Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1832-03-02
= contain, should have found its way into

CONAN, should have found IFS way into
them?
But the honorable member from Georgia
asks why We lay all this 10 the charge fthc
Secretary, and not TO the Charge of the Pres
dent. The answer is, the Presidents con-
duct is not before us. We are not, and can
not become his accuserS, even il we thought
there were any thing in his conduct which
gave cause for accusation But the Secreto
ry IS before us Not brought before US by
any act OF ours he is placed before us by the
Presidents nomination. On that nomina-
ton wecannot decline TO act. We must ci-
ther coafirm or reject it, As 10 the notion
that the Secretary Of state was hut the instru-
ment of the President, and so not responsi
BILE for these instructions, reject at once all
such defence, excuse, or apology. or whato-
yer else it may be called. If there be anv
thing in public despatch deromatorv ia the
honor OF the country, as think there is in
this. 1t is enough for me, that see whose
hand is DIT. lfit be said that the sioner was
only an instrument in the hands of Others. I
reply that | cannot concur in ConCcrring a
high public diplomatic trust on any one who
has consented, under any circumstances to
be an instrument in such case.
The honorable member from Georgia asks
also, why we have slept upon this subject
and why, at this late day, we bring forward
complaints. Sir, no BODY has slept upon if
Since these instructions have been made Dub-
llc, there has beer no previous opportunity
to discuss them. The honorable member
VIII recolIect, that the whole arrangement
with England was done and completed before
ever these instructions saw the LIGHT. The
president opened the trade by his proclama-
lion, in October, 1880; but these instruc-
tons were not publicly sent TO Congress till
afterwards, that is, till January, 1881. And
they were not then sent with any view that
either house should act upon the subject, for
the whole business was already settled. For
one, never saw the instructions, nor heard
them read, TIL January, 1881; nor did ever
hear them spoken ofaS containing these OBJ
hoNious passages. This, then, is the first
opportunity for considering these instruc
tons.
That they have been Subjects of complaint
out Of doors since they were made nublic
and of much severe animadversion is certain
ly true. But, until now, there has never
neen an opportunity naturally calling for
their discussion here. The honorable gen
.Icmah may he assured, that if such occasion
had presented itself, it would have been en-
braced
l entirely forbear, Mr. President, from
going into the merits of the late arranpe-
ment with England, as measure ofcommer-
clal policy. Anothertime will come trust
more suitable for that discussion. For the
present, ! confne myself strictly TO such
parts Of the instructions as think plainly
objectionable, and reprehensive. whatever
may be the character of the agreement he
tween us and England as matter of policy.
ana repeat, sir, that place the iusti6ca
ton OF my vote on the partv tone and part,,
character of these Instructions Let us ask
II such considerations as these are to he adj
dressed toa foreign government, trhat is that
foreign government tOeTpect inreturn? The
Ministers of foreign courts will not bestow
@ratuItous iavors, or even gratuitous smiles. !
on American parties. What then, IreDeat,
IS 10 De me return? What is party 10 do |
here, for that foreign government, which !
has done, is to be expected TO do, or is ask !
ed TO do, something for party here? What is !
TO be the consideration paid for this FOREIGN |
favor: Sir, must not every man see, that |
any mixture of such causes, or motives. in I,
our foreign intercourse, is as full of danger |
as it is of dishonor.
will not pursue the subject. lam anx-
lous only TO make my own ground fully and
clearly understood; and willingly leave eve !
ry other gentleman TO his own opinions. And |
cheerfully submit my own vote TO the opin- |
ions of the country. willingly leave il TO !
the people of the U. States TO say whether |
am acting a factious &unworthy part ortbe |
partoi true hearted American in withhold /
inc my appreciation from the nomination ola
gentleman as minister to England, who has (
already, as it appears 10 me, instructed his .
predecessor at the same court TO carry party
considerations, TO urge party merits, and So !
I!cit party iayorS, at the foot of the British .
throne.
[NoTE.-The circumstance did not occur
TO Mr.. Webster's recollection at the moment .
he was speaking, but the truth is, that Mr..
Van Buren, was hmselfa member ofthe Sen
ale at the very time of the passing Of this .
law, and Mr.. M'Lane was at the same time
a member Of the House of Representatives.
30 that MIR. Van Buren, did, himself certain
ly concur in Setting up this pretcnsion, two
years before Mr.. Adams became President. !
----------e-s--------..-. ---.-.-------
from the National hteHigencer.
A measure ofgreat consequence in our
national economy stands for considera-
ton In the HOusp If Renroeanto4..