“From this formidable mass, whose dearest interests attach them to the soil, may be formed voluntary corps constituting movable columns....
“Thus the nation, fighting on every point with the army, either in the line or as auxiliaries, will prove that a great people cannot unwillingly be brought under the yoke that they have once shaken off.
“Gentlemen, I will only remind the government that eight years ago, in the session of 1820, the ministers then acknowledged that they had been in possession, for eight months, of the project of a law drawn up by a special commission, and you all know how it has hitherto resulted.
“The glory of the French navy has resounded in every heart. The name of Navarino has been proclaimed with an unanimous concert by the throne and in the chamber, as it had been echoed by the whole nation; the brave Admiral de Rigny is perfectly secure against the censure of a recall. The infamous traffic of human flesh has been partly suppressed, but it is not yet totally extinct. With an entire confidence in the sentiments of the minister of marine on these important questions, I submit to his wisdom the idea of placing the slave trade on the same footing as piracy, as the law of the United States has given the example, since followed by England. With regard to the management of our colonies, gentlemen, there is so much to say that I could not briefly enter on the subject. I will merely remark that the system of colonization of the ancients is, in any opinion, much preferable to that of modern times.
“In the law under consideration the minister of finance has undoubtedly surpassed all his colleagues; but when a thorough discussion is about taking place, I do not feel sufficient confidence to anticipate the opinions that you will hear from colleagues more learned and more skilful than myself. I should even consider myself worthy of reproach, had I not made it a duty to offer some of my ideas, but especially to call at this tribune for more effectual social reforms than can possibly be achieved by way of amendments.”
La Fayette was constantly the recipient of attention and distinguished honors, both in America and in France. The young men of Auvergne gave him a splendid banquet on the 23d of June, 1828. The old general’s toast was: “To the assembled young men of the three departments of Auvergne, and to our dear mountains; the volcanoes of these are extinct, but the sacred fire of liberty will never be extinguished among them.”
The marquis never forgot any of his friends, especially his American comrades, and his affection for the fathers was continued to the sons, as the subjoined letter to Charles A. Clinton, written to him by La Fayette upon receiving the news of the death of his father, De Witt Clinton, will demonstrate.
“Paris, March 30, 1828.
“My dear Sir: Your personal and friendly attentions to me make you a natural organ of the melancholy and affectionate feeling which I wish to be conveyed to the family of your lamented father. I regret the mournful and unexpected event as an immense loss to the public, and a great personal cause of grief to me. Bound as I was to the memory of my two beloved Revolutionary companions, your grandfather and grand-uncle, I had found a peculiar gratification in the eminent talents and services of their son and nephew, and in his kind and liberal correspondence, until personal and grateful acquaintance had impressed me with all the feelings of a more intimate friendship. I beg you to be to your afflicted family the interpreter of my deep sympathies, and to believe me forever
“Your most sincere friend,