Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-04-28
Gbe Constitutional sJthf0.

"' 'ec|e' SeS$tUt. sudFth 1873
| Mr.. JOHNSTON, of Louisiana addressed the Sen
ate as follows
regret the necessity of deviatng from the course
lad prescribed 10 myself i'll this debate had deter
mined to form my Judgment from careful examioa
non OF the documents with the aid of those reflections
winch my oH mind suggested, and TO pronounce that
opinion winch should result, by vote But the in.
disposition OF the gentleman from Massachusetts, MIR
MINIS, leaves longer at liberty To decline the dis.
cusson, however Improbable il NAV be- and at what
ever waste of time. The report the committed il is
sand, must be taken for granted. The arguments that
nave been ofteed arc called uanswerable because
answered II becomes, therefore, my duty regret to
say 10 Vndcate our opinions; to present the Senate
iu and FAIR view OF thus question; aud, in doing
reply 10 The report and the arguments of the gentlemen
who have preceded me.
We have been invited BY the Governments of Co..
iomola, Mexico, and Guatemala send ministers TO
the Congress of panama The President has expressed
Willingness 10 accept the invitation with the advice
and consent of the Senate; and arc now to give that
ad'ice The respect and courtesy which distinguish
the intercourse OF nations--whici ought especially to
belong 10 ,e existing relations with them-wouIu seem
TO require that the inv atiUn should be met in the ami
cable spirit Ill WHICH 1t Is offered, unless it involves
departure from DUTY policy. But do not
place the argument that ground. There objects
OF great and pressing Concel, 10 this country, and of
deep and vita! interest that position which repre-
rent, which call for the immediate nteSuoson of this
government regret 10 differ with the representatives
OF that interest here, with regard tie mode OF attain
ing our object; while there difference of opinion
with regard TO the extent of the evil the magnitude
OF the danger, there other objects Of general ma
ture, whch recommend the mission TO u.s. 10 which
viii be my duty TO advert the courc my remarks.
II has been assumed IN debate, that the aCceptancc
will involve violation OF neutrality and that all
the objects either dangerous, xpedien unne.,
cessary. mean 10 meet this argument fairly. The
question turns upon IT, freely admit that if, it has
been strongly urged by both the gentlemen who proceed
ed me- AIr. White and Mr.. Iiayue.f this was confedc-
racy of American States OF which we should form a
part; If this was helgerent Congress- and should
sit in council with them deliberate on those belIipe-
rent questions vote with them, and be bound by them
there is no doubt Of the would affect ueu-
traiy and The consequences 10 which ii would lead
But if these facts true. but assumeG-if thew
are not warranted by the documents but Inferred il
will clearly follow that there ground tor the ar
gment, and the whole Of the superstruCture will fall
with ii; and to this iss G bring the debate.
Gonlcdcraey, or certain Specified objects has been
formed by the Spanish American States IL is expressly
declared 10 be composed ''of the Statcs of America
formerly Spanlsh'-''of the cdevaut Spanish Ameri
can States" This cou(ederacy already formed by ru
tuai conventions, which before US; objects
peculiar TO themselves To this league " e are not par
ties, even Iii contemplation Tie purpose CT IL is TO-
reign TO US; we have war; not threatened
vain InYa>o1 we want alliance; require no ra
lying point; we have no motive to change present
happy aud peaceful relations Although we have recent
IS formed treaties with each OF theu there has been no
such convention proposed n>; is il any where sue
gcscd, but il debate. that TO form part of the
league rs not originally part the confedc-
racy, we could not be admitted without new com
pact, and without violating the commercial rights and
interest OF the parties under it, This compact could
not be formed, certainly, without treaty which wouid
require tic ratification of this body. There is no mo-
vision for the admission Of States. The union is
limited TO those who Lad common interest. We have
been invited with peculiar caution and dcIicacy not as
member OF the family, but guest; not 10 Con.
gress OF which we party, but friend and vi
ser; TO afford them an opportunity q aniicstiu to Us
the sentiments OF Kindness and friendship with which
they animated
These Spanish American States have been engaged
IN war of Revolution. They have achieved their in
dependencies all the force of Spain has been driven
from tic continent. But Spain refuses all terms with
them and may The upon either the most ex-
posed the most feeble she will concentrate all her
power upon given point the occupation of anv nc
soH on The continent Wiii form basis of opera ions
on which TO act against all the rest as il will become
the ralying point of all her adhcrenis and enable thers
10 prolOng the warit became necessary 10 unite for
the defence Of all aud mutually TO guaranty
peace, security, aud independence.
In such compact, 1t not our duty, our po!icv
or inclination TO engage aud accordingly find that
no proposition made to to become party and
all the communications speak with the most rIIarded
precautions, and the most explicit aro.als. To believe
that they intended to unite in their councils or "a
draw into their measures, would be TO arrive If This
conclusion, not only without evidence byf against al
evidence and in the face of tie most solemn ass,ranc
es This alliance of Spanish American States is alrca>
. dy formed The parties that compose H. tie principles
upon which II is based the Obligations imposes and
The means 10 bc employed, July forth in the con
yentions before US; to which J confidently refer.
But 1t has been called belligcrcDt congress. All
tic objects Of this league either international rcru.
latODg OF peaceful character alliauce for de.
fence against the Invasion Of Spain or her adherents
1t is in this last but Union provide for peace
and security. Il is but common guarantee for mutual
sucCOr and defence, when shall DO carried into
- their country. There power dircC, forern war
or offensive measures against any nations 81 he parties
voluntarily promise and contract league Of close ALI
ance, and finn and constant friendship for the common
defence for the security Of their independence and II
nd al T.
tic Internal tranquility, obging Themselves TO siccor
each other, and to rcpcl in every afiqcE or in
rnston' which may IN any manner threaten ;eir ,oyjtj
cat existence" To carry this defensive a!ance ,nto
fleet an assembly should be formed composed Of two
plenpotcuarics from each party, on tic same terms
and Ith the same formsles which in conformity win
established usage ought 10 be observed for the appoint
ncu of ministers of equal class near TIC Government
Of Foreign nations.
% These ministers will compose sort Of diplomatic
council, "whOsc object it will be confirm and cstab
D