The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-01-01

FRANCE AND THE SOUTHERN STATEs.-The
French journals are discussing the propriety of an
alliance bstween the slave holding States and
France. They talk if proposition of the kind
had been made. One paper, La Presse of Paris,
says:
"France cannot be otherwise .han proud to find
her protection claimed her alliance sought by all
oppressed nationalities. But in the present case
Chat of tie profFered alliance of the Southern
States) the question of independence as complicat-
ed ty question Of sfdUery, and the one filings an
unhappy shadow over the other. France, who
abolished slavery herself cannot even seem to pro-
tect it in other countries. Such an idea would do
her serious injury. The Americans Of South
Carolina must, then, be persuaded that if ever they
obtain from the French Government the moral
support that they demand, it will not be as pro-
prieors, but in spite of their being proprictors OF
slaves, and by virtue Of the principle, acknowed-
ged for thirty years, that all Governments de tdcto
shall be recognized by the Governments of Europe
and America"
The article then goes on to say that France ought
to interpose in favor of Louisiana and the States
which were formed out of her original territory,
inasmuch the treaty of cession between France
and the United States guaranteed to the French
colonists and their descendants the enjoyment of
their property and of their civil religious rights;
provided such intercession is asked for by Lousi-
ana But the opinion is expressed that an alliance
with France would cause war, and that dissolu-
ton Of the Union would be of no real benefit to
the Southern States 1t is proposed that France
shall act as mediator for peace; and the article con-
cludes thus:
"For the American Union separation is suicide;
it is murder of great nation and great principle.
France cannot lend hand to this suicide and this
murder. She has helped to make this people
she will never help to destroy them. Such are we
are convinced, the sentiments Of our Government
In view of such sentiments as these, we fear it
will be harder for the South to find favor with for
eign governments than many suppose.
SOME OF OUR ALLIES AT TIE NORTH.-Gen
Lane OF Oregon, and Mr. Pugh Of Ohio, have acted
like patriots since the present difficulties common
ced Pugh rebuked his colleague, Wade, for his
anaticn course and Incorporate abolition speeches
He made a speech the other day for the equality
of the States, for peace, and for the Union, and
opposed coercion. He stood up manfully for the
rights Of the South It is stated that during the
delivery Of his speech there weeping in all
parts Of the Senate chamber.
Gen Lane in reply to the coel cion speech OF
Andrew johnson Of Tenn, said that the northern
democrats would not march to subjugate South
Carolina and if troops were raised in the North fol-
that purpose, they would meet northern democrats
ready to oppose them. "Any coward, said Gen
Lane, "who would attempt to coerce the South
should first walk over his body" They could moi
battle with the democracy of the North. He de-
Tended the right of secession and declared his de-
sire to the Union only upon the principles Of
the constitution.
Gen. Lane has "smelt powder burn more than
once-he has right to talk.