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

selves to suspicious Of purposes ofambition
II mol OF domination, more suited TO rouse
resistance and excite distrust, than to con-
cillate favor and friendship. The first and
paramount principle upon which il was
deemed wise and Just to lay the corner
stone of all our future relations with them
was Observation-Disclosures the next, was cordial
| goodwill 10 them; the third was claim of
faIr and equal reciprocity. Under these
Impressions, when the invitation was for
maIly and earnestly given, had it even been
doubtful whether any of the objects pro-
posed for the consideration and discussion
ut the Congress, were such as that imme-
date and important interests of the United
States would be effected by the issue,
should nevertheless have determined, so far
as 1t depended upon me, to have accepted
the invitation and to have appointed min
listers to attend the meeting. The proposal
itself implied that the Republics by whom
It was made, beliered, that important inter-
ests Of ours, or of theirs, rendered our at
tendance there desirable. They had given
us notice that, in the novelty of their situa-
ton, and in the spirit of Difference to our
experience, they would be pleased to have
the benefit of our friendly counsel. To meet
the temper with which this proposal was
made with cold repulse, was not thought
congenial TO that warm interest i'm their
welfare, with which the People and Gov
ernment Of the Union had hitherto gone
hand in hand through the whole progress of
their revolution. To insult them by re-
fhsal Of their overture, and then inviting
them to similar assembly, to be called by
ourselves, was an expedient which never
presented itself to the mind. Iwould have
sent Ministers to the meeting had it been
merely to give them such advice as they
might have desired even with reference 10
their Oioa interests, not involving ours.
would have sent them, had il been merely
to explain and set forth to them our reasons
Tor declining any proposal OF specific mea-
sures TO which they might desire orr con-
currence, butwhich we might deem incom-
patible with our interests or our duties IN
the intercourse between nations, Temper is
a missionary perhaps more powerful than
talent. Nothing was ever lost by kind
treatment; nothing can be gained by sullen
repulses and aspiring pretensons.
But objects of the highest Importance
not only to the future welfare Of the whole
human race, but bearing directly upon the
special interests Of this Union, sctH engage
the deliberations of the Congress of Pana
ma, whether we are represented there or
not. Others, If we are represented, may
be offered by our Plenipotentar for con- |
sheraton, having in view both those great |
results-our own interests, the improve !
mcnt OF tie condition cf man upon earth !
1t may be, that in the lapse Of many centu- !
ries, no other opportunity so favorable will |
be presented to the Government oft u !
nited States, to subserve the benevolent |
purposes ofDivine Providence, to dispense |
the promised blessings of the Redeemer of
mankind TO promote the prevalence, in fu- |
ture ages, of Peace on Earth, and Good
VIII to Man, as will now be placed in their
power, by participating in the deliberations
Of this Congress.
Among the topics enumerated in official
papers, published by the Republic of Co
lombia, and adverted to in the correspon-
dence now communicated to the House. as
intended to be presented for discussion at
Panama. there is scarcely one in winch the
result OF the meeting will not deeply affect
the interests of the United States, Even
those IN which the Bclligerent States alone
will take an active part, willhave a power
ful effect upon the state of our relations
with the American, and probably with the
principal European States. Were it mere
ly that we might be correctly and speedily
informed of the proceedings of the Con-
gress, and of the progressand issue of their
should hold il advisable that
we should have an accredited agency with
them, placed in such confidential relations
with the other members as would ensure
the authenticity, and the safe and early
transmission ofits Reports.
Ofthe same enumerated topics, are the {
of Manifesto, setting forth to
the world the Justice of their cause, and |
the relations they desire to hold with other
Christian Powers and 10 form Conyen-
ton OF Navigation and Commerce, appli-
cable both to the Confcderated States and
their Allies.
1t will be within the recollection of the
House, that, Immediately after the close of
he War of our Independence, a measure,
closely analogous 20 this Congress Of Pa
mama, was adopted by the Congress of our
confederation, and for purposes of precise
y the same character. Three Commission
ars, with Plenlpotentiary powers, were ap-
Dointc' to negotiate Treaties of Amlty.
and Commerce, with all the |
principal powers Of Europe. They met, {
and resided for that purpose about one
year at Paris; and the only result Of their ,
negotiations at that time, was the first
Treaty between the United States and
Prussia, memorable in the diplomatic nm.
nails of the world, and precious IA n monm.
nent Of the principles. in relation 10 Com.
nerce and Maritime Warfare. with Which
mir countrv entered upou tor 60. ~