Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-03-31

these southern nations themselves. And, If they are
wrong, il this committee, that the task of ex
hibi,ius their errors, may ne much better performed
hitherto ii hath been, by particular discussions with
each separately than ny general demonstrations made
10 all assembled rs n Congress.
The interests OF necessarily peculiar;
hey grow out of numerous circumstance, produced by
locality, climate population, manners, customs, and
other causes, of which exists alike any two
nations on the globe. Few general principles, therefore,
can ever apply with equal truth, reculari
eS anu such as Go apply, need not the sanction of
solemn compact to give them effect They may be
very safely coniied TO TIC natural disposition of man,
promptly 10 discover, and eagerly 10 ADVANCE his
best interests.
w Whatever dispositions, then may hare been mani
Iestcd by The Southern Nations al America, this Com
Inicc think that their effects both upon themselves
ana The l nited States, will constitute subjects much
more INT for separate discussions with EACH than of gen
cfa investigation before all. And the Committees
uc more confirmed in this opinion, BY the
given by the President in his message that sin most of
these cases. their regulations unfvorabc to have al
ready yielded TO friendly cXpustuaton & remoustrance
and by tho fact that the treaties recently concluded be-
tween these States contain express stpulations, that.
IN no event Will they agree enter into treaty with
SPAN or any other nation, TO the prejudice Of their in
Dependence but to mairtan at I'll tunes their mutual
interests, with the dignity and cnorgy proper free in
dependent States.
IL is true Il difference of opinion appenrs TO exist NJ
present. between the United States and one Of the new
Neru6ics OF America in relation 80 single principle
OF their commercial intercourse. When the Senate re-
collect however that treaties have been already CEN
cudcd between the United States and three others OF
these Republics in each OF which treaties this poin has
been settled, as the United States themselves think
right, the Committee believe that the Senate will con-
cur with them in the opinion that il is much better 10
continue the discussion Of this subject with the dissent
ing State siny, urging upon the example of her sis
ter States than to put in hazard the spuIaons already
secured. BY voluntarily entering into an examination
OF their expectancy before the contemplated Congress-
Tho co,,f,K
time neutrality, Favorable the navigation of peace
and commerce in time Of war; is the next object which
IN the opinion OF the President, should "also form
subject OF consideration 10 this Congrcs In relation
to this, so far as it regards the commerce of neace The
Committee have already expressed their opinion and
SO lar as It is intended TO settle the rules of war as an
pcaoie 10 navigation, the Committee will only remark
thai there exists 50 much risk of compromising and de-
stroynS the relations of neutrality, which the United
States are now maintaining, should they involve them
selves, h. any compact relative TO becerent rights
entered into with only Of the parties to the present
war, during It's continuance, that in their opinion il
would be highly neXpedent 70 make such an expert
ment Mt this time. Any principle relating to the rights
OF war; which one OF the parties in tho existing contes.
might be willing TO adopt, promoting lis interests
could scarcely be regarded with Indifference by the
other End the great maritime States of Europe would
most probably consider that the United States had sez
cd The occasion of this war; to enter into conederacy
with the other States of this continent now actually en-
gagged IN It, for the purpose of settling principles ed
ed TO affect materially their future interests.
It's well known TO the Senate, moreover that trea-
ties already exist between the United States and seye
raj OF the States Of this continent in which all the
subjects alluded 10 by the President in this part of his
message are already settled and reason is known TO
This Committee TO excite the slightest doubt that the
others of these States with whom treaties are not vet
concluded will feel any Discrimination 10 en into SINH
lar stipulations for themselves.
here IS yet another sub Ject, (says The Presdcnt)
upon winch without entering into treaty. the moral
influence OF the United States may, perhaps be exert
Ell with beneficial consequences al such etno-the
advancement Of religious lberty.n And as motive
Tor making an effort to accomplish this object he states
that can exclusive church has been Incorporated with
lie political constitutions OF some of the Southern ma
tons without federation Of any other than the dominant
secto
In the opinion of this committee there is no proposi
ton, concerning which the People of the United States
are nos and have been more unanimous than thot
winch denies, not merely the expedency but the right
OF ntermcddng with the internal affairs of other States
and especially OF seeking alter any provision they ma
nave thought proper to adopt fundamental law or
may have incorporated with their political constitutions
AND there be any such subject more sacred and deli
cate than another. as 10 which the United States ought
never to intermedde, even by obrusive advice if s
that which concerns religious liberty The most cruel
and devastating wars have been produced by such in
references the blood of has been poured out in
torrents; and, from the days of tie crsades TO the pre-
sent hour, no benefit has resulted TO the human family
from discussions carried on by nations upon such sub
Jects. Among the variety even OF Christian nations
when now nhabIt the earth, indeed are the exam
Piles 10 be found of States who have not established an
exclusive church; and to far the greater number of
these federation yet unknown. In none of he con,
Tnnnlcatons which have taken place. tue most distant
ausion made TO this delicate subject by any OF the min
s'ers who have given this invitation; and the committee
feel very confident in the opinion that if ever an init
nation shall be made TO the soveregnties thew repre-
sent that was The purpose of the T. States to discuss
al the proposed Congress, their plans of internal civil
poy or any thing touching the supposed interests off
their religious establishments, the invitation given would
soon he withdrawn.
The Committee have thus exhibited to the Senate in
detail. all the subjects which they have been enabled o
find particularly stated either by the President in h.,
first message or by any Of the ministers of the ne,y
States of America as matte" intended TO be discussed
at the contemplated Congress In reviewing these thcv
will repeat, that concurrence of opinion does moi
seem 10 exist between the different parties rs IN tho
subjects of deliberations has the mode Of discussion
or decision been in any way settled between them In
relation to some OF the subjects ";iudcJ to- as fit mat
ters for consideration differences of opinion radical and
irreconceabc, already to exist which discussion
may aggravatc but cannot assuagc As to Others their