American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-01-15
Reported for the American Republican,
FIRST SESSION of the Goth CONGRESS.
WAsHINGToN, Jan. IA, 1876.
SENATE.

SENATE.
Mossrs. Pearce, of Md. and Huntington, of
Conn. severally presented petitions from some
of their constituents for the adj ustment Of ma
tional disputes by some peaceful mode.
Mr.. johnson, OF La gave notice of bill
to provide for the payment Of evidences Of
public debt in certain cases.
Mr. Allen called up the Joint resolution, OF
which he had yesterday given notice, with re-
gard to the interference of foreign Powers in |
the affairs OF governments ON this continent.
The resolution embodies a grave declaration
to the civilized world that any interference in
the affairs Of this continent, or efforts to plant
new colonies here by European oil other foreign
powers, will be hencelurth regarded as danger
Gus to the safety Of our government, and will!
therefore be resisted
The question was about to be put on the
reference of the resolution, when several Semi
tors, among them MIR. Calhoun, asked what
was the question-was it not on granting leave
to introduce the resolution?
The Chair, after some hesitation, said 1t was.
The reading of the resolution was again
called for and it having been read,
Mr. Calhoun said that every Senator must
be aware that in the present condition Of this
country, such measure as this demanded our
most solemn consideration. No one was more
impressed than himself with the improperly
of the interference alluded to, and he took this
occasion to declare that he regarded the recent
interference of the French and English Gov
ernments in the case Of BuenCs Ayres, as a
gross outrage. But it was great question,
whether we shall take the guardianship of this
continent under our protection. If we are de-
termined to carry out such a scheme, we must
put forth the entire energies of this country.
Why not let this matter rest where the Presi-
dent has placed it in the announcement con-
tanned in the Message Although young at the
time, he remembered to have heard that even
the declaration of Mr.. Monroe had had mis-
chevous effect upon the questions pending be-
tween this country and foreign Powers We
have come to a critical juncture-we are at
point where we must take one of two roads,
either to the right or the left, and upon the de-
csions of this session depend the future des
TIMES of this country.
Mr.. Allen had not supposed that the bare
introduction of this subject as measure for
deliberation would have encountered any OPP
position. The President had deemed the sub
ject of sufficient Importance TO call the atten-
ton of Congress to it in his Message-if, after
it had been thus solemnly laid before us, Con-
gress should remain silent, it would be deemed
a rejection of the ground taken by the PIes-
dent, and foreign powers would so view it
This was not question caught floating in the
air, and dragged in here, but it was legitimate
ly before us. The principle laid down by Mr..
Monroe, and re-asserted by Mr.. Polk, had
been sanctioned by the people for | years
How far it was to be extended, and what was
to be regarded as sufficient interference to JUS
tify our opposition were subjects for the deli
beration OF Congress. The President believed
it imperative TO call the attention of the coun-
try to this sdbject, not a century hence, but
nolo. He would not 90 into the deep water of
the question: as to balance of power, &c; these
matters he hoped would receive attention here
after
Mr.. Calhoun asked how this resolution was
introduced-was 1t upon the authority OF the
Chairman Of the committee on Foreign Rea-
tons alone?
Mr. Allen said it was his individual act.
Then, said Mr. Calhoun, | must say there is
no precedent for such course--it is altogether
unparlamentary, and entirely out of ORDER
Has my friend from Michigan, (Mr. Cass) the
Oldest and most experienced member of that
committee, been consulted-has my gallant
friend MIR. Sevicr) on my left: Moths is
entirely the act Of one individual of the COM
mittec, and it was brought in here to have
bearing upon another great question now pend
ing. In his position he meant to beg nothing,
but he was resolved not to be cntungled by, or
rushed into, any measure Of this sort. He was
for peace, if peace could be honorably preServ-
ed. Pass such law as this, and it will be ne
cossary for this Government to change its
whole character, and to become at once great
military power. In his opinion there was no
dignity in the course proposcd-true dignity
required that VIC should be prepared to execute
L. q,
for the yeas and nays or the question Of grant
ing leave.
MIR. Jarnagin moved, not from any discour-
tesy towards the Senator from Ohio, but to
preclude further debate at present, that the mo-
ton to grant leave be laid on the table for the
present.
Mr. Cass asked, does this motion shut out
debate?
The Chair replied affirmatively.
Mr. Allen said the vote would be test ques-
ton, and (eres of ''order orderly the resolu-
ton would never be taken up again.
The question was taken, and the subject laid
on the table by vote Of IS to 80. THIS was
Il party vote, with the exception of the follow
ing gentlemen who voted with the Wings, viz:
Messrs. Calhoun, Chalmers, Haywood, McDui-
ie and Westcott.
Mr.. Crittenden here rose, and asked leave to
introduce resolution in order that it might be
printed, and made the order of the day for the
10th of February. Leave, sc. was granted.
This resolution empowers the President of the
United States, after the expiration of this ses-
sion, to give the notice to Great Britain, if he
shall deem it .vpedient.
A long debate ensned upon private claim
of Nathaniel Goddard and others, of Boston,
in which MIR. r, Johnson defended the charac,
ter of Thomas Perkins, which was assaulted by
Mr.. Turney, of Tenn Mr.. J. s defence was
warm and eloquent. The claim was finally
postponed, and