The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-31
OUR RELATIONS WITH ENGLAND.

COR lONS With
1t would seem that the duty of Congress, in no
emergency could be more distinctly pointed out
than 1t is at the present tme in relation to the ma
tional defence Even were there no indications OF
the popular sentiment, still in the actual juncture OF
affairs enlightened statesmen exercising that fore
thought which becomes their position legislators
would be grossly culpabe in Withholding their atten-
ton from the threatening aspect of affairs around US
in the dangerous hope that the storm might be avert
ed. But public sentiment is in advance of legsla-
tive action The patriotism, the national spirit of
our free citizens have become awakened and will not
be met, by liberal provisions and prompt and
energetic preparation, for defence. We would not,
in any improper manner become alarmlsts but there
is period beyond which to indulge in supineness,
to cry peace, peace to know of the danger which
is before u.s. and yet refuse to speak out boldly In re-
gard to its a suicidal policy. The opinions of a
private Individual based upon the published cores
pondence, and the history of late proceedings in
Europe, as derived from foreign publications, may
not be worth much but, if they should succeed in
arresting attention and exciting inquiry, the writer
will be amply rewarded.
In the first place, we think that in the most favor
able view which can be taken of our foreign rela-
tons, we warned to put ourselves into state of
preparation which shall repe at the Threshold those
ndignties which supposed want Of preparation al
ways invites.
We know very well, that in the last few years,
merous questions, involving national honor have
arisen in rapid succession threatening an immediate
neutrality-suspicious. which our spirit forbds that we
should ever yield on the demands of other Gov
| ernments. These questions it is true, have been
quoted for time. But have they been settled Or
is there probability that they oiH be settled satsfac
torily to while in our present condition? Does not
England presume upon supposed weakness, and
will she ever yield to justice what she thinks she has
the power to refuse'
But in addition to these palpable facts upon the
very surface of things, there disguised ind-
cations of movement throughout Europe, Gin which
the policy of Great Britain still takes the ead which
ought to be seriously considered The monarchies
of the old world feel that their existence in time to
| come depends upon their action The influence
of the free institutions of the United States upon the
mass OF European population is perceived with jea
lousy. The facilities of INSTRUMENTATION pro-
ducng their effects among the people of the old world
They hear of land flowing with milk and honey-a
land where industry thrives and brings competency
perhaps wealth, out of poverty-where starvation is
unknown-where the lowest individual has, in some
respects, the same rights and privileges the high
est-where the farmer the mechanic the laborer
independent and intelligent and have their voice
and their influence in all the affairs Of Government
they hear this goody report of this goodly land and
| contrast it with their distressed and starving
condition. and it produces its effects and rpens the
feelings of the people for revolution The dignita-
res Of Europe perceive this and know that it is time
to bestr themselves for their safety.
Under these circumstances we think that the quin-
uple or the treaty of search intended to be entered
into by five great Powers of Europe ought not to be
looked upon with Indifference True, this treaty APP
pears upon the face it, to be founded in motives
of humanity True, also, that to be offered for the
acceptance of the United States But we think that
the overriding policy Of Great Britain is clearly
to be discerned in this in every thing else in which
she bears part. But are we justified in, believing
that in this or in any other great movement which
she Makes she is governed solely by regard to hui
mainly Where was her humanity during the strug-
gle of Greece for her liberties Where was her
humanity when Poland attempted to recover her lost
independence Wherein is her humanity manifested
in the unchristian war which she is now waging
against the defenceess inhabitants of China' Where
In is her humanity to her own subjects evinced,
when for the support Of royal magnicence, and the
luxury of an idle and cumbersome arstocracy, which
is rolling in wealth and grandeur, the lower classes
are obliged to labor and drudge in poverty, and often
with starvation staring them in the face and all this
Of thor No Tho
diplomacy of England is not shallow as to disclose
her real object to the world in the body of her mani
festo to appear before the world without APP
parent regard to the laws of nations and the laws Of
humanity.
We believe that the movement of England, in the
treaty of search, is one of profound policy, and
which has ultimate reference to this country alone,
and that its grand aim is the ultimate overthrow OF
our Institutions 1t may may not be that those ma
lions which to be parties to the qunuple treaty
were let into the purpose of Great Britain from the
identity of their interests but that such is the purpose
of Great Britain, we have but little doubt
The sentiments of the American people in relation
to the right of search cannot be mistaken. treaty
Ito which France refuses to become party between
five of the great Powers of Europe, and concedng
the mutual right of search, is proposed This treaty
IS to be proposed to the United States, though with
out any expectation Of her assent But suppose the
plan of England to be carried out and the five Euro
pean Powers to sign the treaty. These Powers
them would be bound together upon certain course
of policy and upon the subject of that policy would
probably act together at any rate, would not take
part against each other This very argument was
urged in the French Chamber of Deputies Eng
land" said M. Berger has many questions of dis
pute with the United States, in which France may
find herself implicated. If England makes cas,sS
bei of this treaty. which America refuses, what will