The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-09

adoption of this measure necessary TO the preserya
| ton and we.being Of this Unont Is II necessary
TO the urtheance Of our interests ana the establish
ment and upbuilding of our nation that certain
measure should be adopted, or certain policy pur
| suedi Ii these questions can be answered affirms
uyely then we have only TO march forward In III,
| highway to the destiny which is before u.s. w,
are not TO falter in decisive act because England
| may frown or smile on any particular line Of oul
policy We are now called on TO adopt a certain
measure and TO pursue il with resolute and unfaer
ing 6rmness We can only judge of the course tina
England intends to pursue, and the sentiment tha
her government entertains at this time towards
from the tone of her journals. We may have re-
course 10 her newspapers, but not TO opinions OF he
ministry, in order 10 ascertain Win any degree Of
certainty the views and designs which are entertain
ed by her Majesty's government on this question
The BRUSH ministry have given only eyasive init.
nations in reference TO the proposition rejected by
their envoy here; and Judging from the less obscure
and uncertain EXPRESSIONS in the English newspa'
pers, we have little to apprehend from their fayora
BILE disposition towards our interests.
Honorable senators have spoken OF compro-
mise" abhor the term. Il sounds like tempo.
rize." II implies that something unreasonable is de-
handed by one Of the parties, and that the other,
through over anxiety, IL prepared or required 10
make sacrifice of rights. "1sgporiss' implies that
insincerty and dupcity are y PASS current for open
professions, when Il Is nothing more than the con-
BILE to express. These terms should be expunged
from the political as well as social vocabuares of
the world.
Mr. President, prefer the term adjustment" for
| am decidedly in favor Of an adjustment Of this
controversy. The term implies everything desirable
10 the present phase OF this question. We know
there is diversity Of opinion, and we should all be
favor of doing what is rght-of arriving at truth,
and carrying out the objects, which alone be
done by an adjustment rather than compromise.
We need ask nothing but what Is right. We should
be satisfied that justice is on side and when sat
isfed Of that, we should scrupulousy contend for
our rights without reference to consequences. We
should say, This is our right; we will maintain it
and abide the wors
Much as | ght deprecate war, which is full Of
desoation and calamity TO all orders of society
anxious as would be to eschew il by all means in
my power, consistently with honor and integrity,
yet we should be willing TO encounter it rather than
yield an inch in the maintenance Of any ascertaned
right either inherent resulting But let me here
ask, are we certain that concession would Sc
cure peace with England What nation is there
that has ever grown or prospered and become great
without, encountering war; 1t would, indeed, be
strange that IT, In the present condition OF the world
the United States could remain 80 distinguished as
Of the great rival powers Of the earth object
ofinternatonal envy, and yet escape the common
calamites Of nations.
We cannot always expect to be free from war,
which is inherent in the condition Of nations. So
strongly was this conviction impressed upon the
mind of the ilustrous Father of our country, that
ere he departed he LEFT, as portion Of the legacy
bequeathed to his countrymen, the admonition
growing out Of his wisdom and experience-"in
time Of peace prepare for war; This warning
should be borne in mind. Washington knew well
the springs of human action. He knew the pas
sons and policy Of nations and that when il is de-
sired to ascertain their character and objects, you
L l. Il
ion with his fellowman. There you obtain the elu-
cidation. The passions of men are always en-
ployed for the benefit or detriment Of each other.
They have feelings and sympathes passions to in
jure, and sympathies to relieve. But nations are
not susceptible Of the refined sensbilites Of ma
ture which only exist in the social relations. Ma
tons but corporations on, magnificent scale
cold as Iceland in their calculations; heartless as
marble in their conclusions In their cabinets every
thing is done TO procure certain results. They
nothing for the calamtes they may entail on ether
nations. Think you that the British ministry feel
sympathy with the millions of India whom they
have slaughtered or ensaved' Have they tears to
shed with the widows and orphans of the Sikhs, so
lately slaughtered in their battlesl No. Yet acts
such these evidences Of the sympathies Of
tons. Nay it is evidence of their ministerial spirit
Of compromise. | trust however, it is a spirit of
compromise never to be extended by Eng.an to
this country; and yet the same love or aggrandze-
undoubtedly characterize her measures towards the
United States-the increase Of power and extension
of dominion.
sincerely desire peace; but how are we to Sc
cure il Will it be attained by permitting this ques-
ton to tester in the public mind of both countries'
Think you not that the popular mind of England is
agitated to some extent Can she be calm at heart
We know that the public mind in this country can
not be at rest and is it therefore wise us to per-
nit this agitating subject to remain in its present
condition. answer no, Mr.. President. venture
this opinion, however erroneous it may be, that
had the coordinate branches Of the government CO.
operated with the Executive with the promptitude,
and in the spirit in which he acted to-day everything
had been tranquil, England quiet, and the public
mind in the United States calm, serene, and unex-
cited.
On the subject of our having acted in accordance
with our right in giving the notice, no question
could have arisen England knows it is our right,
and our perogatve to exercise it. But when Great
Britain finds that the policy of the Executive is
opposed or denounced by American statesmen her
presses at change their tone. This very oppo-
sition is sufficient to insprt England to beard this
country into war-to embarrass the Executive OF
the nation-I mean the measures of the Executive,
not the man. do not know that he can be embar-
raised. Twenty years since | associated with
him in the counses Of this nation. Since then, il is
true time has silvered his locks and left an impress
upon his brow But believe he yet retains unirn-
pared all the faculties which he ever possessed.
Once knew his perceptions were clear, his views
comprehensive, his mind vigorous, his political pur-
poses patriotic; and he was decidedly energetic in
the accomplishment of his designs. ~
He is, trust, yet all that he ever was; and by
the efficient cooperation of the coordinate depart
ments of government, doubt not but that he will
be enabled to bring this matter to happy consun,-
nation, and thus avert the evils Of war, so much
deprecated in this chamber, IL is not averted,
it has been suggested that preparations are necessa-
ry. | grant it true. Our situation is not one of
preparation. We should always be in defensible
position Within more than q half century, when
have we been in proper situation for defencei Are
we now making preparations for war; Will we ever
be prepared until it comes upon usS Never. II is
not in the genius of this people. They are bold
daring, and confident; and until the shock OF danger
comes, every American is proud Of the national
character; and, glorying in his individual liberty,
each feels that he is indeed freeman, and therefore
cannot be conquered. They cannot realize the ne
cessty of concert and preparation. 1t is this uni
versai feeling that prevents the national defences
from assuming in time Of peace that formidable
character which such nation as Great Britain at
all times presents. ..
To place this country in state of defence would
renuire IN land Qualifications and The CON-