Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-10-10
rgE STRUGGLE IN FRANCE.

Americans will watch with interest. Inc
fanlts of the French people we do not ex-
cuse. but we give them credit Tor noble
traits of character and for services OF ines
Unable value to our country. There is
oreat deal said to us about the love we
owe to England, as our mother country,
as the home of a people from whom we
are descended, speaking the same tongue,
all of which sounds very well to those who
know nothing of our history; but in the
light Of facts we owe more gratitude to
France for what we are than to England.
Persecution drove many of the first set
tiers to abandon England for home in
the wilderness of America. The colonies
were regarded as having but few rights
except to contribute to the revenues of
Great Britain. When they demonstrated
against the injustice and oppression of the
mother government the British Lion was
let loose upon them. In the struggle that
ensued for independence the French gal
lantry and generously came to our assis-
lance, giving not only moral bat material
support to our cause, sending French sol
diers and sailors. to fight side by side
with our fathers against British soldiers
and sailors. No American can ever
cease to feel grateful to France for the aid
rendered us then. While we continue to
celebrate the Fourth of July, so long shall
we associate the name of Lafayette with
that of Washington.
But the Revolution is by no means the
only instance in which the Frenchshave
proved our friends and England our enc
mics. The first Napoleon laid down the
policy in relation to neutral ships which
Madison and Monroe commended for, but
which the British with their large suprem-
acy upon the ocean and determination to
heed neither justice nor right in their eff
forts to maintain, if resisted. He who was
represented by the British government as
the chief of tyrants, and whom it chained
10 the ocean rock through fear. was the
Iromulgator and defender of doctrines
that England has at last consented to in
the Washington Treaty, which the world
applauds, and to whose public opinion
England is reluctantly compelled to SUBJ
init. The policy of England towards us
has never been other than supremacy sell
fish; that of France has been friendly,
considerable, just. The surrender of Louis
lana to our government came by purchase,
bat it was an act of friendliness and con-
Citation on the part of Napoleon to grant
it even upon such conditions. England
has continually preyed upon our commerce
from our merchant vessels and pressed
them into her navy. until at later day
she allowed pirates to be fitted out in her
ports TO plumber and destroy our peaceful
ships. After our good mother has robbed
us, and tried to shackle us by resort to
fleets and armies, it is affecting to listen to
the plea of relationship and a common
language, but upon reflection We must
confess that France has the better claim
upon us for truly brotherly services rem
dered.
And so in the crisis now impending
over France, our hearts 60 out towards
those who are struggling to establish there
republic. We have no sympathy with
the men who aim to make her subject to
the domination OF the kingly power, but
we desire to see that freedom established
which we believe the people ardently de-
sire. the freedom of the people to rule
themselves, even as we enjoy il in the
United States.
Whatever our government may consist
emily do to promote such result in
France, it is bound by every principle of
honor to do. To every people seeking for
freedom and republican institutions we
are attracted by common sympathy but
to France we are not only drawn by this
tie, but by the gratitude born of friendship
continued from the birth of this nation,
and to repay services rendered when we
TOO were struggling against despots.
With the follies and excuses committed
IN France in the name of liberty we have
no sympathy. They are to be condemned
and regretted. They have been a stum-
bling block in the path of republcanism,
support to the pretensions of the mon
archists, who rejoice when they are COM
mitted. The true republicans of France
may rest assured that the heart of Ameri-
ca beats warmly towards them, and that
we sincerely hope this crisis will not end
until they have gained decisive victory.
We believe it depends upon themselves.
upon their wisdom and union, whether
they succeed or not. They are strong
enough in numbers il. they will only COM
bine and act with discretion.
MSS DICKLNSONS LECTURE.