The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-05-10

signed for H. and in the same breath announcing his OPP
position to IT, because another reason which, his judg
ment, IS bad one is urged in favor OF It's adoption
have always understood that according all sound rules
OF argument, nineteen bad and one good rea-
son were given for any measure the good sui
Gent TO outweigh all the bad ones 1t seems that with
the honorable senator from South Carolina, the rule has
been reversed, and that the bad overues and
ylaes the good! The senator also alleges that the
sage oil the President goes far beyond the doctrine
nounced by Mr. Monroe Now sir, the President quotes
the language of Mr. Monroe; and it seems TO me- from
an attentive examination of the subject that Mr. Monroe
goes beyond the President In the first place, beg to
remind the honorable senator that Mr. Monroe embraced
IN his declaration both the North and South American
continents while Mr. Polk has uniformly restricted him
sell 10 the former In t.e annual message OF Mr. Mon
roe to Congress, IN December, 1923, he stated that
IN the discussion OF the respective rights of Great
Britain, Russia, and the United States, on the north
western coast OF America, the occasion had IS been
Judged proper for asserting as principle, in which
the rights OF the United States involved, that the
American continents by the free and independent position
they have assumed and maintained henceforth
be considered as subjects for future colonization by any
European powers"
In the message il was declared that we should
regard any attempt on the part of European powers to
extend their political system to any portion Of this
hemisphere, dangerous 10 peace and safety" The
message says:
pean powers, have interered, and shall
tere But with the governments who have declared their
we have, great consideration and Just pnc PIES
knowledged, we could view any inerposilon for the
manner their destiny, by any European power, IN any
other sh Than a, the manifestation of an unfriendy dis
osltion towards the United States"
To my poor judgment, that is as strong language as
Mr. Polk has ever used and if it is to be regarded Of
iensye to quote It, or alude to it now desire to know
why ii not denounced when it was ii st uttered?
desire to knowshow it happens that, the first attempt
to carry out in practice the spirit and meaning OF the
memorable declaration the senator from South Carolina
should think proper to denounce it, when he certain
ly committed to il himself member of Mr. Monroe's
cabnet await the explanation of the honorable
tor II It be offensive to him now that the danger is i'm
pending, and when we are invoked to maintain it, by
regard for the common but haowed ties of humanity
which bind the whole human family, why was it, ask
that at the hour OF ITS atoPonthe hour not merely OF
of It's lnstament into the great American hcaror re-
gard il Of the cardinal doctrines of the American
political creed-no voice OF denunciation was raised
against It, and that opposition to has been reserved
til the moment that it about to be put into practice
Sir hold that 1t is fundamental principle of our sys
tenn that there shall be intervention in the affairs OF
senator from South Carolina must certainly have given
his assent to that doctrine at the time when it en-
bodied in the message OF Mr. Monroe. happen to know
the history OF this memorable sentiment obtained it
four or five weeks before his death from that Illus
rious who, for than half century, adorned
the political annals OF this country, and whose will
/ speak of John Quincy Adams This declaration
so endearcd TO me by its true and lofty PATRIOTISM that
sought interview with that venerable man, in order
to make some inquiries IN relation to this very subject
He gave me an interview of two hours. He has de-
scendcd TO the tomb, and there can be no ndelicacy
s nat the T on1os Of a Il se aB H pIe
pairing his messages, OF calling upon the different
members of his cabinet for suggestions in relation
this period the governments of Mexico Central Amer
ca Colombia, and on, had succeeded in establish
ing their independence, and these interesting and i'm
portant the subject of conversation between
Mr.. Monroe and Mr. Adams. Mr.. Monroe asked him
what duty indicated the United States by the
of these gratifying changes in the aspect of at
Mr. t,ItaI hat
would be proper occasion which to announce this
principle to the world He was requested by Mr. Mon
roe reduce to writing Next day Mr. Adams return
ed President Monroe that declaration, which, with
possibly few slight yer bal alterations, incorporated
in the message. Was it meaningless No, he replied
II raugh with meaning, and intended to convey ali
the senator from South Carolina any other member
of the cabinet heard of il until he heard it read in the
message asked did It mean that we should appeal to
arms No, the reply-hat when an attempt of this
kind made, should first resort to negotiation, and
exhaust it. and negotiation having failed, would then
be time to consider the question OF peace and war; which
would depend entirely upon the Importance OF the object
The declaration officially communicated to the
ambassadors of the various European powers represent
ed here The English minister instantly protested against
it, The other European ministers silently acquiesced,
with the exception of the Russian ambassador, who took
it with qas, protest, announcing his intention of com
muncang it to the Emperor for instructions; but the
opinion of the Emperor never returned. Now,
have the authority of that venerable in making this
statement which committed TO paper the evening OF
the day which had the interview. 1t shows that
Mr.. Monroe and Mr. Adams meant something of that
character, whether others meant anything not think
il presents principle upon which alone would be will
ling to place myself on the present occasion. with
draw the appeal to humanity altogether, and take higher
ground. Let say to the people OF Iucatan, that we
will active will preserve you from destructonwe will
prevent the seizure of your territory by any foreign
power.
have spoken at greater length, sir than designed
but situated am in relation to the measure before the
Senate could not we'll have said less Thanking the
Senate for the kindness with which it has heard me,
conclude by mporing you TO act speedily, If you act at
all.
Mr. CLAYTON. | desire very briefly to state the
why cannot vote for the bill. 1t goes beyond
the recommendation of the President | understand it,
He does not propose to take military possession of the
province of Yuca,an. He merely proposes to send
naval forces in the Gulf not required at other points, to
relieve the white inhabitants from the which is
waged against them on the coast.
Mr. HANNEGAN. The senator will acknowledge
that it is not my habit to interrupt gentleman when he
is addressing the Senate but beg that he will allow
to read an extract from the Presidents message
Mr. CLAY ION. have the message before me, but
shall be very happy to allow the senator to read any
tract from it.
Mr. HANNEGAN. | am under obligations to the
courtesy of the honorable senator. The President says
'.Whlst still considering Yucaan portion of Mexico,
If had troops spare Tor this purpose would deem
proper during the continuance Of the with Mexico
occupy and hold military possession of her territory and
eend the white inhabitants against the ncursions the
Indians in the that have mpoyed troops
other States of the Mexican republic in possession
repeng the attacks OF savages upon the Inhabitants
who have maintained their neutrality in the war"
Mr. CLAYTON The President adds
'But unfortunately, cannot the present without
danger withdraw forces from other portions of
the Mexican territory now in our occupation and send
tl.t. la