The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-01-07
REMARKS OF mR. HARRIS,


In ne House Of Representatives, Wednesday, Deem.
Der 81, 1851.
The resolution Of Mr.. CARTIER relative 10 kossuh
being under consideration,
MIR. HARRIS offered the following a substitute for
the amendment OF Mr.. CHURcHwELL:
And that said committee be instructed to inform Louis
Aossoh @hen they shall wait gPon him( that The settled
tions-entangng alliances with none"
Mr.. H. said The whole course OF Louis Kossuth
since he reached shores has been characterized by
an amount OF eandor and ankness that at least worthy
OF imitation. Immediately upon his arrival in this
country he announces distinctly the mission upon which
he comes lie tells you plainly that he comes not for the
purpose OF paTtakng OF your empty hospalihes OF your
emp,ier compliments but that he in the character
OF political propagandist-upon political mission.
lie comes TO ask this government TO interfere in the
struggles that are going on ~ Europe and alter having
thus distinctly announced you his object It is but
ura that he should consrue every act OF courtesy that
you extend TO him endorsement OF that obect-at
all events is quite clear that he does them
Ii gentlemen doubt this, refer them 10 his speech at
New York. In noticing the passage the Senate OF The
resolution OF welcome, he said that il said that the
passage OF this resolution had political meaning, BUT
THAT HE KNEW THAT 1T HAD"
Indeed, sir il this resolution passes without my
amendment, while the speech OF the gentleman from
Ohio mir DIsHEYl and the speeches OF other gentlemen
in favor OF Intervention, ringing in his what can
he understand from il but declaration IN favor oil that
policy
understand ourselves and lei kossuth the country and
the civilized world, understand precisely how lar we do
intend to go in this matter.
is the intention OF the House to commit itself to
the policy of Intervention in the affairs OF other govern
ments vote down the amendment that have proposed,
and lei Kossuth and the country understand that we no
longer adhere to that principle oil intervention taught
us by a Washington and Jefferson But IT, upon the
other hand, it is intended TO pay Kossuth personal
compliment, without endorsing the policy that he urges
upon then adopt the amendment that have offered,
and deal fairly candidly, and honestly with him. with
the county, and with yourselves
For myself, desire 10 say that, while am ready as
any gentleman upon this floor to extend to Kossuth per
sonal compliment equally ready TO resist to the last
extremity upon this floor, any attempt 10 commit this
government The deseron OF that principle OF hin
ervention which have cherished from The earliest in
fancy of government up TO this hour. And gentle
men intend no more than personal compliment, why
should they object to the adoption OF this amendment.
which tells him plainly and Irank that that is what we
ntend--lhat it is all we intend His frankness with
demands at least this much at our hands.
II is said by the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Disney
and others, that the principle OF onnervenlion was
very proper for the adoption OF this government
when infant republic but not so now when we have
grown to be great and powerful nation.
My own opinion IS, that the principles and policy
which were then necessary Tor the heahful develop
ment OF the genius and powers OF the young republic
equally necessary now to protect the strength and pu
ry OF that government when grown great and powerful
and il this principle was worthy of our adoption then
and experience has sanctioned its utility from that time
TO the PRESENT. is certainly worthy OF our maintenance
now and hereafter
If, then, the House intends to do than pay to
Louis Kossuh personal compliment, they will join me
in adopting this amendment, and in paying that comp
ment. But, if il is the intention OF the House 10 do more
than this let them vote down the amendment and Kos
suh and the country will understand il as declaration,
upon the part OF the House OF Representatives OF the
American Congress, against that great and vital principle
Of intervention upon the part OF this in the
affairs of other governments, bequeathed 10 rich
and last political legacy by the Father OF his Country.
Here the hammer fell