Washington sentinel., 1856-06-03


many ways.
They go abroad to give false seeming of
public opinion. In many, we might say in
most cases, their remarks are predicated either
upon partial or erroneous statements, perhaps
on both. Our relations are discussed as light
ly and inconsderately as the question of
sweeping the streets or building a wharf. Pre-
judice and ignorance stand confessed in every
line. The discussions are often entered into
to compass some object at home, when the
matter is unscrupulousy treated, and facts and
truths are made to shape themselves with a
single reference to home demand-to aid or to
forward q man or measure.
Great interests of the country are banded
about from column to column with levity or
wickedness absolutely shocking. Our foreign
relations are drawn into the vortex of party
strife, and so far as these papers are concerned
it matters not that great National interests
may be jeoparded, peace itself endangered, to
carry some petty scheme; or, on the other
hand, when il suits their purpose, to overlook
Every administration purposes in our foreign
relations to defend faithfully our rights and in
| terests, and to act justly towards all. We
| should be slow to condemn their foreign policy,
and should judge only upon accurate informa-
ton. That being had, the discussions should
be honest; the true convictions of our mind
given, and the reasons why we approve or why
we condemn.
There is a constant running fire kept up
| from the FIRST hint of any matter throughout
all its stages, and with the least modicum Of
authentic information.
There is a habit entirely too prevalent and
of foreign Diplomats The respect which is
paid to ours abroad is not shown to foreign
Diplomats here. They are spoken of lightly,
| censured and denounced on surmises, until at
length foreign minister is compelled to de-
cline giving his testimony in case of homicide,
because, no matter how he may testify, he is
sure Of obloquy from some quarter.
Being the representative of Government,
they are entitled to immunities and respect as
such, and they should be free from the pryine
and intrusion, and offensive remarks with
which too many of our papers abound
In the case Of Mr.. Champion, even, who ha.
incurred the displeasure, we think the just dis
pleasure of our Government by his conduct il
the recruiting service, and his misapprehen
sions, if not misrepresentation in regard tc
the Central American question.
1t would quite suffice to expose his compli
city in the one and his errors in the other, ant
still keep within the bounds of rigid decorum
The mode in which this gentleman is treated
by some papers does not in any way help ou
cause. We concur in the course pursued b,
the Administration, which comes to its decision
and his dismissal without the violation of any
courtesy.
France and the United States, with but
monentary exceptions, have ever been friendly
there are no heart-burnings between them
| The people Of each nation are well disposed
towards those Of the other, and disposition
exists, we believe, among the masses of both
nations to cultivate cordiality.
They have a ruler Of their own choice, and
whatever we may think Of the present form of
the Government Of France, il certainly has, If
not the warm approval, At least the ready and
cheerful concurrence Of the nation. We might
as well 6nd fault with the Emperor of Russia
or any other monarch, as with Louis Napoleon,
and yet it has been favorite and standing
topic with many papers to exercise their in.
genuity in abuse and Misrepresentation of this
Potentate.
We, in common with all our people, would
prefer to see France aprosperous Republic, bu,
that is the particular business OF the French
people, and if they prefer the present form Of
government, as certainly they do, II is our duty
as friends to allow them to enjoy it in their
own way, and net to vituperate their chief
manufacturing for that purpose the most
hideous calumnies.
Wedo not purpose to enter into an elaborate
defence, which be does not require at our
hands, for, indeed, we disapprove Of some OF
his proceedings, but we do mean to say,
that the hunting up in all the kennels Of New
York and elsewhere, the improbable stories and
patent calumnies in his private life, seeking "a
render him odious, is alike to be condemned
for its pitiful meanness, as must the effect, 4
il have any in France, be to create i'll feeling
We do not hesitate to say that the people O
the United States, as a whole, desire TO cult
vate the most amicsble relations with the
French people under whatever form Of govern
ment that people may at any time choose for
themselves.
We are brusque and sometimes rude in our
tone to foreigners, and yet we have been worsted
in almost every negotiation we have made
We have always had some just cause Of com.
plsint which, in no instance has been fully
satisfied as il ought From the peace Of the
revolution to the present time, we have always
had on hand some grave offence by England
against our honor our ri0bss or onr ;rtor,.t-