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

Thursday, January 30.
IN SENATE.
SUPPRESSION OF Piracy.

SUPPRESSlON or IlRACf.
The Senate according to the order OF
the day, proceeded TO the consideration of
the bill, reported by the Committee of
Foreign Relations, for the suppression of
piracy. Thebil having been read through,
Mr.. BARBOUR, Chairman of the Com
Inittee on Foreign Relations, commenc-
ed his remarks by saying, that the Senate
were aware that this bill was reported by
the Committee on Foreign Relations I'M
der the express instru ctions OF the Senate
they were directed TO take into their
consideration so much of the Presidents
message, and the petitions OF most nu-
merous and respectable class Of our citi-
Zens, as related to this subject. The
Senate furthermore urged the committee
to report without delay. They would
have preferred postponing their report
till they received message from the
President, disclosing the views of the
Executive, in relation to the means proper
70 be employed to arrest the progress of
the enormous misc hief. But, from the
nature of the case, they were so impress
ed with its urgency, and the necessity Of
speedy report, that they resolved to pre-
sent their own views of the subject, not
doubling that they might rely OIL the wis
dom Of the Senate to rectify any thing
that might be wrong; and the committee
were happy to find that, on the reception
OF the Presidents message, he recon-
mended at least measures as energetic as
those proposedby the Committee on For
eign Relations.
In the discussion Of this subject, l do
not know the precise course that ought
TO be pursued; for, whilst hear on one
hand, In conversation, that the measures
we have adopted are too strong, on the 9TH
erl am told that we have not proceeded far
enough. presume to hope, on this oc-
CaSion the truth lies between the two. and
that, on the whole, the committee have
been fortunate in the means they have
suggested to put an end to the atrocious
practice OF piracy. Fortunately, or per-
si3psA Should say unfortarlately, for the
facts disclosed are of the most melancho-
iy description, there IS no room to doubt
the statements that have been made
Our commerce has too long been spolia-
ted by these brigands of the West Indies.
and our citizens have suffered every spe-
cleS OF outrage from them, not only
IN the destruction of their property but
they have been cruelty tortured and most
barbarously murdered. Its equally true,
that the means which have been hitherto
resorted to have been insufficient to put a
stop to it; and believe it is equally true
that the continuance of the evil is to be
ascribed to the fact, that these bandits find
an asylum in the Spanish possessions III
the West Indies 1t is equally true, that
the information we received from our
commanding officer iii that quarter, stat
ing that piracy was at an end, and pratt
cal sail was no longer to be seen, is incorl
rect. 1t has gone on, gaining strength
from time-its horrors have increased.
instead of being diminished, and the
numbers OF these enemies Of the human
race have been swelled by the most profit
gate %retches-the refuse Of all nations.
he nautical means employed are not suf-
hclent to effect the desired end; and moth
ing short OF the pursuit OF these villains
on shore, promises any thing like an ade-
quate remedy. The pirates are not ONLY
to be found at sea, but the whole island
OF Cuba rs infected with this moral lepro-
sly, from head to football have partici-
pated In the spoil thus villainously ac-
qulred, nor will it cease till the u. States
adopt some strong measures to make them
feel the consequences of the measures
which they have not only tolerated but
assisted in
These are the facts Of the case, and the
inference drawn from them; and pre-
sumo there can be no difference of opin-
ION on the subject in the Senate. that il IS
necessary that something should be done.
and that 1t should be done speedily and
efficaciously. The only difference that
can possibly exist may be, as to the means
which ought to be employed; for, surely.
there can De no doubts as TO the exned;.
ency Of stretching out the arm of the ma.
ton, with all its resources, if necessary, to
put an end TO piracy. The committee
did not portray, in the dark colors of
which the subject is susceptible. the out
RACES and atrocities committed by these
6rigands. They did not exhibit the
American citizen suspended from his
yard-arm, or weltering in his blood on his
own deck, invoking in vain the aid Of that
flag, as well the pledge Of your protection
rs the emblem Of your sovereirntv Tbev
did not do so, because they thought that
the naked facts with the atrocious cir
Cumstances connected with them. would
be sufficient to excite the INDIGNATION and
horror OF every citizen. They, therefore.
left the subject to the general conception
OF every member Of this BODY, without
wishing to bring out the whole Of the
dark disclosure. On this account. some
may be induced to believe that, in the