The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-05-16

On the acceptance of M. GraaelPs offer of pessel
for The Sir John Franklin Expedition
Mr. BAKER said
propose to detan the House few moments
| to express nv hearty assent to the resolutions
under discussion and have deemed it proper
to say something in their support, because rep
resent a district very remote from the ocean, yet
one whose inhabitants feel a kindly sympathy for
the dist ngushed navigator, for whom | trust re-
newed search is to be made. IL Is objected, sir,
that this was an English expedition, to accom-
plish British purposes. From whatever port it
NAV have sailed, and whatever flag 1t BORE its
object was scientific exploration, and its purpose
was one of universal benefit. Sir John Franklin
and the gallant men who have shared his perils
have gone out upon voyage of discovery,
prompted BY noble impulses With no guide but
their own genius and Providence, they have
sought to accomplish results which are to benefit
not only England, but America not only Ameri-
On, but the world not only this generation, but
ali generations Sir, for one acknowledge the
obligations such an enterprise imposes upon civ
iization everywhere, and ] think 1t just and
graceful to stamp the expedition which goes to
its relief with n national character.
But 1t is said that the proposed expedition Is
one of private nature by which the gentleman
who equips it seeks to gain some glory TO himself
Sir, am glad IL Is 90. ] will grant aid to Mr..
Grinnell now, as readily as would have done to
Columbus IL had been citizen or legislator Of
Spain in the reign Of Ferdinand and Isabella 1t
Is this generous love Of glory which admire 1t
was this which prompted the world-seeking
Genoesen to the noblest enterprise Of any age
and kept him firm amid terrified mariners and on
an unknown and stormy sea IL is this which
kindes high hearts to all great enterprises and
sir, when this love Of glory seeks 1t accomplish
ment in noble discovery and princely munifcence,
not only admire but honor II and am hon
ored in being allowed to aid it.
But, sir, the whole American people have an
interest In these expeditions. II is no longer
true of England, that she il the mistress OF the
ocean - we, too, hold our march. upon the
mountain-wave our kees yex every sea and
whatever opens new channels of commerce, adds
to our wealth and dominion. And yet am dis
posed 10 place the support Of this measure upon
hisb.y ground IL has been said that literature
belongs TO no age and no country. 1t may be re-
pested of discovery and invention, ~ the benefit
Il for all ages and all countries-for the, world,
and for the whole family Of man. so, ! trust,
an enlightened craftsmanship will send forth, In
the name Of this great nation, messages OF consc-
latiou and succor TO the absent-noi alone to re-
lieye them, but also to assure all who may sue
ceed them In the paths Of adventurous peril that
thew shall neither be neglected nor forgotten
Nor should the sacredness Of misfortune be over
looked. II these men had sought the northern
seas for mere private gain, even then the great
ness of their danger would reach the American
heart The noble woman who looks out upon the
| melancholy main D with eyes shining with hope
vet dimmed with tears, does not and cannot APP
peal to rs In vain. For one, J shall respond 70
the call Here is public-spirited American
| merchant, who, with munifcence equailing the
merchant princes of Florence, equips his vessels
| and proposes TO traverse the unknown regions OF
the North 10 restore distinguished men TO the
world. and husbands and fathers to their homes
He asks the protection Of our name ana our Jaws.
| Sir. let him have them Let US put our nag AZ
| the masthead, our laws upon the deck, our pro-
lection around the ship. II may be our stars may
| Arst CLEAN upon those watching eyes. Think
you, sir, they will not hail them with q wilder
| joy when they come TO tell them that America
conducts the searoh1
But IL IL said that this sympathy 10 felt Tor 81
John Franklin because he bears q title. sir, TIT
title has been earned II was earned, ! believe
ss Sir James Ross and Sir John Perry have
earned theirs--by courage and devotion, by endu
/ rance and skill. The deeds which secure thos
titles give Q noblsr distinction than titles cs'
bsstow they live when titles are forgotten, an'
the men who perform them are nooies, py "
higher patent and On earlier creasios'
!! agree, Mr.. Speaker, with the honorable gen
tlsmsn from Virginia, fMr. Bnyby,l that his er
precision, oharactsrizing the proposed expedition