Plymouth banner. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1852-1855, 1854-03-09
From Washington.
Correspondence of the Detroit Free Press
W ARLINGTON Feb % 1874


/ Department some time ago. relative to
the dress TO be worn al foreign courts b.
on, diplomatic agents. have recently been
the subject ofvery general coramen, here.
| The subject has excited public attention
al the present tilHe, CT account of The
late information from Europe. that Mr..
Buchanan was not present Oh The occa-
sion Of the opening OF Parliament 81
/ the Queen, because he could no, appeal.
| in court dress, as required, without dis
obeying his instructions; and also. by
| the fact that Mr.. Sanford, Secretary of
Legation at Paris, has sent in his resig.
nation on account of the unpleasant po-
stion in which he was placed at the
French Court BY obeying the orders of
his government, and appearing on state
occasions in plain dress. understand
that Mr.. Smith. of Connecticut, will
bring this subject before the Senate, by
resolution of inquiry in regard to the
cause of the resignation of Mr.. Sanford.
The latter gentle man is, however, not
altogether such martyr to his self-sacri-
fcing and conscientious regards for the
orders Of his government as he might
seem to be. for he resigned only in time
TO avoid his dismissal on account of
violation of another part Of the same in.
structions. which forbidS the employ ment
of foreigners in any capacity in our lega-
tons.
In regard to these instructions upon
the matter of dress. there seemed to be
but one opinion in this country when
they were issued. The press. without.
exception think. declared them to be
highly proper and juiicious. Praise was
bestowed upon the Secre ,ary Of State for
the attempt to abolish the anti-reputlic-
an custom of the adoption Of the cour,
liveries of Europe by American citizens
And yet some these very presses which
commended the course of the Secretary.
now unite in its condemnation.
/ learn from various sources that there
is considerable opposition to this move
ment in several European courts. and par.
ticularly in London. although the Times
at first pronounced the measure a saluta-
ry one. The European monarchs object
to making an exception to the custom of
wearing court costume ia favor OF Amer
lean representatives. because they regard
II as yielding TO American princi Piles, and
they consider this movement a bold step
| of republican propagsndism. II il is in
deed the case that 10 wear the dress of
Ans Eican gentleman u. foreign cour!
is 20 propagate republican principles.
then. indeed. re may rejoice that the
principles Of our government are so east
ly propogated, and fresh encouragement
Will be afforded 20 the enelnles Of mo-
narchical sovereignty.
Mr.. Marcy's chief object was undoubt-
eddy to discourage and break up the grow
ing aVistocracy among our citizens resi-
ding abroad. Aping foreign manners.
and seeking to vie with the aris,ocracy
Of Europe in their style of living and
dress. they have disgraced By their con-
duct the American name. /; was TO this
class of persons tia: our Minister. MIR.
Mason. yielded. and donned court cos
tune at court assembly, in violation OF
these instructions Of M. Marcy. At irs.
Mr.. Mason served the requisisIon OF his
government and was presented 10 the Em-
peror in plain dress. But the ladies.
who wished to appear on the occasion
referred TO under the special sanction Of
the Minister, induced him TO adopt the
full livery.
Mr.. Buchanan has maintained mere
truly republican course. He has refused
to obey the requisi,ion OF court etiquette
and rather than violate the orders of his
government. he has KEEP: away from court
gatherings. His conduct will meet the
appreciation of every American citizen
who believes in the preservation of re-
publican habits amidst the glitter and
pomr of royalty. and who appreciates the
beneficial influence Of such course in
UNFOLDING the dignity of republicanism
abroad.
The principle of Mr.. Marcy's instruc
tions is sound one. and will he sus
tanned by the American people. 1t only
needs the hearty CO operation Of our for
eign Ministers to procure its recognition
ere long in all the courts of Europe.
In subsequent letter of the same cor
respondent, of the oath. he says:
There is a rumor here that Mr.. Buch |
anan. our Minister at London, intends 10 !
resign. because the instructions of Mr.. |
Marcy in regard to dress tend 10 exclude |
him from court circles. There is, as yet. |
no official intimation of such an inten-
ton; and | cannot believe that such a
cause would induce Mr.. Buchanan to /
leave his important post. He has the
ability. and doubt not the disposition.
to maintain the rights of his govern
ment abroad. and If the principle of /
Mr.. Marcy's instructions is a correct one.
foreign governments should recognize il
as such. and they will do so il it is firm
iy adhered TO. Mr.. Buchanan and our
other representatives abroad should in
sist upon their right TO appear in the
presence of royalty in the dress prescribed
by their own government. and should not |
yield to the fanciful regulations Of court
etiquette"
MAINE Law IN MARYLAND The House |
of Delegates in the Maryland Legislature
have passed the Pfohibitory Liquor Law.
~ ha k.S - ch.n t,Ec