The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-02-16

revolution and remembers that France fought side BY side
with US in the struggle for national existence must deeply
regret that Of years the ties Of ancent amity and the
obligations Of gratitude have been greatly weakened if
not entirely superseded by manifest change in the policy
Of that power in m relations with the United States most
especially since its late intimate eonnexon with Great
Britain.
That the people Of the United States body have al
ways retained and still retain deep of obligation
France the foster mother Of their national independ
ence be doubted by any acquainted with the
public sentiment With them 1t has never beea ques-
ton whether France aeluated by sympathy for the
United States in their struggle for liberty by her rival
ry with England They know that by afording ,sm Elf
Gent and timely aid she became Of the great nstr
ments in winning prize which, though without her aid
il might probably have been ultimately gained would
have been much dearly purchased.
They know-and that knowledge is sufficient founda-
ton for their gatitudetha the gallant soldiers Of France
Tough, with them side by side in their hour Of
per that the money and the Of France placed
their disposal when they bad little OF their own that
the last great triumph which crowned the revolution
achieved in eoncert and that OF the chief in
the that illusrious Of France who will be
forever remembered in the history and traditions their
as Hicul auu Oh Nasuligtou lHls
is enough for them The motives of France in thus aiding
their infant struggles may be subjects for discussion with
statesmen and politicians but her acts cannot he msta
KEN and the obligation only be cancelled by her sub
sequent conduct Those who remember with what spon
taneous burst of enthusiasm Lafayette welcomed by
whole people when he landed shores after abb
of almost half century, and that his journey
through the land perpetual succession of rnmph
such accorded the conquerors Of nations
cannot doubt that there was and still, is deep feeling of
gratitude implanted in the hearts of the people of the Uni
ted States their first and most efficient friend.
As object not to aggravate any feelings of resent
ment that have originated in more recent occurrences
but revive the recollection of those of ancient am
shall pass the events that took place during the
progress of the French revolution which are doubtless IA
miliar OF readers 1t will be sufficient to say
that they almost invariably tended weaken the ties which
had until then subssed at least between the people of the
countries and prepare the way for total etrange
Whose fault it was which most to blame,
not present purpose TO inquire We only stating
facts and drawing nferenees
STILL notwithstanding these little family feud these fall
ingsout of old friends France continued TO be favore
nation with great portion of the people Of the United
States With the exception Of few of the poseritv of
old tories the sentiment may be said have been gem
era We have reason also believe that it recpro
Gated by the French nation But the memory of old
Citations was still, further weakened BY series of very
acabe negotiations Debtors and creditors seldom
the best friends in the world and dun is often
make him an enemy. The government of the United
States pressed her claims alternative that involved
the question of peace war; and the money reIuc
IT.; oe; 70
the King of the French humiliated and gallant
hgh-sprited nation mortified in the person of their
egn.
Those who watch the Of events explanatory Of
the policy of nations have observed that from this pc
Rod least shortly afterwards marked change took
place in the conduct of the of France in its
relations both with the United States and Great Britain
1t then for the first time in long lapse of yearswe
may almost say sgesthat anythng like cooperation be-
the great rivals dawned forth and excited the
wonder if the jealousy Of Europe The United States
looked on and wondered too though their jealousy
awakened until the disclosure of Of the great OBJ
jects of this apparently strange coalition taught them that
they too deeply interested in the business One Of the
earliest manifestations of this the combined efforts Of
the powers prevent the annexation Of Texas The
failure of these followed by the significant though
somewhat nrautious, declaration Of NJ Guzot then first
minister of France that great purpose Of this marvel
lous conjunction of opposing planets that had hitherto
kept the system in equilibrium by their respective force
"the establishment Of balance Of power in the New
World
This almost equivalent q declaration Of war
against the United States since there no other power
on this continent to whom it could apply None Of the
other States of North South America either in their
present condition future prospects require or are likely
to require the application Of the pruningkne Of England
France taper them down the proper dimensions
and il sufficiently obvious that the United States alone
contemplated in the great scheme for establishing
balance Of power in the New World The United States
might therefore well receive this declaration as demon
straton, If not Of directly hostile least Jealous and
unriendy feeling the part ofbo,h England and France
1t announced mutual understanding the objects OF which
could be mistaken Il declared intention 10 inter-
fere with the affairs Of this continent in such way as
would be preudcia lis Independence dangerous to
its internal repose applied the doctrine Of Intervention
the entire New World and though the object was not
distinctly avowed the previous and subsequent course Of
the powers leaves Il longer doubtful that impede
embarrss and fpossbe arrest the growth expansion
Of the United States was what they aimed and are sd
aiming, to accomplish.
Thus ancient friend became sceompee Of our an
Gent enemy in system o. policy which, though not
taaIly amounting open war only the dangerous