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

Tie United States should never hermit themselves TO en-
ter INTO discussion with any foreign State whatever, rs
10 the relations they should be obliged Ia establish with
any other People not parties such discussions. And
the objections TO such course become infinitely stron-
ger when The discussions intended 10 refer, not only
10 those who then exist but aso others, who may
hereafter be consider cd as rlaccL sin like
Ccs.n
These ali the points particularly suggested by the
Minister of Colombia, subjects of discussion =. the
contemplated Congress. The Minister of Guatemala,
who also unitcs III the invitation given the United
States, has stated no particular subject matter OF dis
cusson nj this Congress. He inu,acs however. at
cas- Europe had formed Conf;Rcnini SscEa ard held
Ga Congress, whenever questions affecting us interests
wcrc TO be discussed America should also fnr,,, sys-
"tem for Itself"
How far this general suggestion meets the ycvvs of
the President, the Committee not enabled by any
document 10 them referred, 20 decide. But they will
present to the Senate their ideas in relation 10 it,
the rather because It seems 10 be the prominent
object of the proposed Congress, the magnitude and
variety OF details belonging 10 which, deGed present
enumeration, and particular specification.
Without advcrng 20 the great and obvious ,iiversi-
ties existing between the States Of this Continent and
those Of Europe, by which the system here alluded TO
has been esahlisicI-6versies growing on, of the ST.
tiation of their people, the nature their governments
and the positions they occupy. only in relation TO
each other but 10 tie rest of the civilized world this
Committee will state, their opinion, that no effect
yet produced by the Continental system of Europc IS of
character to invite the States of this Continent TO
take that system as model example fit for their
limitation. The great object Of The Continental Sys
tern OF Europe is TO preserve ancient institutions and
relations oIrg known and well uDdersto in the posi-
ton which they now occupy, and for many ccnturie.
have done.
The operation of this system is BY the combination Of
powers and the application Of mere force to arrest the
progress of improvement in the science of government
and in the condition OF society. Ends which all free
States must rcprobate, much they do the means
employed for their accomplishment. II this were not So
| n rrnpI
same, even different Objects would. most probably
produce the worst effects. The short political existence
OF all the States on this continent even of the United
States themselves, the ancient Of any, hath ena
bed them TO profit little as vet bv experience t,o,
1t would seem rash to proclaim their perfection al
TINS time or 10 pledge any OF them perpetua;e either
their present institutions, or existing political relations.
oar wneXceilent Constitution is based upon the sup
position OF IFS own probable imperfections and most
wisely provides for its amendments whenever such de-
iects shall be discovered 10 exist We cannot there
fore, shpuatc, 10 preserve is; and no comnact
with other States can be necessary 10 bestoy upon
eac the power II possesses, effect any chance
which experience may hereafter show 10 be beneficial
to Itself And stipulation to make such CHANGES nc
the good of any others may hereafter require w0uJ ci
ter be futile in itself, must inevitably lead 10 discord
and 10
This Committee donbt moreover, the authority of
.he Government Of the United States 10 enter into anv
negotiation with foreign nations, for the purpose of set.
iing and promulgaiing, either principles of internal no.
my, VI propositions. parts of the
TIC ia" And The proposed Congress is viewed but as
convenient mode Of conducting summary nero,iato,
teative 10 existing interests important to this Cont
nent alone, IT moi only may, but probably will he
considered, by all other civilized nations as copfcde
racy ct The States therein represented for purnosoe
as preudical 10 the interests of the old nc rher ,ro
supposed to he beneficial 10 those of the ncw world
MANY OF the provisions IN the different conventions al.
ready concluded between some Of the States re-
atWe 10 tins very Congress, and which are now nub
e. n
1t they do not Justify belief in lis truth, And when
socver this suspicion shall be entertained ,y ,c nations
OF The Old world, and especially bv those who still hold
possessions on this Continents il m,ist be obvous 10 all
that consequences much 10 be Gepored viii unayoid,
ably result.
Nothing that can be done thereafter, by anv denar,
Hent OF THIS Government in refusing TO sanction the
stpulaens, concluded AT Congress regarded in tI;e
light, Will suffice 10 avert the calamity. And e In,eI
States, who have grown up in happiness TO their nro
sent prosperity, by strict observance of their old we'll
known course of policy, and by manifcsnr entire oood
VIII and most profound respect for all other nations
must prepare 10 embark their future desnies upon an
unknown and turbulent ocean, directed by little expe
renee, and destined for no certain haven In such =
voyage, the dsshilitude existing between themselves
and their associates in interest character lanruaro re
gion, manners, customs, habits laws and almost eve
ry other partCnar and the rivaship these discrenan
ces must surely produce among them, would generate
dscords. which, if they did not destroy all hone of s
successful termination, would make even success itself
themselves. Such has been the issue OF all such enter
prizes IN past time and we have therefore strong rea
sons 10 expect IN the future, similar results from similar
causes.
The COMMITTEE, having thus examined the several
subjects ct proposed discussion stated alluded to BY
each OF the ministers Of the States Of America as
matters OF dehberaticn at the contemplated Congress-
VIII now proceed TO e investigation Of others not men
toned referred to By any of them but ybibed !,
the message Of the President.
The Committee nothing in the documents 10 tl,e,
REFERRED TO prove that the States who originated the
project Of this Congress, and settled the subjects pro-
per Tor us deliberations and who most probably have
ready adjusted te preliminary rules Of that assembly -
VIII admit, rs fit matters Of discussion any other fhan
those which they themselves have previously announ
cod Shon'j this be tic case, tic degraded position
WHICH tie l nicd States must bcn Occupv at the Con
gTess must be apparent TO all. Without advcrtno fur
hcr' however at this time TO This considerations thc
COMMITTEE will enter into the examination Of the sevc
raj topics suggested by the President as though te
discussion Of hem was matter settled and aJrea6r
agreed.
The first Of these subjects stated by the President i
"the establishment of principles of liberal CONNER