Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-10-06
Foreign Policy.

the subject of Slavery and the peculiar views of
the two candidates touching that institution, the
prominent topics of discussion in the present can
vass. Ofnecessity we have been compelled to
meet them fairly and fully upon this, their chosen
issue, and have, consequently been prevented from
laying before our readers other matters involved in
the contest, which demand their most serious con-
sderaton. We ought not to permit this question
of slavery to swallow up all others. 1t is not wise
to overlook and discard the discussion of great prn-
ciples upon which the parties differ, and allow
the contest to turn upon single and sectional
issue. There are other things that may destroy
the peace and endanger the best interests of the
country besides the domestic quarrel, between the
North and the South, and it is time that the eyes
of the people should be turned to them. We pro-
pose therefore to examine the position occupied by
the two parties in regard to our intercourse with
other nations, and to show that line of foreign
policy will, in all probability, be pursued by the
Democratic party, in the event of their success,
which will lead TIC most disastrous consequences
From the days of WASHINGTON to the a !
vent Of KossUrH, Non Intervention had been the
settled and undisputed policy of this government
The appeals of that eloquent, but selfish and i'm
pddent adventurer, in behalf of ''down trodden
Hungary revived the question, and there were
those found ready and willing to reject tho warn
ings of WASHINGTON and cspouse the doctrines of
the willy Hungarian. For the purpose of advanc-
ing their own interests or the interests of party
there Were men found in high places to second the
wild schemes of LOUIS KossUrH, and under the
imposing plea Of progress" to advocate the most
enlarged system of "fllibustering" Who were
they9 Those who have paid the slightest atten-
ton to the history of the times will reco11ect that
Gen. CAss and Judge DoueLAss, the leaders of
the Democratic party, were the leaders of the In
Prevention party, which was almost if not entirely
composed of Democrats. In speech delivered
at banquet given to KossUrH, by the jackson
Democratic Association" in Washington, Judge
DOUGLASS openly avowed his hostility to the pol
icy Of WASHINGTON and proclaimed that it was
''time that America had foreign policy in &C
cordance lcith the spirit Of the age-but not such
foreign policy as we have seen attempted to be
enforced in this country within the last three years."
Gen. CAss uttered sentiments upon the same oc
casion equally Objectionable. 1t will not be denied
that the Democratic party was the KossUTH party,
while the Wings planted themselves upon and
maintained unfinchingy the sound conservative
American policy of Non-Intervension.
As the Democratic party was the KossUTH par
ty during the sojoum of that distinguished hum
bug, 50 it entertains KossUTH's views Of foreign
policy now Let kossuTH himself testify upon
this point. 1t will be seen from the following re-
marks delivered before German meeting in the
City of New York that lie regarded the silence of
the Democratic platform as an indication most ia
vorable to his revolutionary designs:
at is principle of mine never to mngle with
any internal question Of this country; and shall
not do it. But no one can regard it as an offence
to say that Europe is profoundly concerned in the
question as to what course in regard to the foreign
policy of the country the future Administration
may pursue; for my own country and Germany
and all Europe are the objects of that policy.
at is proper, therefore, to express my views on
that head.
land since my views of that question embrace
the whole future Of America, and it is that ques-
ton which is to give the main direction to the next
Administration, say that the way which Amer
lean patriots have TO choose is clearly indicated by
events. They must not be led by party names or
party aflinitics, hut by principles.
"Now, one party has already pronounced itself
as openly hostile to that view of foreign policy
which the German citizens of New York profess,
and which | regard as the only salatary view for
America the other party has passed it over in 81
lence.
''There is, then, nothing dubious here the hos
tile declaration has alenated support; but silence
leaves the matter 50 far forth still open. Should
the leading organs and leaders of the victorious
fraction of the party which declares itself unfrend
ly rctract the hostile programme, then the ques-
ton of principle again recurs-which party will de-
clare itself favorable? But, as the matter is left
by the convention, it is clear that silence is less un
favorable than declared opposition Applause.
''None the less does 1t appear to me necessary
TO let the silent party know that they cannot rest
too confidently upon the logical consequences OF
this dilemma for there is third course yet open,
viz that the German citizens who agree with the
uecEdTdlOUS llldue DIT 1>GWdTk may uint0 Will d
third Independent party or refrain from voting, and
thereby prevent direct choice by the parties, and
throw the election into Congress, meanwhile eXer-
cising such constitutional influence in the choice
of Representatives in Congress, that the supporters
of your policy there may stand in solid phalanx
to control the policy of the Government. Ire
mendous applause.
81 have well-founded motives for the belief that
Al l.. r. IN fhoir
former principles, will give favorable interpreta-
ton to their silence"
There cannot be doubt THAT 9their silence"
was designed to ''give consent" The Democrat
ic party boasts that it is the party of progress"
which, as used by them, is but another name for
the widest and most extravagaut ultraisms.-
When it is recoIIected that the Wing party, re-
affirmed, in their PLATFORM tho doctrine of neutral
ity, as laid down by WASHINGTON, the contrast
upon this matter of vital importance is striking and
complete Is it not subject worthy of the most
serious consideration Of every patrot2 If with
PIERCE as President we are involved in a war
with Spain in regard to Cuba, or with Russia In
behalf of Hungary, or with England and Mexico
for portion of their possessions, we shall have no
hope, save in the unequalIed skill and unerring
Judgment of the great American General, WIN
FIELD Scorr, who may take us safely through
IT, however, the people wish to avoid all such col
lisons and their disastrous results, let them elect
the candidate of the Wing party, who will faith
fully carry out the foreign policy indicated in tire
third resolution of their platform.
o. The Hon. ROBERT LUCAS, Ex- Governor of
Ohin nnu n residont of iowa Whn was President