The southern press., 1851-10-29
speech Of Mr.. W. M. Cory


We have read with the greatest interest the
very eloquent speech Of Mr.. w. NJ. CORY OF
Cincinnati, delivered at the Democratic meeting
held at Tammany Hall, New York The speech
appeared at full lengthin our paper OF Saturday
AS an exposition of the views and opinion OF
a true republican, 1t is perfect-as an exposition
Of the present state of Europe, with which he
has been long familiar, il is worthy Of the high
est attention.
We have already. on several occasions, given
some particulars and views of the present crisis
in the old world, as Americans naturally feel a
deep interest in the cause ofliberty. At the same
time the mere observation of so vast phenome-
non as the struggle of two hundred and fifty
millions of people for freedom, is one of the
most exciting and curious that can be presented
to the human mind.
Mr. CoRRY touches with great boldness on
the necessity for more direct interpretation in
favor Of E ,ropean rcpublicanism. This doctrine
will meet with many opponents.
Some Of our greatest men have left urgent
recommendations to take, in all matters relative
to Europe, decidedly neutral ground From
their point Of view, and considering the time and
circumstances which led them to that opinion,
we believe them to have been entirely right
Self preservation is at all times first considera-
ton. But it is not surprising, that when danger
at home no longer exists, men Of manly and gen.
erousminds should feel deeply for the sufferings
of others--indeed it would be unnatural and
most despicable if they did not.
A grave question will then arise. In what
way are We to show our sympathy to other ma
tons, whose people are oppressed, and with
whose governments We are on terms of friend
ship and alliance!
If we compare for a moment our neutrality
with the neutrality of Russia, for instance, we
find that we have lesson to learn. Russian
neutrality is all on one side; American neutral.
ity, much to the annoyance of the majority OF
our travellers in Europe, is all on one side; and
that, the side Of old oppression. There is some
thing wrong on that point. Not merely are We
bound as republicans to sympathize with repub-
licanism-bu. we are bound as men to side with
human rights, and humanity-aud still more so,
as liberals, and honest men, are we bound to
stand by nation and demand the honest full
flment of engagements made to it, and out of
which it has been basely deceived.
A people, goaded to revolution Gas we once
were) by oppression, demand "Reminiscences
sions are made, its government acknowledges
the necessity of them, and comedies them with
conditions which the people accept. Once re-es-
tablshed in power, the old party strengthen their
position, and then in defiance Of oaths and prom
ises defraud the nations of their legally acquired
rights. 1t alleges absurd excuses in mitigation
of the fraud, falsehood and violence.
Under such circumstances what is the duty Of
the United States, or Of any other nation profess
ing TO be governed by honorable motives and
principles. We a:e in fact witnesses to the
contract-to an act of justice long withheld
Vein measure,acqu iesce in the form Of govern.
ment so constituted, and BY the appointment OF
a minister nf1ix our seal to the deed. Yet when
the contract is violated fraudulently, and PERU.
~ and violence added TO the crime, We do not
even protest against the proceeding.
1t is all very well 10 talk Of neutrality, and so
forth. But Justice, honesty. and human right
stand higher than the bubbles Of antiquated
law, or the frivolous etiquette intended TO screen
the actions Of intriguers and oppressors.
The policy Of this nation should be as honest,
plain and streight forward, as the spirit Of our
institution,-aud the course we are bound to
adopt, is not to invade other nations to enforce
our system upon them, against their will, but to
compel by the most energetic course, and as far
rs lies in our power, the honorable fulfilment Of
oaths and promises, once made TO all nations
Has this ever even been attempted Is there
then no justice for the weak When Hungary
fights TO preserve her ancient liberties, does
Russia hesitate 10 help TO crush her Is there
no right then Of interference, but in siding with
wrongs
We would n6s,6or would DIR. CoRRY, involve
this couniH needessly in war; There is no
necessity any measures or threats tending
TO such results but there is a necessity, and
that most urgent FOR most honest, energetic
and republican line of conduct-such as we have
pointed out and such any one Of our readers
would adopt were he called upon individually,
and 10 bis own good sense and honesty to dem
onstrate, assert and maintain in relation 10 any
other individuals
II is not worthy of our government to forget
that fraud, perjury, and violence are crimes, al
though perpetrated by men in richly embroider.
ed uniforms-we must stand by what is honest !;
we must stand by nations who have acquired
rights and liberties honestly and fairly. We
need only look back to the repeated declarations,
professions, confessions and promises, made by
politicians all over Europc--to their own ex.
posures and admissions Of existing evils--to
feel the hdiousness Of the frauds practced since
lS4S, when the people relying upon those prom.
ises, sided for The most part with those repent
ant politicians, for the sake Of order and concil.