Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-04-08

| voluntarily entering into an examination OF
their expediency, before the contemplated
Congress.
| "The consentaneous adoption of principles
| of maritime neutrality, Favorable to the navi-
CATION Of peace and commerce in time Of war,
| is the next object which, in the opinion OF the
President, should "also form subject of con-
| sideration to this Congress-" In relation to
this, so far as it regards the commerce Of peace
the Committee have already expressed their
opinion: and, so far as it is intended to settle
the rules Of war, as applicable 70 navigation,
the Committee will only remark, that there
exists so much risk of compromising and de-
stroying the relations of neutrality, which the
United States are now maintaining, should
they involve themselves, by any compact, re-
lative to belligerent rights, entered into with
only one of the parties TO the present war, dur
ing its continuance, that, in their opinion, 1t
would be highly inexpedient to make such an
experiment at this time. Any principle relat-
ing to the rights Of war, which one OF the par
lies in the existing contest might be willing
to adopt, as promoting its interests. could
scarcely be regarded with indifference by the
other. And the great maritime States Of .Eu-
rome would most probably consider that the U.
States had seized the occasion of this war, to
enter into confederacy with the other States
of this continent, now actually engaged in it,
for the purpose Of settling principles intended
to affect materially their future interests.
Ii is well known to the Senate, moreover,
that treaties already exist, between the United
States and several of the new States of this
continent, in which all the subje alluded to
BY the Presidents, in this part Of his message,
are already settled; and no reason is known
to this Committee to excite the slightest doubt,
that the others of these States, with whom trea-
ties are not yet concluded, will feel any dis.
inclination to enter into similar stipula,ions for
themselves.
"There is yet another subject, (says the
President upon which, without entering into
any treaty, the moral influence OF the United
States, may, perhaps, be exerted with bench
ca consequences, at such a meeting-the ad-
vancement Of religious liberty" And as a
motive for making an effort to accomplish this
object, he states, that Gan exclusive church
has been incorporated with the political con-
situations of some Of the Southern nations with
out federation Of any other than the dominant
sect"
In the opinion of this committee, ther. is no
proposition, concerning which the people OF the
United States arc now and ever have been more
unanimous than that which denies, not merely
the expediency, but the right, Of intermeddling
with the internal affairs Of other States; and es
pecially of seeking to alter any provision they
may have thought proper to adopt as funda-
mental law, or may have incorporated with
their political constitutions And if there be
any such subject more sacred and delicate than
another, as TO which the United States ought
never to intermeddle, even oy obtrusive advice,
it is that which concerns religious liberty The
most cruel and devastating wars have been pro-
duced by such iuterierences; the blood of man
has been poured out in torrents; and, from the
days Of the crusades 10 the present hour, no
benefit has resulted to the human family from
discussions carried on by nations upon such
subjects. Among the variety even OF Christian
nations which now inhabit the earth, rare in
deed are the examples to be found OF States
who have not established an exclusive church;
and TOO far the greater number OF these tolera-
rations is yet unknown. In none Of the com
munications which have taken place, is the
most distant allusion made to this delicate sub
iect by any of the Ministers who have given
this invitation; and the committee feel conf
dent in the opinion that, if ever an intimaton
shall be made to the sovereignties they repre-
StHt, tldl IL Nao tiS P"i PNoS va Wv ii'NN
States to discuss at the proposed Congress,
their plans of internal civil polity or any thing
touching the supposed interests of the religious
establishments, the invitation given would soon
be withdrawn,
The committee have thus exhibited to the
Senate, is detail, AL the subjects which they
have been enabled 10 find particularly stated,
either by the President in his first message, or
by any of the ministers Of the new States OF
America, as matters intended 10 be discussed
at the contemplated Congress In reviewing
these, they will repeat, that concurrence OF
opinion does not seem to exist, between the dill
ferent parties, as to the subjects of deliberation;
nor has the mode Of discussion or decision been
in any way settled between them. In relation
to some Of the subjects alluded to, as fit mat
tiers Tor consideration, differences OF opinion,
radical and irreconcieable seem already TO ex-
list, which discussion may aggravate, but cannot
assuage. As to others, their very agitation IN
this mode, threatens seriously the compronit-
ment Of the neutral relations which the United
States are now maintaining, and have so care
fully observed throu hout this whole contest.
Others, again, are unfit subjects for deliberation
in this mode at ali times, and any agreement
resulting from their discussion, must impair
that freedom of action which it is so necessary
for the United States to preserve as to these;
and as to the residue, they either not OF SUI
ficient importance TO require the adoption OF