France begins to emulate England in bewailing " distress" :
the great wine-trade is decaying, and the linen-trade calls for protection. The usual resort is at once demanded, exclusive duties on foreign goods; and England is threatened with a check to the linen-thread trade—a new blow to our depressed com- merce. The French profess to be very indignant that England should be lowering her Tariff and not lower it in favour of France ; but they forget that we offer terms— that we are ready to re- move restrictions if they will return the favour, and that, at all events, we impose no new restrictions. True, we are not blame- less : the treaty comprising the concessions we urge had reached its last stage of completion, when Lord PALsontsroN's mischiev- ous Syrian meddling blew it to the winds. But that is past. When M. GUIZOT took the place of the Anti-British THIESS, we were not slow to evince a disposition to improve our relations with the quick and impulsive French : the English Minister who offended them has given way to Lord ABERDEEN, or rather to Sir ROBERT PEEL, and there is no longer a call on their honour to nurse resentment. The new Minister gives earnest of his desire to realize a more liberal policy ; and he has reserved portions of the Tariff for special negotiations with foreign countries-with France among the number. Instead of inflicting a new injury on England, would it not be most judicious and most dignified to consult with England for mutual benefits, which may help to restore to both countries a happier state of commerce ?
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