The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-01-08

ing to the Brish Parliament, and showing that there
of the American Congress say again., then. sir, that
while honor the memory OF those llustrious men,
Burke Barry, Fox, and Chatham do not find in their
on that question to an American satesnsana mar dis
tinguished in the last war-pahi0c and wisean exam
pie not less worthy Of imitation than that Of the eminent
men have mentioned have here, sir, paragraph
from letter of John Jay-a name rcyerenced by
than person in this hal--a OF pure patriot
ISM great intelligence, and firm integrity. as ever held
office in this country. The sentiments he expresses be-
long to all upon such an occasion as this. His Ian
guage is follows;
John Jay to Timothy Pickering.
''BEDYoRD, November ], 1914.
'I is clear that Britain did then expect de-
sire conclude the quite As TO her present
may be affected by settled or by still uctaane state
things in Europe q by calculations of our becoming more
should change rulers and I'LL their places with men free
from blame, the restoration OF peace might doubtless be
not while the prevailing popular dsision Continues % de-
coye and mslead SO great portion Of our citizens.
fecty utsd in discrimination to defend country,
be too vigan in watching and resolatey examining the
conduct q the administration in all its Departments, can
ddly and openly giving decided appreciation dec ded
censure, according may deserve the the other
Sir, approve of both propositions. hold that while
do what is necessary to be done for ~ defence OF
from the lips Of the honorable member from Ohio him
self-when defence may be involved directly or indi
recty-hat we are bound to maintain strict scrutiny
into the conduct OF the administration. But am not
willing to class myself with those who in favor OF
withholding all supplies even under the present ercum
stances also must disavow all sympathy with those
who are in favor Of adopting blandly explicitly, the
measures of the administration Sir hold no such con-
duct to be either consistent with duty called for by
patriotism Still less do acquesce the doctrine which
calls to remain quie-sen under the present crcum
stances in regard to the origin or conduct OF the war;
have faith the doctrine that the only way to make
peace with Mexico is to pause in silence believe Is
the duty OF every man to speak out what he believes
Indeed know OF nothing more dangerous TO the country
than fn yftt
overawe everything like free commentary or criticism
with regard to the war; Sir, when the vessels OF our
wrecked upon the rocks or stranded upon lee
shore-a court OF inquiry is instituted The coun-
Ty-the government-the Executive consider 1t due
to all concerned that there should be investi-
CATION into the circumstances Of the disaster in order
ascertain the of tiff carelessness who is the guilty
party; if otherwise, to make it known But now, when
the ship of state has been involved of the des
disasters which beal her-when she is arrested in
the track of tranquil liberty for which she alone
ever built, and is found plunging the vortex OF
foreign why sir we here, her officers and pilots
denouncng any investigation the of the catas
trophe and demanding OF the country, under the pains
and penalties of treason, to be satisfied with
heard from the quarterback itself, not without ominous
gances at the yard arms and every man who maintains
doubt msgving with regard the conduct OF the
d and comiort to the enemy n,n ' We ar. told that IN
time OF peace we may discuss the subjecnot when the
country is engaged in war. So, then, Mr. Chairman
binary measure OF misconduct-with some cheap or vu-
gar msdemeanor-the people may resist TO their hearts
content. But il you would mpeach them for some flag
rant crime, they will find impunity in the enormity
| of the act, and be safely screened behind the
mountain Of their own msdoings That the doctrine Of
gated on this floor Though the war is an abomnabIe
outrage-though the originated in the presump-
ton OF the Executive and is not consistent with the
spirit of the constitution and the principles of this
governmentyet, for that very reason, that is thus
monstrous and unspeakaby ouageous-and Il am speak
ing Acknowledgment must not do anything but vote sup
enemy will heafit! They will receive ssid and COM
fort from your ultra declarations Sir would let the
enemy hear--I would let the enemy hear. and let the
world hear all think and all know this subject,
rather than that free discussion should thus rude
y be torn from us, and rather than that the whole spirit
Of the government should thus be perverted and prosra
ted For one, Mr.. Chairman, confess that can find no
words strong enough to express condemnation of this
docrne-the people in time of war to resign all discus
sion and discrimination. and to throw the rens upon the
neck of the Executive power and allow to prance and
plunge wildly where it would There many senti-
ments which | am willing. to avow and abide by
the I'D that so stand
In what soil, democratic republican, has it found
growth Whence came. the germ-the seed of il
silent the subject Their is voice Of warning
of rebuke-which trust will not be heard in vain on
this occasion Sir you doubtless remember the celebrated
controversy of 1893, between James Madison and
Alexander Hamilton, the question of neutrality
beg to call your attention to phrase Of two, which
would commend to the consideration Of modern democ-
racy.
every Just view that be taken of this subject, adj
monishe the public of the necessity off rigid adherence
the simple the received and the fundamental doctrine of
the constitutions that the power to declare including
the power ofjudging of the Of is y and
right in any decide the question whether there
IS is not for declaring that the right OF
call for decision, is all the right which the
son has deemed requisite proper and that for such,
more than for any other contingency this right spe
cialy given to the Executive.
In part OF the constitution is wisdom to DO
found than in the clause which condas the question Of
peace to the legislature, and the executive de-
partment Besides the objection such mixture of he
erogeneous powers the trust and the temptation would be
too great for such nature may offer
the prodigy of many centuries, but such may be expect
ed in the ordinary SUGGESTIONS of nagsracy. War is in
physical force Is to be created; and it is the
cutive will which is direct il. In war, the public
| treasures to be unlocked; and it Is the Execu-
tive hand which is to dispense them. In the hon.
and emouments of office be multiplied and tits
the Executive patronage under which they TO be
joyed 1t is in war, finally, that aures to be gathered;
strongest passions and dangerous weaknesses Of the
human breast-ambon, avarice, vanity, the honorable
vcnal lover of ameare a in conspiracy against the de-
sire and duty of peace.
Silence has grown into axiom. that tho execudee
the department Of power distinguished by its propen
sity hence is the practice OF all Sics in proper
ton they free, to dsarm this propensity of lis nn
ence.
Gas the best praise then, that be pronounced on an
executive magistrate is, that he is the friend peace
praise that rises in its vane there may be known
city shine in 1t must be of the sacred
duties of free people mark the first in society
of principles that may stimulate the hopes of other mags
atcs of another propensity to inrue into questions on
people Also they will forget that the danger surprise
be great when the advocates for the prcrog
alive of war sheathe it in symbol Of peace.
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