
The Case In q hutshell.

In the year iI70 q convention was formed
between FRANCE and the UNITED STATES, by
which the former power guaranteed the lib
erty, sovereignty and Independence of the lai-
ter, and the latter guaranteed to the crown of
France its then possessions in America and
those which it might thereafter acquire.
FRANcE performed her part Of the contract and
expended two hundred and eightymiliions in
securing our independence. N.ts -. -, '...
Soon after the bts,denof the treaty fell ON the
UNITED STATES In 1898 war broke out be
tween FRANCE and GREAT BRlTAlN, aud most
Of the French possessions in the West Indies
were captured by the British forces sil.. ~
France reminded us of our duties; but we
maintained our neutrality, offered money to
France to release US from our guarantee, and
remained bound by it down to the time Of the
convention OF 1900. r~q .-aaao
Meanwhile, in the disturbed and dangerous
times which closed the olast century, French
priyateers committed great depredations on
our commerce, for which the French govern
ment has on all occasions avowed its original
liability. ,2..z.5 .s.,,z... ;f., Willy ,-.-,st
When the convention of 1900 was framed
France had claims on the Government Of the
United States growing out Of the guarantee of
of ITS, and citizens of the United States
had claims. on the government of France for
the capture and plumber of their property on
the high seas. s5a.4 I.a 80 .s..7ag ms aai3niS
These mutual claims were source Of great
difficulty in the adjustment of the convention
1t was determined to get rid Of them. France
released the United States from their perpetual
guarantee of the West India possessions; and
the United States released France from the
claims growing out of her depreda,ions on the
commerce of our citizens. r. u --.--t.5 o. r.
Here was plain case of taking private pro-
perty by the United States for the public use
Unless the property thus taken and used is
paid for, the act is one ofmere confscation..
After the convention was completed, France
continued her depredations, and accumulated
against her the claims of our citizens for indem-
mites. These claims were unsatisfed for some
thirty years and upwards, when General JACK
SON took LOUIS PHILIPPE by the beard, and told
MIN ne WOulQ nave no more Timing and SHUT
fling about this business, but that he must pay
up forthwith or abide the consequences. . =. =.
Louis PHILIPPE concluded io pay up. A
commission was appointed to adjudicate gen
orally on the claims of American citizens against
France for commercial depredations. '-atss2
The ship of A was captured six months after
the signing of the convention. The ship of B
was captured under precisely the same circum-
stances year previous. The claim of A was
allowed and paid by the commission. To
the claim of B a plea in bar was set up. France
relied on the, RELEASE by the convention Of
1900. The commission recognised the re-
lease, and dismissed B without redress. Yet
the two claims rest on precisely the same
ground, and IN the absence Of the convention
General JACKSON would have. enforced payment
of both at the lannon's mouth. And General
JACKSON was right. Such jdepredatons, with
a continued refusal of indemnity, were a good
cause of war for any nation which would pre-.
serve the honor of its flag. 4a5 = i.aaoi al Eaa
+ The United States has taken the property of
it's citizens forfits own use, and ought to COM
pensate- them. Otherwise, it has robbed its
citizens; plundered them more cruelty than
FRANCE. ~ y - -. "a 100 80. ~