Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

From the "Gazette Nationale de France" of Sunday, Sept. 24th, 1797.

TRANSLATION.

United States of America.

Philadelphia, 24th of August.

James Monroe, ambassador from the United States near the French republic, has just published his correspondence with Timothy Pickering, secretary of state.

James Monroe, in his letter of the 6th and 8th of July, demands the motives of his recall, "It is not conformable to the principles of an elective government, to blast the reputation of a citizen by a disgraceful recall, without exhibiting the motives thereof. Let kings, says he, give no other reasons for dispensing favors or disgrace, than their good pleasure or their caprice; but let it not be thus under a republican government."

Note by the Paris Editor.

We cannot concur in the opinion of James Monroe, which we even regard as contrary to every principle. A government which is responsible must necessarily possess the right of recalling, removing or employing those who possess, or have lost, their confidence. Deprive it of this right, and you leave it nothing but the burden of responsibility without the power of acting. You leave it at the mercy of its agents. Neither a recall, moreover, nor even a removal, reflect dishonor, whatever Mr. Monroe may say on the subject, and it is only ambitious and headstrong blunderers who ever complain either of not being employed at all, or of being removed.

The original is handed to the Editor of the Aurora in manuscript.