The debilitated situation of a monarchal government . . .

A pointed comparison of French and American governments, prompted by events surrounding American efforts in 1836 to force France to honor spoliation claims for American shipping losses suffered during the Napoleonic Wars, as established by the Treaty of 1831. This print celebrates President Andrew Jackson's successful receipt of reparations from the French for damages to the American Navy dating back to the Napoleonic Wars. On the left is a shore with King Louis Philippe, several of his ministers or officers, and an overturned chest from which issue statements of the country's debts and a picture of "Fieschi" dated July 28, 1835. (Republican conspirator Giuseppe Maria Fieschi unsuccessfully tried to assassinate King Louis-Philippe of France on July 28, 1835.) Louis Philippe holds in his hand a card reading "Fortunate speculation 25 millions." One of his officers forcibly impresses a seaman, and points toward the ship "Dido" which is moored off shore. The text below reads: The debilitated situation of a monarchal Government when puffed up by pride and self-importance, whose resources must be wrung from the people's hands. The difficulties to which such a State must ever be exposed. The scene is contrasted with one on the opposite shore where four American officers stand near a chest full of money. The chest has inside its lid a picture of the Capitol. The foremost officer, a surprisingly young-looking Andrew Jackson, holds up the Treaty of 1831. Behind him a gentleman holds forth a bag of money, a sailor waves his cap, and an armed citizen stands by. Near the chest is a book open to a list of American victories during the War of 1812, on which rests a laurel. Below on the frontispiece of an unbound book, is a picture of George Washington. In the distance three ships are moored: the "Constitution," "New Orleans" and an unnamed vessel. Below is the legend: The flourishing condition of a well-formed industrious Republic. The willingness displayed by the citizen of a free State to serve his country with his blood and fortune. In a medallion below is the head of Liberty, surrounded by stars. Below the medallion are eight lines from Lord Byron's "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage," praising American liberty and questioning Europe's prospects for freedom. The print is well-drawn for an American print of the period and, considering the lack of an imprint, may have been produced in England.

Century, p. 46
Weitenkampf, p. 42
Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)
Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1836-2.