The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-12
NOn.InterventIAn

The following are the joint resolutions on the
subject of non-intervention, together with the
amendments proposed, now under discussion in
the Senate:
Be il resolved by The Senate and House Of Rep
resentatires Of the United States of America in
Congress assembled, That Congress recognises
and reaffirms these manifest truths: "That gov
ernments are instituted among men to secure
the nalienable rights of life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness, deriving their just powers
from the consent Of the governed. That when
ever any form Of government becomes destruct-
i've of these ends it is the right of The people to
alter or to abolish it, and to institute new gov
eminent, laying its foundation upon such prin-
ciples, and organizing its powers in such form.
as to them shall seem most likely to effect their
rights and happiness"
Resolred, That, while we claim for ourselves
these comprehensive rights of self government
and also as a consequence of sovereignty the
right to be exempt from the coercion, control
or interference OF others in the management of
our internal affairs, we concede to others the
same measure of right, the same unqualified in
dependence.
Resolped, That it is upon the sacred principle
of independent sovereignty that we recognise,
in our intercourse with other nations, govern
ments de Cacto, without inquiring by what means
they have been established, or in what manner
they exercise their powers.
ReSofred, That this government has soleinnly
adopted and will persevernsly adhere to, as
principle of international action tie advice given
by Washington in his Farewell Address lob.
serve good faith and justice towards all nations,
cultivate peace and harmony with all, give to
mankind the magnanmous and tco novel IN
example of people always guided by an ex-
allied Justice and benevolence." Sympathy for
a favorte nation betrays itself into q partcipa-
ton in the quarres and wars of apother, with
out adequate inducement or Justification
Against the insidious wiles of foreign inhu-
ence the jealousy of free people ought to be
constantly awake, for foreign influence is the
most baneful foe Of republican governments"
The true rule of conduct for us in regard to for
eign nations is, in extending our commercial re-
lations, to have with them as little political con
nexion as possible. Why quit our own to stand
upon foreign ground? Why by Interviewing
our destiny with that of any part of Europe, en-
tangle our peace and prosperity in the tolls of
European ambition, rivalshp, interest, humor,
or caprice?
RESOLVED. That while we cherish the liveliest
sympathy towards all who strive for freedom of
opinion or for free institutions, yet we recog-
nize our true policy in the great fundamental
principles given to US by Jefferson equal and
exact Justice to all men, of whatever State or
persuasion, religious or poltical-peace, con-
merce, and honest friendship with all nations,
entaugling alliances with none."
RESOLVED, That although we adhere to these
essential principles of non Intervention as form
ing the true and lasting foundation of our pros.
perity and happiness, yet whenever prudent
foresight shall warn us that our own liberties
or institutions are threatened, then just re.
gard to our own safety will require us to ad.
vance to the conflict rather than await the APP
proach of the foes of constitutional freedom and
OF human liberty.
To which Mr. SEWARD moved the follow
ing as amendments:
Strike out all after the second resolution of
Mr.. CLARKE, and insert the following as a SUBJ
stitute:
Resolved, That while the United States, in
consideration of the exigencies of society, habit.
ually recognise governments de facto in other
States, yet that they are nevertheless by no
means Indifferent when such government is
established against the consent Of any people
| by usurpation, or by armed Intervention of
| foreign States or nations.
| Resolped, That, considering that the people
of Hungary, in the exercise of the right secured
TO them by the laws of nations, in solemn and
legitimate manner asserted their national indie
| pendence, and established government by
their own voluntary act and successfully main
tained it against all opposition by parties law
fully interested in the question, and that the
Emperor of Russia, without just or lawful right,
invaded Hungary, and by fraud and armed force
subverted the national Independence and polti-
cal institution thus established and thereby re-
duced that country to the condition Of pro-
vince ruled by foreign absolute power, the
United States, in defence of their own interests
and of the common interests of mankind, do
somnly protest against the conduct of Russia
on that occasion as a wsnton and tyrannical in
| fraction of tho laws of nations: and the United