The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-12-16

On hs Resotuos Of Mr. Ssicard. Of ,osleome 10 Kos
sun deiioered IN Me Senate, Thursday, December H.
1851
[REvIsED BY HIMsELrl
Mr.. President, shall not long deian the Senate
regret that this resolution has been introduced. not
because do not cordially unite with all my sympathies
~ me proposed measures Tor the reception OF Governor
kossuth but for the that it could not pass this
body unanimously. resolution TO give such recep-
hon as has been proposed should pass with entire una
nimy for It's discussion and a divided vote deprive II
OF its chief merit would not have brought forward the
resolution Tor the simple that have yet TO learn
that the man lives, or did live, that could make
proposition in this body that would not give rise to dis
custom II has been objected TO this resolution sir that
Us passage would give offence to the principal powers OF
Europe. have heard this objection raised in relation to
many matters OF legislation that have become heart
lily tired OF it. do not deem il material whether the
reception of Governor Kossuth will give offence 10 the
crowned heads OF Europe provided i does not violate
question with is, not whether il win be agreeable TO
the despotic powers Of Europe; for well know that
they will not be pleased with any action OF this republic
which gives encouragement to European movements IA
vorabe to liberal institutions
The question, therefore, is not whether they will be
pleased or displeased but whether the adoption OF such
resolution gives Just Of offence, according 10 the
laws OF nations Sir, know of no principle OF the law
of nations that deprives republic OF the right OF
pressing its cordial sympathy in all movements tending 10
the estab lshmen OF free principles throughout the
world | hold that it is our duty TO demonstrate our
heartfelt sympathy and profound admiration, by every
which appropriate 10 the occasion and the sub
jectmatter II is due TO our character in vndica
tion OF the history OF revolutionary struggles which
resulted in the establishment Of republican institutions
upon this continent
But while it is our duty to do this much, would take
step which would violate any principle OF the law OF
nations, or give just cause OF offence TO any power on
Kossuh, accompanied by the expression of devotion
TO the cause with which his life is identified, and our
sincere desire for his entire be properly con-
stTued into such cause OF offence The distinguished
senator from Michigan has well remarked that it has
been the usual practice Of all enlightened nations in E-
rope to give welcome and an asylum to all exlies who
have been unsuccessful in their struggle tor liberty in
their native land He has referred to the example OF
England and might also have cited that OF France during
the period that he represented this nation with 30 much
honor and dignity at the court OF Louis Philippe ii my
recollection rightly, Louis Philippe. for many
years. his annual speech from the throne expressed
his heartfelt desire and strongest hopes for the aon
of the nationality Of Poland which had been divided and
apperoned among the powers composing the Holy ALI
Of despotsm. lie did not stop there Tor under Inc
direction Of his Minister OF Finance, between one and
two millions OF francs were appropriated each year or The
support OF the several thousand exes then in his own
capital. waiting opportunity. like kossuh and his as
socaies 10 return and engage IN the struggle Tor the IN
dependence and freedom oil their native land.
IT, then King in the heart OF Europe could from his
throne express such desire in behalf Of unfortunate Po-
land and at the time could tax his people TO raise
millions OF money for the support OF the patriotic exles,
without giving cause of offence TO his brother kings, shall
il be said that democratic America is not TO be permitted
to grant hearty welcome to exile who has become
the representative OF liberal principles throughout the
world lest despo,ic Austria and Russia shall be offended
We should not close our eyes to the fact that great
movement is in progress, which threatens the existence
OF evefy absolute government in Europe Ii will be
struggle between liberal and absolute principesbeween
republicansm and despotism. Are we 10 remain cold
and Indifferent spectators when the time OF action shall
arrive and the exciting shall be presented To
view Will il not become our duty 10 do whatever the IN
teress honor and glory ot own country may require
pursuance OF the laws OF nations 10 give encouragement
TO that great movemenl Should not recognise the m
dependence of each republic soon as IT shall be esiab
lished, open diplomatic intercourse and orm commercial
teaes and Short extend the right hand OF fellowship
rendering all the couresies and privileges which should
exist between friendly nations OF the same political faith
think that the bearing oil this country should be such as
to demonstrate TO all mankind that America sympalhizes
with the popular movement against despotsm, whenever
and wherever made. hold that the principle laid down
by Governor Kossuth as the basis OF bis action-thai
each State has right 10 dispose OF her own destiny and
regulate her internal affairs in her own way, without the
interference Of any foreign power-s on axiom IN the
laws Of nations which every State ought to recognise
and respect am prepared now to assert and ahfm the
proposition by vote OF the Senate part OF the inter
national code II is equally clear TO my mind that any
violation OF this principle by one naon intervening fo
the purpose of destroying the Liberties OF another is such
inracon OF the International code would author
ze any State niepose which should conceive that II
bad sufficient interest IN the question TO become the
yindicator OF the laws OF nations. The armed m
| terventon OF Russia to depnye Hungary OF her
constitutional rights such violation OF the laws OF
nations authorized England the United States 10 IN,
teere and prevent the consummaion OF the deed, II
either had chosen do Ii another alliance shall be
formed BY the despos OF Europe destroy the last
tige oil freedom that now remains, tbe quesnon VIII tnen
ase what interest," Duty and honor, require us TO
pursue We will have the right under the law oil ma.
TONS 10 interfere not according 10 our convictions oil
duty, when the shall be presented. l will not say,
as most senator's have said that in event will be Tor
interference by this government will Judge oil the case
when arises To say advance that the United States
will not interfere virdcaon OF the laws OF nations is
10 give consent that Russia may nterere IN violation
OF the international CODE TO destroy the liberties OF IN.
dependent nation. Such declaration would Afford as
much announcement to Russia and Austria in the
summation OF their work Of blood and vengeance
similar declaration by our government on recent occa
sion did instgaing Spain butcher American citizens
without the form OF trial. and in violation of treaty stpu-
la,ons. will make such declaration. Twill grant
no such license the absolute governments o Europe
On the other hand, | will not advise the declaration
! in advance that we will interfere. Such declara-
| lion might be looked upon as clustering, empty
threat | would make no declaration upon the subject
either way until the proper occasion shall arse would
have this republic retain within herself the control over
her own action that we may be IN condition TO 90
whatever our interests and duty may require wheh the
time for action comes think this is the most dgnhed
us the control OF movements, and enables us 70
perform our duties 10 ourse and to the rest OF the world
according our convictions from day TO day and year
TO year, as the occasion shall present itself.
| Sir, something has been said about an alliance with
Eng land to restrain the march OF Russia over The EURO
pean continent, | free to say that desire no all,
ance with England, or with any other crowned head
am not willing to acknowledge that America needs
England ally 10 maintain the principles OIL our
government Nor am | willing to go TO tne rescue OF
England, to save her from The power OF the Autocta
until she assmilates her institutions to ours HERS IS
half way house between despotlsm and IepHpieansn M
She responsible, much as any power IN Europe lot
the failure OF the revolutionary movements wh'ch nave
occurred within the last four years. English diplomacy,
English intrigue and English perhdy, pat down The revo