Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-04-21


foreign Intercourse.
The President OF the United States conceives
ihs, it is natural policy for US to consuit with
other nations engaged in tire same studies and
pursuits, and that measures ought to be pursued
with this view The late President thinks il un-
wise, by Intervening our destiny with Europe,
to entansle our peace, unwise TO iinplicate our
selves by artificial ties, unwise aud unnecessary
to extend our engagements. His opinion is en-
rha,;cslly expressed by these words, Here let US
stop
But If we adopt the policy TO cOHStit with
other nations-if meas:rss TO be pursued with
that view-if we are 10 form foreign politi-
cal connections; how can we hope to escape be-
ing unavoidably drawn into the vortex! II
was, after having thus communicated his inten-
ton 1T was in pursuance OF that plan, that the
President thought lit to send minister TO Berlin.
Win Prussia, have no commerce Had
commerce been the object of that embassy, Swe-
den, Denmark the Hanse-,owns, or Italy, would
have been pl eferred. The mission is eddy
and evidently OF political nature, and, if we are
10 consult and TO form connections with nations,
who may, in our opinion, be engaged in similar
pursuits with ourselves il Prussia is considered
as such--with what nation in Europe, may we
not and shall not, according TO circumstances,
consult, concert measures, and form polh ical
arrangement 50 1t is from this view of the subject,
that have been induced, however reluctantly,
fully to state all the reasons which impress upon
my mind conviction Of the importance of the
present amendment, OF the Importance OF check
Ing at this time, and in its birth system which
tends TO increase our political connections with
Europe
Mr.. Gallatin was not alone: Macon, Nicholas,
and host OF others, associated with him, in defence
OF principles, in their view, vitality important to
the future prosperity of tire country. Far beyond
the reach of Executive patronage, they boldly con-
tended for principle taught by Washington, and
-. IL
ing voice Of the People Their abors shared the
fate which, in all probability, awaits the exerton of
those who At this day, maintain their Doctrines
They were ou,mustered al roll-call. They failed,
mark IL, by majority of four. The force OF
Executive patronage, aided by venal press, was
too strong for them. But OF what avail was sue
cuss their adversarcs? 4 few more such victo-
RES, and their ruin complete. The one party
succeeded in the House, but The other out of it
The seed then sown took root. The doctrines of
tire dominant party, inherently unsounj, stood
reouked before The power aud eloquence of their
adveTsarie', and speedily received the contemna-
ton OF the People; whilst the opposing rrinciple
the principle Tor which we now contend, was
rescued from the attack that was made upon it.
and once more registered among the special canens
OF the American policy. Its advocates lived TO see
1t placed upon footing which they had every rea-
believe would last least, the short period
oil their existence. But how uncertain are all things,
" Let no man boast Of tomorrow, for he knowelh
not what day may bring forth The events of
the last month form striking commentary upon
The text. 1t is nov twenty-eish, years since this
Transaction took place. and there are yet two per-
sons on this floor who acted and voted together
upon that great question. II has been TO me mat
ter osmrch interest 10 witness their course at this
day. OF the one cannot speak but hone for the
best The sentiments OF the other (Mr. MAcoN(
record. He Is yet the same unwaverino Re
tla! "a y.aS I'm 'Ia.
involved is the anne then. when that is ascer-
faiRed, he EXHIBITS s>~iI-- ren,hlinc
With mind vigorous, though mellowed by ex
perience, firmly relying the Republic, he fol-
lows the maxims OF his early years. The circum-
Stances under which speak restrain me. But this
much will say; The man who has occupied a
seat here and in the other House, during eve.y
administration OF the Government, from the second
year OF its institution the present day, and who
has been wise enough to estimate, at their value,
the miserable Illusions of Executive favor and who
prefers the appreciation OF his own conscience to
the meietriciOus Smile OF power; who look back
upon a life thus spent, with entire consciousness
that Ire never, single instance, postponed the
interests of his constituents 10 promote his own
deserves TO be regarded as monument of fidelity
and consistency, alike honorable to his State and
beneficial TO his country. But 10 return TO the
circumstances OF that eventful period: The ball of
political revolution, which was set in motion nv
Il
pidy forward by successive measures of equally
exceptonabe character, until finally il effected the
total overthrow OF the party then in power, and
the elevation of Mr.. Jefferson to the Presidential
chair. The creed OF this great father of our poll
teal church, was, " Peace, commerce. and honest
friendship with all nations; en,angling alliances with
none' In strict conformity TO the principle of
Washington, advising extension of our COM
mercal relations, but little political connec-
ton as possible. So far as we have already
formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with
perfect good faith; but here let as stop?' Dur
ing the whole OF Mr. Jetferson's administration,
the whole OF Mr. Madisons, and the first four wears
Of Mr. Monroe's, with single attempted excep-
tion,) the principles by the two great foun-
ders of the Republic respected and the result
was good. The exception 10 which alIude was
this: Influenced by that deep soicitude for the
welfare of our Western brethren, which always
has, and trust always will, influence the councils
Of the country, the Government was, in 1903.
induced to offer, through Mr.. Pinckney, our
Minister at Madrid, TO guaranty to the King
os Spain, and his SUCCESSORS, his dominions
beyond the Mississippi if he would sell 20 the
United States his possession between that and the
river Mobile. The desire 10 obi ain the cession.
il is well known, grew out of the dispute relative
TO the navigation of the Mississippi, and the cues
lions connected Herewith. In the discussion with
our Government, in 1918, relative TO the cession
oil the Florilas, Spain brought forward that offer
in 1903, claiming that it proposed guarantee of
her territory as far the Isthmus Of Panama. and
desiring to make il condition of the cession. The
change of circumstances since produced in Span
ish America, had taught her the immense value of
the guarantee. Our Minister at Madrid (Mr
Erving,) denied that such an offer had ever been
made. Mr.. Pinckney's letter was produced A
controversy succeeded as to its construction; which