Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 2 (of 16)United States. Congress
History
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 2 (of 16)
United States. Congress
Law -- United States; United States -- Politics and government
We have constantly hoped that the nations of Europe, whilst
desolated by foreign wars, or convulsed by intestine
divisions, would have left the United States to enjoy that
peace and tranquillity to which the impartial conduct of
our Government has entitled us; and it is now with extreme
regret we find the measures of the French Republic tending
to endanger a situation so desirable and interesting to our
country.
Upon this occasion, we feel it our duty to express, in the
most explicit manner, the sensations which the present
crisis has excited, and to assure you of our zealous
co-operation in those measures which may appear necessary
for our security or peace.
Although the first and most ardent wish of our hearts is
that peace may be maintained with the French Republic and
with all the world, yet we can never surrender those rights
which belong to us as a nation; and whilst we view with
satisfaction the wisdom, dignity, and moderation, which
have marked the measures of the Supreme Executive of our
country, in its attempts to remove, by candid explanations,
the complaints and jealousies of France, we feel the full
force of that indignity which has been offered our country
in the rejection of its Minister. No attempts to wound our
rights as a sovereign State will escape the notice of our
constituents: they will be felt with indignation, and
repelled with that decision which shall convince the world
that we are not a degraded people; that we can never submit
to the demands of a foreign power without examination, and
without discussion.
Knowing, as we do, the confidence reposed by the people of
the United States in their Government, we cannot hesitate
in expressing our indignation at the sentiments disclosed
by the President of the Executive Directory of France, in
his Speech to the Minister of the United States. Such
sentiments serve to discover the imperfect knowledge which
France possesses of the real opinions of our constituents.
An attempt to separate the people of the United States from
their Government, is an attempt to separate them from
themselves; and although foreigners who know not the genius
of our country may have conceived the project, and foreign
emissaries may attempt the execution, yet the united
efforts of our fellow-citizens will convince the world of
its impracticability.
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