The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-12-16
DEBATE IN THE SENATE.

The debate which was commenced yesterday,
and was terminated to-day, in the Senate, is calcu-
lated to excite much attention. 1t attracted con-
siderable crowd to hear it. Though we had not the
pleasure Of hearing the able and impressive speech
with which Gen. Cass opened the debate, or any of
the other gentlemen 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 interesting character of the
subject which they discussed contributed to
deepen the feelings which the novelty of the
scene produced. The general impression from the
debate was, that, in case of rupture with
Great Britain, our public counsels would be
united in an extraordinary degree. We saw
speakers in Congress during. the war Of 1912,
who refused to vote the supplies for carrying it on;
but the spirit of the present debate leads to differ
ent result The wing members avow their deter.
mination to rally around their country in case offs
war; and who would not hail such an exhibition
with enthusiasm Give US union, and we may defy
a world in arms. Let both wings and democrats
determine to stand by their government in ease of
war, and we shall have an honorable peace, or an
honorable war
We were happy to see the resolutions Of General
Cass pass the Senate; and still more, pass unani-
mously. We should make preparations, which are
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 Robert Peel in February last
with no eye perhaps to her relations with America
before even Mr.. Folks inaugural address was de-
livered. 1t is possible that the lust Saturdays
"New York Albion" may be somewhat correct
in weaving the following speculations
"Warlike preparations continue to be made; but,
as we have said on former occasion, they are
chiefly Of defensive character, and fully warranted
by the threats held out in the pamphlet Of the Prince
de Joinyille. Fortfcatons along the coast, and the
construction Of steamvesses, seem TO comprise the
bulk of the preparations The powerful steam navy
Of France leaves the coast OF England particularly
open to their attacks. Steam, indeed, has almost
bridged the channel, and England is no longer safe
in her insuar position as formerly, unless she con-
form to the new state Of things. Twenty steamers
might sail from Brest, having board twenty regi-
ments, which might cross the channel in a single
long and dark night, and land the troops the soil
of Britain in time for breakfast. Notifications and
numerous steam ships-of-war, are the two remedies
for providing against this new danger The prepare
tions then, for war, are for home rather than for
foreign service; they are for defensive, and not
for aggressive purposes. What change Mr.. Folks
message may produce, we do not pretend to say."
|. But, however true this supposition may be; al
though the policy of preparations was devised be-
fore any cloud appeared over the relations between
the two countries, yet it is certain that they are
pressed with great activity, and that they may be
employed againsth U. States. Wecannot, therefore,
fold our arms in absolute security. If she is pre-
paring we cannot appear wholly destitute Of actv-
ity. For this reason then, if for no other reason
the resolutions Of General Cass are entitled to the
serious attention of Congress. Mr.. Clayton, of
Delaware, does not appear to US to cover the whole
ground of the statesman, when he declares he would
vote for these resolutions, because he would make
preparations at all times, whether we are to have
war or peace with England. He might have said,
with more force and truer policy, "Let us prepare;
for, though may not now come, yet it is better
to prepare at once, because England is on the
alert; and therefore we have stronger inducements
to prepare al this time than we had during the last
session of Congress. We ought to prepare, there
fore, as means of preserving peace; and still more,
if Unnecessary, for prosecuting war"
We canno, shut our eyes to the dangers which
threaten the peace of the two countries. But lot
war come, the responsibility of it will be npon the
head of England. We have done everything that
becomes generous and considerate nation to pre-
serve peace. The course Of the President of the
United States has been been cmnenty pacific