The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-12-02
TALLEYRAND.S OBJECTIONS
Against the independence of the Uni
ted States.

ted States.
In book entitled private Smith in
The Philippines" Talleyrand, the great
French statesman. is represented tc
have written as follows under date OF
Nov. rs, 1852, in opposition to the in
dependence OF the thirteen original
states:
You have doubtless heard of the ar
rival OF NJ. John Adams, who claims to
be an envoy of the American people.
but is, OF course, mere tool of that
ambitious soldier OF fortune, Washing
ton. We are making history to-day,
and it will record the disgraceful policy
OF the government in completely aban
doning the French sovereignty of the
American colonies, wrested by France
from the grasp OF England. You will
ask why the triumph Of our army and
navy, and not least CT all, our diplo-
macy, should have such miserable re-
silt
First, this NJ. Adams, who, to the
manners OF Cossack joins both rug
ged talents and yankee" sl1rewdness,
appeals to French honor He claims
that M. de Lafayette assured the rebels
that his majesty would allow them to
establish their independence, not mere
ly OF England but OF all governments
such as are recognized among enlight
4 IL
be quite characteristic OF the Quixotic
marquis, but he neither affirms nor de-
MES making it, probably following
somebody's advice.
Then the envoy skilllully touches the
chord OF sentiment, especially when,
among his friends, the disciples OF Ros
seau, he quotes from the Declaration OF
Independence that governments "derive
their just powers from the consent OF
the governed" What madness to pre-
tend to govern with abstract ideas, rhc-
torcal generalities and incomplete no
tons OF equality! These sopllistries are
always on the lips OF subverters OF So
cial order Calonne says that Lafayette
considers clivalry part OF the law OF
nations, and we all know that such the
cries hold firm possession of his wooden
head.
But M. Adams reaches the climax OF
impudence in asserting that the ragged
and half-starved guerrillas under Wash
ington, armed with rusty frelocks and
pitcfiorlls, except small nucleus
equipped by our bounty, overcane the
disciplined forces OF England. While it
seems to be true that the English with
view, doubtless, OF rendering our posi-
ton l1ardcr) made some important sur
renders to the rebels in the absence Of
our forces, yet all was due to the inter-
vention of France, and it was an act Of
treacl1ery to deny her sovereignty. In
fact, it has, always existed by virtue Of
the discoveries of Cartier.
But, in addition, the interests Of llu
mainly required that we take possession
and guarantee to the ignorant and dis,
orderly population, so long in chronic
state OF rebellion, the blessings Of sta
bic government They are widely sep,
arated, dissimilar and discordant conf
n1unity, few of which could govern
themselves under any circumstances
and an independent nation composed
Of such elements is an Utopian dream
If left to themselves they would degen
crate to the condition OF the aborigincs
Illini Indians, but tl1ey will doubles;
fall prey to some nation not possessed
OF the fantastic notions OF honor which
seem to inspire NJ. de Vergennes.