Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1846-01-31
DEBATE IN THE SENATE.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, ls4s.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.

oil the mouon OF Mr.. ALLEN for leave 10
introduce certain Resolutions concerning the rela.
ton of the Powers of Europe to the Governments
on the American continent; and the question being
upon granting the leave requested
Mr. CASS rose and, after some observations 10 the efsc
that there was nothing inappropriate in the Time place.
manner OF presenting this proposition Of the Senaes en-
erianng IT. went to say that this was matter having nc
exclusive relation to England but involving far other con
ieraions and looking to far other results and he proceeded
IS follows
The English papers which arrived by the mail of yesterday
show the necessity OF putting ourselves right upon this great
question The strongest misrepresentation might rather
say Misrepresentation, prevails this subject in England
Spectator and the mcshe former rather fairly disposed
and the latter disposed for all mschefboth represent the
Presidents declaration upon this direct interference
with the rights of European Powers holding possessions upon
this continent And stranger yet the Spectator represents
the measures proposed by the President the
Of the very principle denounced by him. II states that the
immediate application of the abstract principle made Ore
and then adds, that the President advises Congress
to arm and organize the militia that they he prepared
receive all communities already settled on the North
American continent into the bosom of the Union and
vent the colonization of any part Of the continent by Euro
pean nations" more impudent perversen Of public
document was made but it will its race and fulfil
Its task and many honest Engshman will believe that this
Government Is seeking with strong hand seize the British
colonies. The Times, usual is yet holder in its denunci
alton, and more reckless in its assertions. 1t says ssMr
Polk declares in the most explicit language that the
continent Of North America extends the United States
determined to off every intruder" " Hence they not
only assa the particular rights and possessions Of their
neighbors, upon which at time another they chance
have cast their rve eyes, but they violate the whole
system Of the political economy Of the world and proclaim
direct hostility to all the principles of civilized nations
Nay must also infer from the language of the President
that existing rights and settlements held by question
able tenure and that all the various dependencies of Britain
Russia, SPain France Holland, Belgium and the Baltic
Powers, in and about the soil Of North America await the
application Of the grand principle absorption whilst the in
dependent Governments ofa purely American character such
as Mexico and Guatemala already condemned to
sve spoIanons We are not pleading own cause
In the question OF Oregon, writing with reference to the
Entertainments which long be directed against the
Oldest British settlements in North America if such prin-
cpe this is allowed prevail For the maintenance of
those nights we are to look directly to the strength Of
land which inspires secret dread to those who have
ceased to acknowledge the obligations of faith and Justice
II such principles these regulate the policy of Anne
nca and the relations of States that continent how long
will they be excluded from Europe The fashion Of attack
ing the weak, and plunderng the helpless and exatng
bious claims into rights, will find its application here in
the spirit Of the actous minority which celebrates about
and national honor in the French Chambers it is the
nature Of INSCRIPTIONS politicians all the world In
Europe see happily crushed and imprisoned in the
United States speaks with the voice of the Executive Gov
emment and threatens to WELD the power of nation
# any thing could excite surprise in the Times such para
graphs as this might do IT, As to its panegyrc upon the
principles Of England conrasted with those of the United
States let pass concnng mysefwth remakng that the
extent OF her power the proof of her moderation and the
of its acquisition of her Justice have no disposition
engage in this Of abuse leave that in ADLER hands
the hands of the British press catering afraid for the
appetite Of the British public.
But Mr. President how stand the facts thus announced
and fasfed Mr.. Monroe, in his message in 1929 e1-
pessy said with the existing colonies dependencies of
European Power have nterered and shall not
interfere But with the Governments who have decar-
ed their independence, and maintained it. and whose indie
pendence have, great consideration and just prnc
pies acknowledged could not view any interference
for the purpose of depressing them, controlling in
any other their destiny, by any European Power
in any other light than manifestation of pnfriendy
disposition towards the United States" Mr. Polk says
sc Existing rights of European nations should be
spected. What can be more just more explicit As
10 what is called the principle of antcolonizaton il il
hus announced by Mr.. Monroe, and repeated by Mr.
Polk: The American continents, by the free and inde
pendent condition which they have assumed and main
taned henceforh not to be considered subjects for
future colonization by any European Power" All this is
very clear and very just i means that the independent
States upon this continent not again to be dpced to Eu
ropean colonies The people Of the United States says
Mr. Polk " cannot therefore, with Indifference attempts
of European Powers to interfere with independent action
of the nations this continent But regard 10 the
continents" says Mr.. Monroe, circumstances evident
y and conspcuousy different 1t is impossible that the al
lied Powers should extend their political existence any
portions Of either continent without endangerng
and happiness MOI any believe that Southern
BRETHREN if left to themselves, would adopt it Of their
accord. II equally impossible, therefore, that should
behold such interference in any form with Indifference.
And yet two eminent English journals and very probably
more, have with great obpseness Of intellect from
motive represented the doctrine thus laid down the
assertion Of principle which would only prevent Euro
pesn Powers possessing colonies upon this hemisphere from
improving them and augmenng their peppat by emigration
but also from holding them Both Mr. Monroe and Mr. Polk
well knew that from the circle Cape Horn this continent
divided into independent States and European colonies
There foot of it which is thus held claimed.
They both dsclaimed all interference with European rights
and in the very message Of Mr. Po announcing this doctrine,
he that he had made proposition England
by which, accepted she would have secured extern
sive and valuable region upon the Pacific. No of
unac asylum who ought to be out Of suppose that
while stating this offer he could also that England could
MOI occupy settle improve the country His views
well those OF bis predecessor clear enough perver
sought The status quo Of the independent nations
to exist They not TO be converted into colonies No
system Of colonization is to be again applied them Er
Monroes principle Of non-pererence extends the whole
continent. Mr.. Folks with caution, is limited to
North America, that portion Of the continent more inn
medateIy connected with rights and interests But
both proceed upon the general principle that such in
reference cannot take place without injury us and that
we may therefore justly protest against And it is not
little singular, considering the opposition the Senate the
very consideration Of this subject that Mr. Monroe should
have stated that Ii gratifying to know that of the
Powers with whom enjoy very friendly intercourse
and to whom these views lettering to the condition of The
South American Sates have been communicated have APP
peared to scquiesce in them" hazard nothing
stating the views Of the present President His antcoo
nzaon system has reference every attempt to into
European colony any Of the independent States If America
or any portion Of them. And viii add that in looking
he must have DONE far practical statesman may look
have itfle doubt that atfenp