The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-06-23
The Paris Exhibition.

From the Daily NeDS.
The discussion in the House in regard to the
Industrial Exhibition proposed to be held at
Paris in 1867 is carried out a vein of petulance
and passion that is neither in good taste nor
appropriate to the subject under consideration.
Whatever grounds for quarrel there NAV be
between France and the United States upon
international political questions. they should
not be made a matter OF dlsputation in the
course OF legislation upon an enterprise OF q
purely industrial character, devoted TO the ad-
vancement of art and science and the develop
ment OF the resources of the spheres of labor.
The Government of France has exhibited a
commendable zeal in encouraging researches in
the labyrinth of knowledge, in fostering the
elements OF Improvement in the mechanical
world, and in urging the skill and invention of
the thinking and working communities to push
on in the march OF progress In this age OF en-
hghtenment it i'll becomes a great nation ike
ours to vent puerile bad humor and spleen upon
an undertaking conceived in the true spirit of
triendliness to the industrial world. The invita-
tion TO our country to participate in the contem-
plated Exhibition was extended cordially, re.
spectfully, and without reference to any existing
or prospective political antagonism: and It
should be received in the same spirit. Ii the
domestic disturbances that have affected our
land, the effects of which have disordered the
national household, render 1t inconvenient for
u.s. at present. to enter the lists OF international
industrial competition, let us gracefully and
politely decline the protfered invitation. If on
the contrary, we are in condition to do Justice
| ana nOnOr 10 our ndllOudlIy Ill Tue display OF
American art and productveness, let us embrace
! the opportunity with good temper and cheerful
appreciation of the intention OF its orlginators.
\ Mr.. Washburne has thrown discredit upon
| the National Legislature by making the dis
| cussion of such theme the occasion tor in
! dulgng in epthets and insulting expressions
against the French. Such language as 'Ehis
| Johnny Crapeau Exhibition" Will not look well
upon the Congressional record as an emanatIon
from the lips of a representative OF the people
| in the discharge OF his official functions. The
! introduction of the Mexican question into
debate so completely barren of political signid-
| Cance, was as inopportune as sermon at a
| regatta or q cOnYivlal chorus at a funeral. The
| friends of Mexican republcanlsm in Congress,
if they are sincere, can find or make plenty
of opportunities Tor legitimate efforts in behalf
OF that cause.
In fact the attitude assumed by Congress in
connection with international issues is neither
| diguihed nor consistent with the obligations Of
| a great and powerful nation. 1t seems as II the
| Government we're afraid to enunclate the policy
that it is disposed to favor. Ii there De any
Just cause of quarrel with France, let 1t be
fought out mantully, whether by diplomacy or
in the fields of war. We must be either friends
toes, as tar official intercourse Is concerned.
II friends il is neither prudent nor decorous To-
indulge In official and legislative expressions OF
contempt and enmitY. II foes, II Is still more
unmaniy and undigni6ed to fight the battle With
the weapons of Bllingsgate IN the National
LEGISLATURE. The position OF the repuDhc III
the family of nations makes ii ridiculous Tor our
legislators to stand biting their thumbs at other
Governments. If Mr.. Washburne, or any other
representative OF the people, things that some
wrong is to be redressed, some principle Wndl-
Gated by our country against foreign power,
let him state his case in its proper order OF
legislative business But, as between HoVerh'
ments, until there is war there must De peace;
and while there Is peace, the conVenuonalltleS
and courtesies OF diplomatic nterc9uTss anu n
legislative language and action should be
observed,