Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-11-15
MIR. sOULE AND THE FRENCH GOV
ERNMENT.

MIR. sOULE AND THE FRENCH GOV
ERNMENT.
The news received by the Atlantic confirms
the rumor that Mr.. Soule, our minister to
Spain, has been forbidden to pass through
France on his return to Madrid. 1t is known
that Mr.. Soule left the Spanish capital and
went to attend a meeting of American minis
tiers at Ostend. On his journey thither, he
not only passed through France, but remained
some days at Paris, without being interfered
with in any manner.
After the conference at Ostend was con-
cluded, Mr.. Soule went to London; and from
London he started for Madrid, intending to go
through France. But as soon as he landed on
French soil, his progress was arrested by COM
mand Of the Imperial Government. He then
returned to London, where he remained up to
the time Of the sailing Of the Atlantic. One
report states that he will stay there until he re-
ceives instructions from Washington, whilst
another report says that he is about to return
to the United States.
Letter-writers in London and Paris give
statements of an interview between our minis
ter at Paris and the French Secretary of State,
which indicate that the treatment adopted to-
wards Mr.. Soule was intended as an affront to
the government of the United States. These
letter-writers, however, vary SO much in the
details Of their statements that we do not know
whether any reliance can be placed even upon
their concurring representations that an I'M
pleasant interview or correspondence had taken
place between Mr.. Mason and the French Sec
rotary. Mr.. Mason had sent messenger to
London before the departure of the steamer,
and it is probable that our government is in
possession of some information of reliable
character with regard to this transaction.
Various reasons are assigned for the refusal
to permit Mr.. Soule to pass through France.
Some persons seem to think that the refusal
was directed against Mr.. Soule as an indivi-
dual, and without any disposition to affron the
United States. Others feel confident that it
was directed against him in his character of
Ambassador, and with the intention to insult
our Government. There may be extreme cases
in which minister may be treated as pri-
vate individual, when on his journey to his post
of duty, without giving just ofense to the ma
ton he represents. But the rule is to respect
ministers, and treat them as such, when pass
ing through friendly States, and any breach of
that rule must be regarded as an unfriendly
proceeding, unless the motive Of the breach of
international comfy is promptly and satisfac-
torily explained.
Whatever motive induced the French Govern
ment to act as it has acted, must have arisen
the conference at Ostend. 1t is said that
during his visit he did not deport himself in
manner satisfactory to the Imperial Govern
ment--indulging in harsh language with re-
gard to it. This is one of the reasons assigned
for the refusal to permit him to pass through
France. Other reasons are found in the case
of the French Consul at San Franciscan the
dissatisfaction of Louis Napoleon at our efforts
to acquire Cuba-in his desire to acquire a
footing in San Domingo-and in the circum-
stance that Mr.. Soules SON challenged the
Duke of Alba. The idea that the Madrid
duels we're connected with the matter was sug-
gested by the relationship which exists between
Louis Napoleon and the Duke of Alba. The
Empress Eugene, is the sister Of the Duchess
of Alba, and she would naturally wish to serve
Mr.. Soule an evil turn. Besides, the Empress
is thoroughly Spanish in her feelings and sym
pathies, and is known to entertain bitter OPP
position to the acquisition Of Cuba by the
United States.
1t has not been generally supposed that
Louis Napoleon was ruled by female councils.
His history does not indicate a character which
could be swayed by the passions of women.
Thus far he has acted with consummate pru-
dence-forming his own plans--keeping them
profoundly secret-and waiting patiently until
the time for action arrived. We hardly think,
therefore, that the Madrid duels had any con-
nection with the order forbidding Mr.. Soule to
enter France. If it was caused by any hosti-
lity to Mr.. Soule, as an individual that hostility
must have been caused by his republican senti-
ments, and by the belief that he would dissem-
mate them in the French Empire. There can
be no foundation for the notion that ne was
forbidden to enter France because he was for
merly French citizen and had to leave his
native country because Of his political opinions
He was never banished, that we know of, and
he has been permitted to traverse France, more
than once, since he became an American citi-
zen.
We have no doubt that Louis Napoleon IL
thoroughly hostile to the United States. Lake
the Great Napoleon he desires colonies and
commerce and he regards the United States
as an obstacle to the acquisition of colonies in
The Western World. The annexation Of the
Sandwich Islands, the establishment Of more
intimate relations with San Domingo, and the
acquisition Of Cuba, have been discussed b.
the American journals as events not nnlikel.
to take place. If they were to be consum
mated some Of Louis Napoleons plans
colonization might be seriously damaged II
. - ,,..,,;o,. a., ca,r ~ ench n consummatlOl