Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1860-06-09


DESTROYS of removing all obstacles to a return
to the simple and unostentious course which
was deemed so proper, and was so much APP
proved in the earliest days of the republic. 1t
is our purpose to cultivate the most amicable re-
latons with all countries, and this we believe
can be effectually done without requiring our
diplomatic agents abroad to depart in this re-
spect from what is suited to the general senti-
ments of our fellow citizens at home All in
structions in regard to what is called diplomat
ic uniform, or court dress, being withdrawn,
each of our representatives in other countries
will be left to regulate this matter according to
his own sense of property, and With due re-
spect to the views Of his government as herein
expressed. w. J.. MARCY.
The matter Of dress, although appearing TO
us Americans, perhaps, of small moment, is
nevertheless one of very considerable impor-
lance in countries where national or individual
character is held in esteem. 1t would seem
even that in our moral code proper attention
to dress was inculcated, since the illustration Of
the wedding garment is evidently brought for
ward with approves. And the founder of this
code himself wore peculiar garment, in ac-
cord with the mission that he bore to our earth.
There is, in fact, no better established opinion
in civilized society than that '"decent respect
for mankind requires that on certain occasions
certain kind Of dress should be worn In So
ciety at large it is fashion that prescribcs the
dress, and he who does not comply with it, is
considered simply as having some defect of
character. At the court of any country il is
the Monarch who prescrbesNhe Dress and in
spirit of liberality he generally admits persons
in such dresses as are permitted at their own
courts. On other occasions, however, than
court receptions, he considers himself free to
decide in what kind of apparel the person shall
appear who makes visit to the royal family.
Some such restraint as this in the intercourse
of courts is necessary, or else the monarch
would soon be run over us our President is,
who, about half the time, is in some such con-
dition as a wounded trooper would be amidst
the feet Of charge of horse, running a narrow
, chance of having his original image and char
acter utterly disfgured by the tramp of the
crowd that are rushing over him.
1t was General Jackson who first opened the
door to the ildecencies Of manners and dress
that now prevail at our national capital Until
his day some little attention to dress and man.
ners was considered necessary even at the White
House; but when the new champion of democ-
racy came into office, he affected all ostentatiop
of changing all that, and, on one occasion, was
particularly gracious, it is said, to q hackman
in his everyday dress who upset some wine
which the General was handing to lady. Cen
eral Jackson was always friend to the poor
man, and was glad to see him on any occasion,
whether in his Sunday clothes or not but he
was not aware that in thus indulging his per-
sonal peculiarities while President of the United
States he was establishing state of things-a
rush, crowd, jam and scramble, in which the
poor man would stand no chance at all. If the
poor man were left to his own discretion he
would certainly appear in his best clothes when
visiting the White House.
But General Jackson was not satisfied with
indicating what dress should be worn at the
White House by hackmen; he extended his
views still farther, and prescribed change in
our diplomatic costume. Or in other words
he adopted it, but did not prescyibe i, T,,-,
is, presuming to speak from place of authori-
~, he in effect tells our ministers abroad that
they may do Just as they please, thus rendering
the manner OF executing authority more shabby
If possible than the hackman's dress. But af-
ter all, the dress that would please him, General
jackson, would be one Of military trappings
glittering with gold, cocked-hats and cold steel
The next step in democratic progression was
taken by Mr. Marcy who, in politics, was kind
of Heenan, dealing such tremendous blows into
the face of ancsent responsibility, as to entirely
destroy not only all vestiges of its divine orr
gin, but even, if possible, all claims to it. At
time when the democracy of New York City
were prescribing uniform for their police Off
Gals, Mr. Marcy undertook-what ?-to pre-
scribe? Oh no, but to encourage, as far as
practicable, without impairing the American
Minister'S usefulness to his country, his appear
ance at court in the simple dress of an Ameri-
can citizen" While the city government of
New York were beginning to think that uni
form dress for persons in authority was of some
consequence, Mr. Marcy on the contrary, seemed
to think that it was of no consequence at all.
leaving it to our ministers and consuis and for
egn travellers to regulate the matter according
to their own sense of proprety, with a due re-
spect to the rie'cs Of or government. lie man
ifests, it will be observed, the same indecision
on the subject that was displayed BY General
Jackson suggesting but not ordering simply re-
commencing when he ought either to have COM
mond'd or else have said nothing at all in the
case.
The ill consequence of such INDIGESTION, show
ing itself in the place of authority, in the rep
resenta,ive of sovereignty, was soon experienced
by one of our diplomatic agents in its full force.
Mr. Sanford was at that time exercising the
functions of charge Pq6aircs of the United
States at the conrt of Franco; and with all be
coming zeal and loyalty he endeavored to carry
out Mr. Marcy's encouragement. To introduce
new custom into the court of France at that
time, although probably of great benefit to the
Emperor in establishing his imperial dynasty,
required tact and diplomatic ability; but it was
finally accomplished to the satisfaction of