Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1845-12-26

paper for only this brief abstract OF the news.
Fiom the Washington Unicn, Of the 10th inst.
DEBATE IN THE SENATE.
| The debate, which was commenced yester-
day, and was terminated to-day, in the Senate.
| is calculated to excite much attention. 1t at
tracted a considerable crowd TO hear it. Thu
we had not the pleasure of hearing The able
and impressive speech with which Gen, Cass
opened the debate, or any Of the other gentle.
men who followed him on the first day, yet
we had the opportunity of listening to each
speaker who participated in this days discus
sion. 1t was a new spectacle to us. We
heard, for the first time, several orators, Of
whom we have often heard, but some Of whom
we had never seen before; and the deeply in
terestin! character of the subject which they
discussed, contributed 10 deepen the feelings
whicllthe novelty Of the scene produced. The
general impression from the debate was, that.
I in case of rupture with Great Britain, our
public counsels would be united in an extra
ordinary degree. We saw speakers in Com
gIess during the war of 1912, " no refused to
vote the supplies for carrying il on; but the
spirit CT the present debate leads TO different
result. The whig members avow their deter
animation to rally around their country in case
of war; and who would not hail such an ex-
Ihibilon with enthusiasm ? Give us union,
land we may defy world in arms. Let both
wings and democrats determine to stand by
their government in case Of war, and we shall
have an honorable peace, or an honorable war.
We were happy TO see the resolutions oil
; Gen1 Cass pass the Senate; and still more
pass unanimously. We should make prepa-
tons, which axe rather calculated TO preserve
peace, than accelerate war.
1t is certain that Great Britain is in the
midst Of her military preparations. 1t is true,
that they were recommended by Sir Rober,
Peel in February last--wi,h no eye perhaps
to her relations with America, before even Mr.
Folks inaugural address was delivered. Il
is possible that the last Saturdays :. New
York Albion" may be somewhat correct il
weaving the following specula,ons:
'WarlIke preparations continue to be made
but. we have said on former occasion
they are chiefly of defensive character, anu
: fully warranted By the threats held out in the
I pamphlet Of the Prince de Joinvlle. Fortif
, cations along the coast, and the construction
j., OF steam-vessels, seem to comprise the bulk
= of the preparations. The powerful steam ma
Wy of France leaves the coast of England par
tlcularly open to their attacks. Steam, in
n deed, has almost bridged the channel, ant
!, Englan is no longer safe in her nsular posi-
lion as formerly, unless she conform to thu
T. new state of things. Twenty steamers nigh
S sail from Brest, having on board twenty regi
F. ments, which light cross the channel in
Q single long and dark night. and land the troop:
;, on the soil of Britain in time for break fast
" FortIhcatlons and steam ships-of-war, are thu
J. two remedies for providing against this new
If danger. The preparations then, for war, arr
e tor home rather than for foreign service; the,
= are tor defensive, and not for aggressive pur
poses. What change Mr.. Folks message
may produce, we do not pretend to sly"
g. But, however true this superstition may Re
Il although the policy of preparations was dew
e sed before any cloud appeared over tie rela
, tlons between the two countries, ;et it is ce
- tain that they are pressed with great activity
% and that they may be err pioved AGAINST III
United States. We Cannot. therefore: fol
st our arms In absolute security. If she is ore
d Parlng' we caD:lot appear wholly destitute {
Iac'lVity., For this reason, then, if for no ott
# er reason, ,h3 resolutions of General Cass ar
ia entitled to the serious attention of CONGRESS,
ID Mr.. Clayton, of Delaware, does not appear t
lie Us TO coverthe whole ground of the statesman
Wien he declares he would vote for these res
T. olutons, because he would make preparation
- at all times, whether we are 10 have war G
to peace with England. He might have sale
,e with more force and truer policy, "Let us pr.
pare; for. though war may not now come. y.
=. ills better to prepare at once, because Englan
- Is onfthe alert; and therefore we have strongt
'g inducements TO prepare at this time, than "
had during the last session of Congress. w
Is. ought to prepare, therefore, as means of pr,
v serving peace; and still more, if necessary, f
prosecuting war"
- We Cannot shut our eyes TO the danger
q which threaten the peace Of the two coun,re.
IN t'ut let war come, the responsibility oft wi
81. be upon the head of England. We have dor
p Everything tina: becomes generous and col
sidera'e nation to preserve peace: The cours
of the President of the United States has bee
at eminently pacific. And now that Great Bri
es ain has rejected more than we would have O
Tered, but for the urgent considerations whic
-, are disclosed in the Presidents message, an
~ in the letters OF the Secretary of State. W
u should carry ouithe measures which the Pre-.
d, dent has so wisely and boldly recommended
lr- We believe that our title to Oregon is cIe5
and unquestionable. We believe that NJ
Buchanan's last letter has placed that title uE
OH the strongest ground. We are happy
sec this sentiment maxim. its way Tar an
wide in the public mind. Several Of the viii