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


dow of evidence to prove that thew have
oceh taken up and punished for their
crimes, and Tor the sufferings they have
caused! There is none. You must cause
vengeance to reach them-you must
teach them there is justice still on earth !;
and, although their own government con-
nives at their iniquity, there is another
country strong enough to seize them in
their recesses, and drag them to condign
punishment. If we travel further into
the case, we shall see the depth of de-
pravity to which human nature can be
reduced. These wretches, instead OF
being detested, are publicly Justified
Yes, sir, 1t Is pronounced an honorable
trade; and what are we TO expect from
beings such as these? There is another
circumstance which is very strong indeed
EVEN General Wives himself, whom
we exempt from participation in these
deeds OF iniquity, is still afraid TO execute
the authority with which he is invested.
The brigands are seen in the public
streets mixing with the most respectable
people OF the p'ace-and why nots They
are all engaged in the same abominable
traffic, and, although those who have
been so fortunate as to escape the muir
derer's poniard, have been able to point
out, in the public streets, man, saying,
"there is one Of those who TO bbed me and
murdered ny companions, he was told
to beware lest the pouiard still reeking
with the blood of u brother, shall shed
his own.
Sir. have heard ii stated, that the
territorial rights Of Spain would be vio-
lated, were we to adUpt the measure re-
commended in this section. That it is "a
terrible thing to violate the rights of
nation ;.nd draw on war, and ali its ca
iamities-- Spain has obligations to
perform, as well as rights to assert. II
Spain had acquitted herself Of the obliga-
lions imposed on her by the laws OF God
and man, ana brought TO punishment
those monsters who find refuge in her
territory, and to which she has so often
been urged by our government III vain,
would admit, that any attempt to enter
her territory, as it would be without ne
cessity, SO, also, it would be without
right, and unjust. But under existing
circumstances, what can Spain do? The
Committee find that Spain is unable to
fulfil her social duties, and they put this
charitable struction on her neglect of
them. Ifshe is able to put a stop to these
outrages, and yet still permits them, she
makes herself party in the crime, and
no measures that the United States could
adopt would be too strong. We must
act on one OF these tacts-connivance or
inability. 10 act on the latter, is for the
benefit of Spain. And what can Spain
Compiain OF! The United States has
thrown herself on her own resources to
do that which Spain ought to do, but
finds herself unable. Sir, let us bring
this case to private life. Suppose the
| habitation of all individual to be intruded
on by ruffian, and he is without strength.
and unable to resist him--a neighbour,
VINO has been annoyed by this same ruff
| fan, seizes him and turns him out; can
the weak man complaint The same
principle applies here. 1t is misior
tune, but not crime, in nation, that it
is incapable of dong itself justice. Spain
cannot acquit itself Of its obligations in
driving out these bandits. They carry
Oh war with all mankind, and all mankind
ough to arise to relieve neighbour that
Is unable to assist itself
But, sir, beg to observe that this
clause is limited to fresh pursuit.
! w ben these wild beasts are started from
their lairs by the American squadron,
and wish to conceal themselves, then
making fresh pursuit, authority is given
to the officers to pursue them, and bring
them back, or leave them in the island,
ii assurance is given that they shall be
brought to condign punishment. am
now abiding to the caution with which
this power is given. 1t is not general
privilege to enter the country in pursuit
OF pirates, because the ultimate conse-
quence might be mischievous. But, if.
In d fresh pursuit, it is necessary to APP
Prebeud them, then the authority is
granted them. With this caution, no
difficulty will be created; and, consider
ing the eXigency and extraordinary ma
ture Of the case, and the outrages com
mitted, there cannot be any difference of
opinion in the Senate as to this clause of
the bill. Surely, those do not argue
well, who say that a measure should not
be adopted, because it may ultimately
produce mischief. This objection lies
against any and every measure. If pow
CT is pushed too far, there is au-
thority sufficient in this country to pun
ish those who should be guilty Of wan
ton abuse power.
The third clause is that authorising
blockade, under particular circumstances.
This clause has been particularly on
Jected to, more especially on the ground
of right.