The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1826-03-30
lCantiaasf Ltym Me FIST PAGE

ducible from, and coniormablc TO il. Nor
IL itless comformable 10 the views Of my
immediate predecessor, az declared in his
annual message TO Congress Of the I'd Of
December, 1923, to which have already
adyerted, and TO an important passage Of
which invite the attention of the House.
"Thc citizens OF the United States, said
he, cherish sentiments the most friendly
an favor OF the liberty and happiness of
Their fellow men on that (thc European)
side OF the Atlantic. In the wars Of the
European Powers, in matters relating TO
themsclyes, we have never taken any part,
nor does 1t comport with our policy 80 to
DO. IL Is only when our rights are invaded,
or seriously menaced, that we resent lnlur-
les or make preparation for or defence.
With the movements in this hemIsph here,
We are, on necessity, more Immediately
coqnected, and by causes which must be
Obvious to all enlightened and impartial OBJ
servers. The political system Of the Allied
Powers is essentially different, in this res
pect, from that Of America. This differ
ence proceeds from that which exists in
their respective governments to the !
defence OF our own, which has been "a
chleved by the loss Of SO much blood and
treasure, and matured by the wisdom of
their most enlightened citizens. and under
which we have enjoyed uneXampled felic-
ity, this whole nation is devoted We owe
It, therefore, 10 candor, and TO the AMIGA
Bile relations subsisting between the Uni
ted States and those powers, to declare
that we should consider any attempt on
their part TO extend their system to any
portion of this hemisphere, as dangcrOusl
TO our peace and safety. With the existing
colonies or dependencies Of any European
power, we have not intertcred, and shall
not interfere. But with the governments
who have declared their independence, and
maintained it, and whose independence we
have, no grent consideration, and on just
principles, acknowledged, we could not
view any inteTposition for the purpose Of op- |
pressing them, or controlling in any other |
manner, their destiny, by any European
power, in any other light than as maniies-
tation Of an unfriendly disposition towards
the u. States. In the war between those
new governments and Spain. we declared |
our neutrality at the time Of orr rccogni-
tion, and to this we have adhered, and
shall continue TO adhere, provided no
change shall occur, which, i'll the judgment
of the competent authorities of this Gov
change on the part Of the United States
indispensable to their security"
To the question which may be asked,
whether this meeting, and the principles
which may be adjusted settled by it as rules
of intercourse between the American ma
tions, may not give umbrage TO the Holy
League, Of European Powers, or offence To
Spain, il is deenpd sufficient answer, that
cause of umbrage or offence TO either; ond
that the United States will stipulate moth
ING there which can give such cause.
Here the right of inquiry into our purpo-
ses and measures must stop. The Holy (
League Of Europe itself was formed with
out inquiry of the United States whether it
would or would not give umbrage to them.
The fear of giving umbrage TO the Holy ,
League Of Europe was urged rs n motive
for denying to the American nations the
acknowledgment Of their independence.
That it would be viewed by Spain as hos
tiity TO her, was not only urged, but di-
rectly declared by herself The Congress,
and Administration, Of that day consulted
their rights and duties, and not their fears,
fully determined to give no needless dis I,
pleasure 70 any foreign power, the United 5
States can estimate the probability of their c
giving it only the right by which any for
eign state could have to take it from their |
measures. Neither the representation of !
the United States at Panama, nor any mea- /.
sure to which their assent may be yielded
there, will give to the Holy League, or
any of its members, nor TO Spain, the righ { I
TO take offence. For the rest, the United !
States must still, as heretofore, take coun-
SCI from their duties rather than their fears.
Such are the objects in which it is ex-
pectcd that the Plcnipotentiares of the
United States, when commissioned to at
tend the meeting at the isthmus, will take
part; and such are the motives and purposes
with which the invitation of the three Re-
publcs was accepted. II was, however,
as the House will perceive from the cores
pondence, accepted only upon condition
that The nomination of Commissioners
for the mission should receive the advice
and consent oithe Senate. The concur
renee of the House To the measure, by
the appropriations necessary for carrying
it into effect, is a like subject to its free de-
termination, and Indispensable to the full
filment Of the intention.
That the congress at Panama will accom-
plish all, or even any of the transeendant
benefits To the human race. which warmed
the conceptions of its first proposer, it were,
perhaps, indulging too sanguiue forecast
of events TO promise. IL is in its nature,
a measure speculative and experimental.
The blessing Of Heaven may turn it TO the
account of human Improvement Acct
dents unforeseen,and rnischances not to be