Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-02-01

proceeded too far, but in. my estimation.
we have not, nor do believe we could
have gone too far. These people, bv a
singular combination, unite too of the
most atrocious crimes that infest socic-
ty, the slave trade and piracy; and So
dom and Gomorrah can no longer claim
the infamous pre-eminency in crime.
There are others who think we have
not gone Tar enough, but if they had said
we ought to have recommended extermin-
alton, l should not have thought it too
strong. They are the common enemies of
the human race. The whole island is par
ticipating in the most atrocious crimes
that can be perpetrated by man, and
against these, as enemies of the human
race, determination might with proprie-
ty be denounced. The committee had
no desire to infiame the passions, orhave
|, and am confident that no labored CO.
ioring is necessary to make every member
OF this body feel as powerfully on this
subject as do.
Sir. will now proceed to take up the
bull, section by section, to satisfy the
Senate as to the proPriety of adopting the
means proposed.
he hrst section proposes building a
number OF ships, not exceeding ten. Of a
partlcuiariorc In relation to this clause.
wish to remark, that it is the copy of a
bill that passed last session for BUILDING.
these ships. 1t was measure strongly
recommended by the intelligent Head of
the Navy Department. These vessels
were to answer two purposes; they were
not only calculated for suppressing the
existing evil, but they would be an addi-
ton to the navy, to be used wherever a
force OF this description could be of SER
vice. and as means of keeping down
this tremendous evil when it was once
down. 1T was then argued. that 1t was
more prudent to buy than build, but the
tmost intelligent were of contrary opir-
ION, ana experience warranted it. 1t is
unnecessary to travel further on this
ground, since nothing has since occur
red to occasion change of opinion on
this subject; but, on the contrary. the
duration and the increase of the evil has
| tended to confirm it The House of Re-
personalities had not time to consider il.
1t was passed over with many hundred
other subjects, but there was never any
thing unfriendly existed, as far as am
advised, to its passage.
ne second section provides for the
landing OF our forces in fresh pursuit of
pirates, IN the territory
believe, as far as regards our RIGHT TO
/ adopt this measure, there is no question
that II will be yielded, on all hands, that
/ 1t is lawful to enter the territory of any
power IN which pirates have taken re-
huge. Where neutral power permits
the enemy of an established government
to enter its territory, it Instantly creates
{ right, on the part of the opposing pow
er, to pursue. because, in giving them
T, refuge, they abandon their neutrality
Much more so, is the right unquestiona-
bic as regards pirates. They are the
common enemies of the human race, to-
wards whom there can be no neutrais;
therefore, it is perfectly lawful to pursue
them into any territory into which they
may have taken refuge, and any nation
who should assert that their rights had
been violated by such pursuit, would
make themselves parties in their crimes,
and become obnoxious to all civilized
governments, for the refuge afforded to
the enemies of mankind
III there be any doubt, however, on any
mans mind, | will avail myself of the
opinion Of one Of the most distinguished
JuriSts OF this country, and, when such
authority is to be had, | prefer it to all
other. This gentleman was at the head
OF the Navy Department when instruc-
tons were given to Commodore Porter,
when he proceeded on his first cruise on
that station, and who now occupies, with
so much credit to himself and usefulness
to his country, seat on the supreme
bench. After sanctioning the principle
| above advanced, as to entering the terri
tory OF neutrals by belligerants, he pro.
ceeds TO state that, in the case Of pirates,
there IS no neutral party; they being enc
mics OF the human race, all nations are
| parties against them, and therefore the
right OF entry, into any and all territories,
in pursuit of pirates, is a clear principle
OF international law. In addition to this.
you have the message Of the President of
the United States, that this course is ne
| cessary to reach the evil, so that there can
be no doubt as TO the eXpediency Of the
measure.
l cannot too often endeavor to impress
on the minds of the Senate, that these
Jrigands are not only formidable by sea,
but they find abettors by land. Let hu-
inanity blush on the declaration Of the
fact; they find countenance not only
amongst the refuse Of the population of
Cuba, but amongst the merchants, the
planters, and, what is more humiliating,
amongst the constituted authorities Of
Il ~ 4