The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-14

I has presented this resolution to us, and sus.
tanned it in manner which, while il reflects
credit npon him as statesman, does even great
or credit 20 his heart.
4 But il is not my design at all to enter into
the merits OF this question, further than to ex
press my opinions of the policy of it. 1t is a
measure of kindred character with the one that
was discussed yesterday by the honorable SEN
ator from Michigan, Mr.. CAss II is a meas-
ure which commits this government to step
never heretofore taken--to an interference, a
direct interference-wit the policy of foreign
governments. II is In that light alone that
am permitted, as senator from one of the
States Of this republic, to look upon it and to
4 consider it. And however freely | may ac-
i knowledge that the most deep and earnest sym
pathies of the American people are with these
men, who may Justly be called patriotic, now in
exile from their fatherland however we must
acknowledge that the sympathies OF our people
are with them yet feel bound to declare that
this government is forbidden from taking this
Lstep.
We have lately seen gentleman from abroad
come here, on a self-constituted mission to this
country, for the purpose of unsettng our poll
cy in relation to foreign governments We have
seen the countenance and support that he has
met with from men of every degree and every
station. We have seen the impression.l fear
the deep impression--that he has made upon
the feelings ola portion Of the American people
] in regard to that policy. And we have witness
ed the fact that thousands have hung sympa
thizing listeners 10 him while he attempted to
show that our beloved Washington. when he
laid the foundation of this policy deep and
| broad, was himself mistaken; and who listened
| to him when he told them tn 1t, although he was
aware that our government was against change
| in that policy, yet he was equally aware that
the people could control that government and
| he declared and avowed that he was here to in
duce the American people to override their gov
ernment-in what! Why, in the matter of pol
icy in relation to foreign nations, which has
never been departed from heretofore since the
days it was laid down by Washington.
| Mr.. President, heard it with great and deep
regret when the justly distinguished Senator
| from Michigan, Mr.. CAss, whose words al
| ways carry weight with them before the Amer-
can people, told US so lately as yesterday that
we need have no fear in taking the step which
he proposed that it would not lead to war, but
that it would exercise moral and persuasive
influence upon nations abroad; and he gave us
numerous instances where foreign governments
had expressed their opiaions with regard to the
acts of others, and of those opinions being car
ried into execution, and not disregarded by
them. Sir, what were those foreign govern
ments? They were governments of kings, of
| potentates, and of princes, who were acted upon
! by selfish considerations alone in what they
suggested or recommended to those who were
around them. What is our government A
&C eminent of the people. And is it to be be.
lie,'ed, will it be credited, that the American
people, who WELD this government, should de.
clare purposes which they do not mean to exc.
cute2
Sir, that very man TO whom have alluded
the Hungarian-avowed in one of his public ad-
dresses, that although it was not intended that
the policy which he recommended should lead
to war, yet it would become the duty of the ma
ton which should express that policy 10 main
tain its ground by force Unnecessary.
/ did not intend, Mr. President, when arose,
to discuss these questions They are kindred
questions; however little allied in effect or pur.
pose, they are kindred 10 their origin, and will
lead to kindred results. Ii may become neces
sary-I may feel it duty devoving upon me,
before the measure discussed on yesterday shall
be brought to final vote to express my views
at large upon this subject. mean more parti-
cularly now TO express TO the Senator from ILL
nois Mr.. Shields the feeling of regret with
which am constrained TO vote against the pro
position he has so ably sustained shall feel
il to be my duty, and IL is with reluctance that
: ] shall do 80, at once TO vote in the negative ;
but should be better satisfied, feeling as do
towards this gentleman in whose behalf il origi-
mated, that il should be laid upon the table; and
if not unacceptable to him, | now make that mo-
ton move that the resolution be laid upon
the table
Mr.. SHIELDS. ! hope my honorable friend
will withdraw that motion, although il is not
INV inf finn IN FraaEa AZ
ject.
Mr.. MASON. Certainly sir; withdraw il.
/ Mr.. SHIELDS. Unless there are some per.
sons who propose TO speak upon this subject,
would rather have the matter disposed ola once
The longer the matter is kept in suspense, the
feeling think will be increased and therefore
] would prefer that the vote should be taken al
once. Bot l could not consent TO the PROPOSE
| ton of the honorable Senator from Virginia 10
have il laid on the table
Mr.. UNDERWOOD ! am highly pratifed
win the suggestion made by the Senator from
Virginia, Dir. Mason, who spoke last upon this
subject. These are cert. inly kindred subjects
the resolution offered by the Senator from
Rhode Island, Mr. CLARKE in reference TO the
question Of non.intervention, and the resolution
offered by the Senator from Illinois, expressing
sympathy in behalf Of Smith O'Bien and Others.
I1ey nave ooth originated IN the same feelings
which have grown out of recent events; and
think that IL becomes the Senate, as the discus-
sion is to go on upon the resolution offered by
the gentleman from Rhode Island, 10 postpone
further action upon this resolution until we have
heard the discussion upon the whole subject
therefore move 10 postpone this resolution
until
Dir. BUTLER, On his seat) Until April.
Mr.. SHIELDS. Oh, no; / hope not.
Mr.. UNDERW GOD. do not wish 10 in
terfere with my friend from Illinois in his move
ment at all but wanted 10 throw myself upon
his courtesy, and TO know whether Il would no.
meet bis appreciation that the resolution might
lie over until we get through with the discussion
of yesterday, so that we could have the whole
discussion through before we vote. feed some
disposition to make some remarks upon the
subject, Mr. President before we finally vote
on Il, but am not prepared to make them now,
and | do not want the question taken.
SENATOR T. of ma adiourn Than