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Foreign News May 23, 1806

The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Washington, District Of Columbia

What is this article about?

The French Official Journal praises a US Congress bill against British impressment of American seamen, contrasting US resolve with other nations' submission to England, positioning America as defender of international rights on the seas.

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98% Excellent

Full Text

WASHINGTON CITY
FRIDAY, MAY 2

The French Official Journal, in noticing the provisions of the bill brought into the Congress of the United States, against the pressing of American seamen by the English cruisers, subjoins the following observations:

"We can here perceive the energy of a nation which has some sense of her dignity. She has no navy; compared with England, she is feeble; but she is determined to make every effort to support the chances of war, to perish, if it be necessary, in defence of her honor and her rights. Well may such conduct put to the blush that other power, who, intimidated by the cannon of Nelson, betrayed the cause of nations, destroyed the charter of sovereigns, and acknowledged the legality of the tyranny of the English on the sea! These are not the paths which lead to glory. From that moment, all the unprotected nations were delivered up to the oppression and the plunder of England, whose caprice constitutes the law to which they are obliged to submit. What a difference between the successors of Catherine and that great princess! Prussia is the only power who has not acceded to these principles, so dishonorable to royalty. Denmark defended herself in her capital, which was bombarded, exposed herself to the greatest danger, but she was under the necessity of submitting to the influence of her neighbors. It will now be the honorable distinction of America to raise her voice, to claim with firmness the rights of all nations, and to maintain a cause which the intrigues, the threats, and the gold of England have induced the powers of Europe to betray!"

What sub-type of article is it?

Diplomatic Naval Affairs Political

What keywords are associated?

French Official Journal Us Congress Bill Impressment American Seamen English Cruisers British Sea Tyranny Nelson Cannon European Powers Submission

What entities or persons were involved?

Nelson Catherine

Where did it happen?

France

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

France

Event Date

Friday, May 2

Key Persons

Nelson Catherine

Outcome

french commentary praises us determination against british impressment, highlighting contrast with european powers' submission.

Event Details

The French Official Journal comments on a US Congress bill prohibiting the impressment of American seamen by British cruisers, lauding America's resolve despite its naval weakness and criticizing other nations for yielding to British sea dominance after Nelson's victories, with specific mentions of Russia under Catherine's successors, Prussia, and Denmark.

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