The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-03-20

positlOn Oh Things, what attltuoc VIII 10 sonch
by the United States, the "model republic"
which is now initiated in Europe, and which
has established its power and independence, al
most equal to the greatest nation of the old
world z
During the old wars growing out Of the French
revolution, the policy Of the United States was
to keep alOof from all European entanglements,
and to maintain neutral position during the
great fight between liberty and despotism This
good policy for that age of the United States,
because this country was then poor, thinly pc.
pulated. and incapable of making either great
physical or moral demonstration. The case is
now changed with this vast coun try-united,
animated, powerful, belligerent and rich. We
are nearly twenty-five millions of people, with
wealth, capacity and Intelligence sufficient to
enable US to cope with fifty millions Of the old
world. The war with Mexico has just termina-
ted most brilliantly and decisively. A treaty OF
peace has been made with that republic, and the
American army, according to all appearances,
will soon be returning to their own country.
We possess one OF the highest characters in the
world, at this moment, for our military advan-
tages, our military power, and our military ca
pacity. During the recent war with Mexico,
our naval energies were in allegiance but we
have the best reason for believing that the naval
capacity of this country is equal to our military
capacity and this is an arm of our power
which may be welded with immense effect in
the coming contest between the new republic of
France, and the old despotisms of Europe.
BY devolopement and enlargement of our
naval elements, and the increase OF our steam
navy, and the full equipment of our fleets, we
| HkaAc o.
of the despotic and monarchical powers of Eu-
rope from overwhelming the French republic,
as they attempted at the close of the last centu-
ry. If England should interfere with the free
action of the French people, let it be the policy
of the United States to take sides with the new
republic in Europe, and TO assume such posi-
I ton as will make the intentions of the Ameri-
can people respected, even by England. Perhaps
the moment is nearer than we anticipate, when
Canada, Cuba, and all the West Indies, will fall
into ruin, or fall into our hands. Who can tell
what the effect of the great movement in Paris
will be, within the limits of England. ireland
| or Scotland, in less than six months I? Who can
stop the revolutionary spirit of the age?
With this position of things. and with these
views, we trust that Congress will at once finish
up the Mexican war, and direct their attention
to the Importance of our relations with France
and the French people, and with the other coun-
tries in Europe There ought to be at once, ten, or
t,celve, or t,oenty large steamers built under the
action of the american government, to be used as
packet ships, but to be ready at any moment to be
called into action in case Of difficulty ,oith Eng
land on account of the ne,u French revolution
Let Congress, therefore, quit the exhausted
topic of our Mexican affairs, and turn their at.
tention to new ZELDA wider field of enter.
prize-a greater movement than any which has
yet taken place in the world, and one which may
involve all Europe in terrib lie and awful wal
for the next half century. If the United States
take proper position, and display sufficiently
her moral nd physics power in this matter, the
progress of liberty in Europe may be aided be-
| yond what the mind can contemplate at this
moment. Wake mp. Congress
| Mr.. WRBsTER's SPEECH ON THE TEN REGIMENT
BILL.-Mr. Webster's speech on the ten regi
ment bill will be found in our columns to-day. i
is brief and to the purpose, containing some
strong points, and endeavoring to excuse him
self for opposing the ratification of the treaty
with Mexico. The effect of the speech, however
on the Senate, is best indicated by the passage
of the bill Immediately after the delivery of his
sentiments, or soon after, by large majority.
Mr. Webster seems to be extremely anxious tc
explain his position in relation to the treaty with
Mexico-a position unexpected and extraordina
ry: His explanations seem to be very unsatisfac
tory and very insufficient, coming from such
great and able man. We rather suppose tina
Mr.. Webster was disappointed as regards thu
vote on that treaty, and did not mean to be caugh
in the minority, as he has been, on its final de
cison.
In another point OF view Mr.. Webster's speech
is more satisfactory, and this is in reference t.
the contributions made in Mexico, under the sin
gle authority OF the executive. On this point HI
has been preceded by Mr.. Calhoun; but HI
unites with him in denouncing this act of Mr.
Polk as unconstitutional in the highest degree
1t certainly seems to be rather equivocal tina
the President of the United States has powe
beyond what is conferred on him expressly By
the constitution, or by law of Congress. W.
do not think the position assumed by his friend
is tenabie, that the President has war power
similar to that of European monarchs in rela
ton to conquered territory. At least we thinl
it is very doubtful; and in this state of doubt, thu
sooner the case is examined and settled the bet
ter. His conduct in making those contribution!
is denounced as unconstitutional-if this can b,
sustained, the President is liable to be i'm
peached. If Mr.. Webster or Mr.. Calhoun, o.
their friends, believe that he acted unconsttu
tionally, they ought by all means bring forwar'
articles Of impeachment, and determine thu
question. There certainly are strong grounds
for believing that he went beyond his power
and if so, there are equal grounds to bring in
bill of impeachment against him, In friendly
manner, SO as to decide the matter legally TO
there is no doubt that he acted conscientiously
What is the unwrtten power under the consti
tuition and laws of the republic Let us know.
} INDEPENDENCE OF IRELAND. "A public meetln!
| C IL az a