Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-04-20
From the Union April g.
The Debate i'm the senate on Glae Erencil
CongratuiaiOry Resolutions.
MIR. HANNEGAN,s SPEECH.

we have not room this morning for the whole Of
the interesting debate in the Senate on Thursday
the resolution of cong rauations the French peo
pie; but we cheerfuy make space for the very elo-
quent speech Of the chairman Of the committee on
foreign relations Mr.. Hannegan, who introduced the
resolutions IN response 10 the Presidents message.
We VIII endeavor al an early day to give the whole
OF this interesting debate
Mr. HANNEGAN said / will not detain the Sem
ate by entering into any details of the events which
we have all read in the newspapers with regard to
what has recently ranspired in France. Ii is enough
to refer The senator from Connecticut to those Details
as furnishing to the objection that nothing
has been done to warrant congratulations from Ame-
rica to France.
Mr.. NILES. The senator entirely misunderstood
me. said that the resolution of the senator from
Ohio went beyond anything that had been done.
Mr.. HANNEGAN. | am happy to hear the ex-
PLANTATION Of the senator. although still differ with
him IN his construction of the resolution. The
tor from New Hampshire expressed the hope
that the French people might be enabled to per-
severe. even unto the shedding of blood To that
respond, if 1t be necessary But ferveny trust in
God that not one drop of human blood may flow in
this great revolution.
Mr.. HALE. I said that desired the French peo-
pie would be faithful unto DEATH
Mr.. HANNEGAN. That, of course, implies the
shedding of blood. But | trust no neck will be
brought to the bock-that human misery. but that
unmingied human happiness may flow from tins great
movement.
And now, sir it is due to the honorable senator
from Ohio and my self, that should make brief ex
PLANTATION When the message of the President was
communicated to US Monday last. II was, on my
notion referred 10 the committee foreign relations
and then stated TO the Senate that IL not my In
tention to interfere with his resolution will carry
out my purpose IN that respect: for although, the
organ OF the committee, reported the resolutions
which have been read this morning, and although |
prefer them, as they go further in expressing my
views, YET VIII never place myself IN position IN
which can, for instant be suspected of public or
private reuchery. suggested TO the senator from
Ohio, IN the morning which he introduced his re-
solution. that he had better do it at once. then
committed myself 10 his resolution and shall carry
out the commttal by any vote which may be called
on to give. The resolutions of the COMMITTEE on TO-
reign relations, indeed express the sentiments
ana feelings as the resolution of the Senator from
Ohio, and entirely accord with resolutions which
have been prepared by other senatorsamongst them,
my friend from New York, Mr.. Dix. They all en-
body public sentiment, and All convey
nothing more than what fell from the lips, aud came
fresh and warm from the hearts of every daylaborer
around your Capitol grounds, as he exchanged con-
ordinations and shocks hands with his associate on
the intelligence Of these glorious events My friend
from Ohio, however, with Characteristic boldness-
leading, he always leads worthily, when the great
principles Of human liberty are at stake-came for
ward the moment that the tidings reached US, and
gave HoCe VI MS intention 10 introduce Sucn reSo-
luton. As the originator, then, of this procedure
to him belongs the credit let the details be what they
may, OF the action which the Senate may adopt. And
here may, without IMPROPERLY remark, that TO the
senator from North Carolina Mr.. Manguml is chief
y due the credit Of the resolutions reported from the
committee. His valuable suggestions in the commit
tee room reduced my share Of their preparation to lit
tie more than drafting them. But this is of littl,
consequence either to him or to myself Neither o
US seeks the bubble reputation" which is be gain
ed at the point of resolution. He, know, ii
above 1t; and trust am.
The senator from Connecticut Mr.. Baldwin, re
marked the other day. that there precedent
for this procedure think that if he will look bacl
to the period Of the first revolution in France, he viii
there discover precedent in the conduct of Wash
ington himself When Louis XVI communicated t.
General Washington, then President of the United
States, the fact that he had signed the constitution
dictated to him by the National Assembly, and thai
he had given to the French people extension of thu
elective franchise and other privileges before un
known, Washington, In a brief message, announces
the intelligence to Congress, and it responded t.
In separate resolutions by the two houses which wer
transmitted by the President the King of France
When, at a later period, on the establishment Of
republic before the downfall of Robespierre and Ma
rat, we RETAINED from transmitting congratulator
resolutions, the reason will be fresh in the recol
lection OF senators, was, that then in immi
nent danger Of collision with France.
MIR. BALDWIN. Will the senator allow me 4
inquire whether there be any precedent of joint re
solution OF the two houses of Congress, IN the nam
OF the American people, requesting the President
transmit the resolutions to foreign government!
Mr.. HANNEGAN. | know Of no instance Of
JOINT resolution, but the separate resolutions to whc
i have alluded were Of The same import. But
frankly confess, that dislike the word precedent
when we are engaged in legisating on such sublec
as this The reason why precedent has been pre-
sented s TINT the itself is without precedent
have, indeed, heard objections urged in high quar-
tiers. The distinguished senator from South Carolin
has expressed his opinion that had better defe
our action. These and other objections made to III
Immediate action of the Senate upon these resolu
tlons, have weighed, feel they deserve, with tn
utmost seriousness. At one time | was inclined
and so expressed myself to the senator, my frien
from Obio-to postpone action until we should hen
of the actual meeting of the national assembly; bI
all my subsequent reflection tends to the concusi0
that we should at once, and without hesitation, tel
der 10 the new republic of France congratuI
tions. For the life of me, | cannot any evil n
suit IN the step. No man will contend against IT
an act OF interference with the affairs of others
act that, IN It's remotest consequences lead to OF
entang lement IN European difficulties. Ii has ev
been the custom of nations to exchange congratul
tons upon momentOus occasions and fortunate r
sults.
In the history Of nan, there has occurred 81
nal event than the French revolution. 1t is
ed all over, at every step. from first to last from d
highest to the humblest actor, by moral grande
that finds It's only prototype in the conduct of our
heaven-gulded ancestors. When revolts occur
kingdoms-when man, lashed to phrensy by all &
Of oppression. rises to strike single blow, al
fall from the ignominous scaffold TO the uncount
Orave-When the chains Of the oDpressor are thus