The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-04-04

can doubt the service he has rendered THIS ADMINS
traton. nor The confidence he Deserves conn
dence, indeed, demanded more ior the sake Oh TIC
public interest Than for his own sake
r., 90 I have reason 10 know that the senator
from North Carolina is in error in all this that this
deduction from extrnsic circumstances 10 but anoth-
sr proof that truth IL not always attained when
sought by indirect and remote facts ! have reason
10 know that the chairman OF the COMMITTEE on
Foreign Relations communicates freely with the
President, and enjoys his confidence.
And what proof Of estrangement between these
high functionares is furnished by the honorable
senator from North Carolina, Why thus stands tue
case: The honorable chairman stated that the opin'
ions Of the President had Undergone no change; but
being INTERCEPTED upon the subject, he answered
that the records and the records alone, were the
sources OF his information.
Il seems TO me il would better become our posi-
lion il We all sought the views OF the President so
far as we ought 90 seek them, In the same anthem
tie documents. Ia would save world ofunprohta'
HE conjecture. Nov, sir, what does all this amount
toI Why 20 this; the President tsld the senator
from Ohio no more TO his future course, Than he
told the country and Congress in his message. IL
would he strange # he had. The ayowal OF a line
OF policy when the proper circumstances are before
him. is the duty OF sound and practical statesman.
But should much doubt the wisdom Of the Chief
Magistrate of great country who should sit down
TO speculate upon future and remote contingencies
affecting the public welfare with view even TO the
view 20 its annunciation to the world.
Let me, then, ask the senator, II he thinks II ~
the duty Of the chairman Of the Committee on For.
eign Relations to put gratuitous questions TO the
President in order thar he may be able TO come
here and declare what the Executive will do IN such
and such and such a contingency, which may never
happen; or which, II il do happen, may bring with
IL circumstances that may change the whole aspect
of the question: But forbear, sir. consider 1t
unnecessary 10 pursue this question further
considerable portion Of the argument Of the
senator from North Carolina was devoted TO prove
that the message Of the President did not justify
these antcipatons Of war, which Il appears 10 my
self and to other senators do. Not that he called
in question the natural tendency Of the measures
recommended by the President. nor the fair con-
structon Of his language, but he controlled these
by the extrinsie facts to which have adverted.
shall say nothing more upon this subject, but
shall foriify own opinion by the views Of other
members u this body, who are entitled to more
weight than am.
The honorable senator from South Carolina said
shat the recommendation in the message is found.
ed upon the conviction that there is no hope Of
compromise Of the difficulties growing out OF the
Presidents message is too clear TO admit Of any
doubt"
After some further remarks, showing the opin-
ions entertained Of the dangers of war, he adds:
"Entertaning these opinions, We were compelled to
oppose notice, because II was necessary TO pre-
vent appeal to arms, and insure the peaceful set
Element Of the question"
And the senator from Maryland said: 1--WE have
all felt Mr. President, that at one time at least
trust that time is past-the nation in imminent
danger. From the moment that the President of the
United States deemed II right and becoming in the
very outset of his official career announce TO the
world that the title to the northwest territory was
clear and indsputable, down TO his message IN De-
cember last, could not see how war TO be
averted"
And the honorable senator from Louisiana in his
speech Yesterday, advanced the same opinion upon
this subject
And the senator from Georgia also expressed the
conviction that this resolution, based it is the
Presidents message, is distinct numaton TO Great
Britain that this matter must be settled, and IN
manner acceptable 10 u.s. or that at the expiration
Of that time will take forcibe possession Of the
whole country" which Of course means war
And he adds that "the senator from North Caro-
lima tells that the President is waiting at the open
door of his cabinet ready to adjust this controversy,
and TO preserve the peace OF the country. Sir
he adds 'even with the aid of the senator's OPTICS
cannot see him there" And he adds also, il these
things so, rfsrring to the views of the senator
from North Carolina respecting the Presidents mes
sage, 81 should he sorry TO do co." And fully
concur with him in the sentiment.
Now, sir, shAll not thrust myselfnto this dispute
Non inter tantas componore lites"
During the progress Of this discussion the bless
ings of peace ard the horrors of have been fire.
aueny presented TO with the force of truth, and
sometimes with the fervency of excited magma
ZION. have listened attentlvely to all this, though
much of it ! remember to have heard thirty-fve
years ago. But beg honorable senator's to recol-
1ect that upon this side OF the chamber, we have
interests, and families and homes, and country, as
well they hsye and that we as little disposed
bring upon native land, unnecessarily, as
they can be. That some Of us know by experience,
all of us by reading and reflection, the calamtes,
moral and physical, that war brings in its train.
And we appreciate the blessings of peace with con-
vction as deep and as steadfast. And no one de-
sires its continuance more earnestly than do. But
all this leaves untouched the only real subject of in
quiry That is not whether peace is a blessing and
CURSE but whether peace can be preserved
and war avoided, consistently with the honor and
interest of the country. Tha, question may come
up for solution; and if it does, it must be met by
each one of US with full sense of its abiding i'm
portance, and of his responsibility. ! suppose
there is not a gentleman in this body who will not
say, that cases may occur even in this stage of the
world, which may drive this country to the extreme
remedy of war; rather than she should submit to ar
rogant and unreasonable demands, to direct at
tacks upon rights and independence--like i'm
pressment, or the search of our ships, various
other acts, by which power is procured and main
tanned over the timd and the weak. The true prac-
tical question for a nation is not the cost of war;
whether measured by dollars, or by dangers, or by
disasters but whether be honorably avoided;
and that question each person having the power of
determination must determine for himself when the
case presented. Good men, sir, may indulge in
day-dreams upon this subject, but he who looks
upon the world it has BEEN as il ia, and az il is
likely 10 be, must that the moral constitution Of
man has undergone little change and tina, interests
and passions operate not less upon communities
than they did when the law of public might was the
law of public right more openly avowed than now
Certainly heathful public opinion excrts a stronger
influence over the world than at any former period
Of its history. Governments are more or less re.
strained by it, and all feel the effects Of it. Mis-
tresses and favorites. and minons, longer drive
nations to war, nor are mere questions Of etiquette
among the avowed causes Of hostilities IL is not
probable that people will ever be again overcome
because statesman may consult his vanity rather
than his taste in the choice Of his pictures nor that
the stale Of Europe will be changed because lady's
silk gown may be spoiled by a cup Of tea. Human
ity has gained somethng-let US hope it will gain
more. Questions Of war passing from cabinets
to the people II they are discussed in secret they