The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-02-16

ia military POINT of view, equal 10 million Of men
under arms. Her continual conflicts In the mighty
regions Of the East only enable her officers to become
skilful and TO improve in the art of war, while her
great armies and extensive fleets draw their support
from the immense countries seized and occupied. In
the present juncture OF affairs, statesman can over
look these things, Steam power has recently brought
US so near together that the event OF any future
conflict, rar NTH is effects will be precipated upon
with much more rapidity than formerly.
Ayarice and ambition tho ruling passions oil mo-
dern times and is vain TO shut our eyes to the state
of things around 1t remains TO be seen what elect
steam power is have upon changing and modifying the
whole art of defence and II may be great en-
CINE for again dwelling mankind, and reducing every
thing TO contest Of mere physical force. La thai
event it mig be difficult 10 conjecture what system o.
national defence oiH stand the fest time and expert
ence.
We have deep stake in peace, and fondIy hope
the repose of the world will not be disturbed. We
have certainly not the least desire Tor rupture Firm
ness and wise preparation, Will long preserve US
from such catastrophe. But whale no temptation
should ever prompt us to do injustice the one hand
SO no consideration the other hand, should ever m
duce us TO submit permanent wrong from any power
on earth, no matter what the consequences may be-
Your committee would conclude by expressing a
firm belief that all our points OF difcul'y may DC non
orabIy adjusted, and that harmony may long be pre-.
served by both Governments pursuing liberal and
policy congenal To the interests and feelings
Of both people, and compatible with the spirit and ge-
MUS Of an enlightened age.
Mr. PICKENS moved that the report be laid on
the table and printed
Mr. EVERETT suggested the propriety Of collect
ing and printing together, in one pamphlet all the
documents upon the subject
MIR. HALVES objected TO the reception OF the re-
mort unless il was in order to make II.
The SPEAKER said the report could no. be re-
ceived, unless by consent of all parties.
MIR. HALVES then objected.
Several members suggested that il was now too late
al. Hin ..
fore the House, and motions had been made and en-
tertaned respecting it.
The SPEAKER here decided that the objection
should have been made when Mr. Pickens proposed 10
submit the repor that, not hearing any oblecton no
had received the report and propositions were enter
tanned respecting Il; and thai It was now Too late to
raise the objection
The reading Of the report called for, and i, was
read accordingly.
Mr.. EVERETT renewed his proposition to include
in the printing all the documents upon the subject
list Of which he furnished
Mr. GRANGER rose and moved division of the
question FIRST the motion to lay on the table; and
then, on the motion to print
And the motion to print being debatabe-
MIR. GRANGER said that he considered this report,
if acted upon and adopted by the House approach
ing very nearly, in It's consequences to declaration
of war if the British Government should desire SO to
consider it, He would take occasion to say, as a
member of the Committee Foreign Affairs, that the
report did not receive his assent And he felt con-
strained to'detan the House for few moments whilst
he assigned very briefly, his for this concu
sion.
What. CONTINUED Mr.. Gu was the position Of the
Committee on Foreign Affairs when they entered
upoa the consideration OF this question My col
league Mr.. Fillmore had called upon the State De-
partment for the correspondence which had taken
place in relation TO the demand for the liberation Of
Mcleod. That matter and that alone was referred
to the Committee on Foreign Affairs 1t is not my
purpose the conduct Of this Administration,
for far my Judgment can now determine, APP
prove fully the they have taken. That opinion
may upon further reflection, he changed but, as at
present advised consider the course Of Mr., Forsyth
TO have been such as was due to his high official
ton and due to the character and dignity of this
ton. But, considering, and representing section
Of country deeply interested in this question, and as
ready TO meet its consequences as the people OF any
other section OF this Union, still dissent from the
port
What does it embrace A report upon matters re-
ferred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs No;
nothing, have stated, was referred to that commit
tee but the correspondence in relation to the demand
for the liberation of Mcleod. Does that committee
upon call Of the Executive of this nation, made
upon this House to place before the country and the
world the condition Of things between the United
States and Great Britain No The Executive,
mindful as we are bound believe % the honor OF
the country well of the character of his own adj
mnstraton has not thought proper to call upon either
House Of Congress for advice in regard to our rela-
tions with Great Britain. What then, is the posi-
ton of that committee Travelling beyond the re-
cord they forward and present Thy the votes OF
bare majority will say if in order) report which,
say the least Of it, is OF pacific IN It's character and
which is based upon complaints against the BRUSH
Government, not one of which has been referred TO
that committee. When, or by whom, have the Com
Itec on Foreign Affairs been called upon to consi-
der seizures upon the high seas this alleged right
of search which, agree with the committee is one
which this nation is not likely to tolerate in the man
ner in which it is now exercised When or by whom,
were the other matters of controversy which that re-
port embraces referred to the Committee on Foreign
fairs that they might make report upon thcml And
il So what have they reported Havc they sent here
document setting forth the alleged grievances of this
country complaining of injustice done the part OF
Great Britain and calling for the action of this House
upon those matters Has the chairman of the Com
nittee Of Ways and Means come forward TO say that
he il prepared recommend appropriations to put the
country proper state Of defence to meet the emer
pency with such report as this may create lsyour
Committee on Military Affairs ready 10 recommend
the deiences which should be provided if such re-
port is 20 forth the world, under the sanction OF
this House Has your Committee on Naval Affairs
sent in acquisitions TO put your ships IN commission
that you may be prepared Ia meet on the the
power you have before met and crippled} No. There
has been such recommendation. And the Com
miltee on Foreign Affairs without recommending any
action without coming to any conclusion as II
seems To me except that Great Britain is the greatest
Power on earth and we the humhlest bring here
port calculated nhame the whole nation; and to let
ii 90 forth To the world that making an issue
with Great Britain, which voluntarily tender to
her, and which amy opinion she has right to take
up on the instant
But, Mr.. Speaker there considerations connect
ed with the honor and dignity of the State OF New
York, and with the administration Of justice within
her borders that demand our attention On former
occasion stated on this floor that the person whose
life in jeopardy would receive at the hands Of
jury of New York the same fair and impartial trial
WHICH you'd be secured to any szsn OF that State
but mourn now to say that, from present indications
there Is an excitement on the border of New
York, growing out of the of this man and his
liberation for the moment, which is already sufficient