Weekly national intelligencer., 1848-05-06
OUR RELATIONS WITH EUROPE.
We copy from the Missouri Republican of Apra
24h the following Letter, full of just sentiments from
an enlightened and eminent Western Statesman:
To TIE Eprrons OF rHr RrpuptIcAx.

To EpIToRs OF THE REPUBLICAN,.
GENTLEMEN 1t is now the evening Of Saturday, 22d
April was all this day, from nine till two o'clock, in the
Common Pleas Court engaged in arduous session, clos
ing up the business Of the and should have remained
ignorant to this hour that expected speak the
sembled multitude Monday but that in the midst Of the
business Of the Court friend called my attention your
paper Of this morning.
there find announced part Of the proceedings Of the
Committee Of Arrangements TO celebrate the revolutionary
struggles which now convuse Europe, that to address
the immense concouse expected assemble Monday
The announcement gave great pain. The appointment
implies compliment the part those who made the selec
ton, and Is painful to be compelled 10 disnppoint those
friends who desired TO hear my sentiments that occasion.
But cannot fulfil the appointment II my professional
gagemens were less urgent than they e-two courts in
session, and Of them just closing long ermst could
not venture upon the duties assigned have attended
any Of the meetings on the subject participated in any Of
the preliminary arrangements have been consulted,
spoken TO by any man. In regard the views and
objects Of the expected meeting and the part assigned
10 act before the public has TO my knowledge only
through your paPer and al time late to preclude the
possibility Of reflection and deliberate judgment upon the
momenous topics which must needs be discussed such
occasion.
The questions presented Of the most vital and over
whemng importance, involving less than all the rights
and liberties OF and the consideration Of oil the forms
and principles Of human government and all the modes and
motives Of human action. Under the mighty shock Of popular
energy struggling against oppression thrones are crumbng
All are SINKING 10 below the
level OF their ancient subjects Observer though wise
and brave may well stand aghas the uncomfortable heav
ings Of this political earthquake and we, happily under
Government already free, and al safe distance from the peril
ste must look upon the raging elements Of Europe
with deep aud intense emotions Of mingled fear and hope
For myself frankly declare that know not vet whether TO
to rejoice the mighty struggle. Beginning,
trust does in the assertion OF sacred uththe right of
every nation TO resist oppression and govern tseand
having for its just object the liberty Of each and the equality
Of all the members Of the social compact If shall result ia
the establishment Of peace and order, Of free constitutional
Gorernmenfs tcch liberty shall be established and reet-
lated by Lc and shall not depend upon the will of kings or
other digniiaries then and eUry right hearted American
citizen cH rejoice, and the Cord oH hare cause 10 rejoice
,vh unaioyed pleasure. But h forgetting the moderation
which belongs good cause, the crisis should be pushed
into social well political revolution IL the bonds Of
society be dissolved and anarchy introduced with All lis hor
rors OF conscaon and plumber and boodshed ending as
such commonly do in military despotsm none would
have rejoice but the despot HIMSELF and the favored
few who share in bis bloody fortunes.
There merit which entities itself 10 our respect and
sympathy in the very wish for iberythe aspiration after
Independence and DO not believe there is citizen Of the
United States who does warmly desire see all the people
Of Europe enjoying the PEACEFUL orderly legal bcrty which
blessing to enjoy But good ,ishes and ,carn su1,-
pafies all zoe hare 10 gUe. govenment is the car
dnai principle of constitution, and IL Is aeninsf that
principle 10 NEEDLE in The internal affairs Of other nations
or 10 ailow them 10 meddb in ours.
As my announcement made m the Republican heg
the favor Of you insert this hay note Of my reasons for
declining the appointment,
Very respectfully, EDW'D BATES,