The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-04-07
LORD ASHBURTON.


We had occasion yesterday to notice the ar
rival of this distinguished stranger amongst us,
and we now take up our pen most respectfully
to inculcate a strict adherence on the part of
our countrymen to the rules of courtesy and de-
corum which should distinguish great nation,
in its intercourse with the representative of any
foreign power, but more especially of the coun-
try from which many of US are descended. In
visiting our shores, his Lordship comes as the
accredited agent Of his sovereign, to procure a
full understanding, and if possible, arrangement
of difficulties of the most important character.
Clothed with such high powers, the special
Minister of England will, doubtless, receive at
the hands of our Government every proper
mark Of consideration, and at those of the COM
munity all becoming Difference and respect
In extending the olive branch of peace and con-
citation, it will be proper to manifest the firm
ness that should characterize a free and indie
pendent nation when the assertion of its dear
est rights is involved, mingled with mildness
and good feeling, for never was there a
more fitting occasion for the display of what is
do, fortiter in re-" On the Threshold of the
negotiation that is about to take place, it cannot
fail to be remembered that his Lordshp is, in
all probability, possessed of the kindly feelings
likely to spring from an intimate connection
with the affairs of our country during many
years. 1t will not, however, at the same time,
be forgotten that he comes under full
sense of the responsibilities under which he
acts with reference to his Sovereign and the
powerful nation which he represents. Enter
tanning confident hopes of speedy and salts
factory result OF the intercourse to be had be-
tween the two high powers, the rights of which
are involved, we cannot shut our eyes to the
possibility of different and infinitely less graft
flying termination. 1t is therefore our earnest
desire that the National Legislature will per-
severe in the adoption of such measures, as
may render the country not less inclined
for a continuance of peace, but, perfectly
prepared for a different state Of things
In pursuance of this object we would, as we
have heretofore done, urge that the national de-
fences on our maritime and inland frontiers
De pidCeu III tHe peSI Poooioio "'''uuS io' P'O
tecng the national honor. Whilst we
earnestly press the advice here given, we SIN
cerely hope that should this paragraph pass UNI
der the notice of the distinguished vsiter he
will exonerate US from any inte ntion to produce
unpleasant or unklnd sensations with respect to
himself. We appreciate his rank, as an lndl-
viduaI, the very distinguished position he has
always maintained for high integrity and sound
intelligence, and above all, the Importance OF
the responsible diplomatic character with which
he is invested, and therefore cannot suppose
thai he could be made to swerve from the line
of his duty. What we have here said, on the
score Of preparation has been only repetition
of former suggestions and has reference rather
to the attitude we should present, as nation,
TO all foreign powers, than to the peculiar cir
cumslances to which our country stands indebt-
ed for his visit