The avant courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1871-1872, 1872-02-08

-. LYCEUM NOTES.
/ Not for the purpose of assuming the posi-
/ ton Of critic, but TO aid somewhat in the
| needed VI initiation Of subject that Ameri-
cans themselves. in private opinian, histories
and Biographies. have strangely magnified
against their country's crdeit aud actual fact
| submit the following data. suggested by
| the LYceuif1 debate of the Sd inst
lst. 1t was claimed tnat one evidence of
| both the friendly feeling Of France toward
| the American cause during the War Of tie
Revolution, and her attachment TO Republi.
can principles. exists in the fact that she aid
ed in the establishment of this Republic.
Now. while it is true that France did so aid
| fhut more in a moral than physical, way
| her moral aid. At that time and under exist
ing circumstances, heing simply the result
following any National upply OF q good word
or man to the revollitionists. it is as true.
and tar more important to bear in mind,
that the idea tn the French Government as
suned our cause solely, or at all because OF
sympathy with the principles Of the Declara-
ton will not bear the test Of history. 1t may.
indeed, andnot uncharitahly, be questioned
whether the French people themselves took
any practical interest in our cause. Enmity
to Great BIitain, and 4 certain crazy. abortive
enthusiasm in favor of what they called, and
still call, liberty and equality, and which is
born more Of love Of change and excite
ment thar rom any deep-seated idea or ul,-
derstandi ;. of the principles. meaning of
either ONE, had more to do with any enlist
ment on the Colonial side of Frencl, feeling,
men,, arms, or money than any actual. healthy
antagonism to the causes that gave that side
existence.
must not be understood as denying to La
Fay cite the possession Of honest. intelligent
purpose in his association of himself with
the patriot cause; he has, and deserves, tile
loving recollection Of Ill yAmericans;s but
mingled it'll even his fealty was Il spice OF
French dislike OF anything purely English:
and the history Of the struggle (for struggle
it was) to enlist the aid Of France shows the
truth Of this entire statement.
There is no foundation for supposing the
French government actuated in the least by
any consideration ARRIVED atafler persistent
urging, and working upon its ideas of person.
al INTEREST," beside that, that blow in favor
of American independence from her, would
rebound to the benefit of France, working
the injury of her great rival in matters solely
concerning themselves. and, even then, it had
to be assured Of return payment Gust enough
in itself.) before it would loan men or money,
Again. French claim and American admis-
sion have always exaggerated the benefits
that accrued to the Colonial cause from the
aid Of France. Squabbles regarding official
precedence, and almost criminal dlatoryness
In action did much to disgrace the attempt
and render abortive all essays at aid.
still. we are cons antly assured that with
out this assistance (g we should yet be pay
ing taxes on British tea
Second. it was claimed that the sale to the
United States. for. comparatively small sum.
Of large section of country constitutes all
ditional evidence of French sympathy with
us and our institutions.
But. should it not be remembered, that
the notable exc ption of Louisiana. almost
unknown. even to the purchaser; hat mort
Of ii was regarded as 4 system OF rocks, val
liable perhaps for its possible lumber and
mineral resources, and Of consequence to the.
United States only to enable ito proceed in
the establishment Of its natural boundaries
II had become practically valueless to
France, and So. 900 ,0o0 were money to her ii,
those days, and much more than Sd. o0O, QUO
would be to any government now.
II Tile fact Is. she sold something she could
not use to advantage, and we bought it. be-
cause we could turn ihe purchase to account
Mr., Turner welIsaid, that the facts. them
selves, OF history, not considered In connec-
ton with the causes that gave them existence.
prove or establish nothing.
Facts alone may prove brutality-amhition
tyranny; but, when Causes are stated, and
understood, facts may prove just the con-
trary. s@ E@
That Napoleon wa, notwithstanding his
stupendous ability, often and forcibly the
creature OF circumstances IS easily proven;
and, in judging him by his acts, the utter and
eh, onc untitness Of the French people for
Republican institutions should, in jastice to
him, be kept in mind.
1t seems cruel, all things considered, to.
deny him the credit of having in view, not
only The advancement Of Napoleon, but, as
well, the material welfare of the Nation,
people, however, the mot mercnrial that
ever demanded Republic, that .cheered,
bounded, him on to glory" one day, only
to curse him if he cast shadow the next.
With I'll his faults OF ambition he was ia.
more true than the people he ruleds and, in
many respects, immeasurably the moral su-
peEior. both In aot and intent. Of those to
whom he was opposed.
~ 81 J.v. BOGERT.
BOHEMIAN, Feb. 18th, 1871.
800. BOHEMIAN. Feb. Sd, 1871.
N. FJ:so~ - l.. Ax.as.I Ttoa,-e +