The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-24
IN NoN-INTERvENTIoN.

l
speech Of Hon. jeremiah Clemens, Of Ala,
ON NoN-INTERvENTIoE,
In THE SENATE, February r. 1852.
The Senate proceeded to consider the follow
ing resolutions, which were submitted by Mr..
CLARKE on the 10Th ultimo:
RESOLVED by The Senate and House cf Represent
aiipes of The United States Of America in Con-
gress assembled, That Congress recognizes and
reaffrms these manifest truths: "That govern.
ments are instituted among men to secure the
inaenable rights of life, liberty, and the pur-
suit of happiness, deriving their just powers
from the consent of the governed; that when
ever any form of government becomes destruc
tive of these ends, ii is the right of the people
to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new
government, laying its foundation upon such
principles and organizing its powers in such
form as to them shall seem most likely to effect
their safety and happiness"
Resolued, 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
inter. ference of Others in the management Of our
internal affairs, we concede to others the same
measure of right, the same unqualified indepen.
dence.
Res0lced, That it is upon the sacred principle
Of independent sovereignty that we reco gnZe,
in our intercourse with other nations, govern
ments de fdcio, without inquiring by what means
they have been established, or in what manner
they exercise their powers.
ReSotued, That this government has solemnly
adopted, and will perseverngly adhere to, as
| principle of international action, the advice
given by Washington in his Farewell Address
kIn Al. i III
nations; cultivate peace aud harmony with all"
"Give to mankind tie magnanimous and too
novel an example Of people always guided by
an exalted justice aud benevolence." "Sympa-
thy for a favorite nation betrays itself into a
participation in the quarrels and wars Of another.
without adequate indictment Or justification. "
against the nsidious wies Of foreign influence
the jealousy Of free people ought 10 be con-
! stanty awake for foreign influence is the
most baneful foe Of republican governments y
The true rule Of conduct for US in regard 10
foreign nations. is, in extending our commercial
relations, 10 haye with them AS little political
connection as possible" "Why quit our own
to stand upon foreign ground! Why, by inter.
weaving our destiny with that of any part OF
Europe, entangle our peace and Prosperity in the
tolls Of European ambition, rivalship, interest,
, humor, or caprice"
: Resolued That, while we cherish the liveliesi
> sympathy towards all who strive for freedom
Of opinion and for free institutions. yet we
recognize our true policy in the great fundamen.
tai principles given 10 us by Jefierson "Equal
and exact justice 10 all men, Of whatever state
or persuasion, religious or political; peace, com.
merce, and honest friendship with all nations,
, enlangling alliances with none"
4 Reyoired, That although we adhere 20 these
essential principles Of non.interyention as form.
! ing the true and lasting foundation Of our pros.
J. pefiiy and happiness, yet whenever providenl
foresight shall warn Us that our own liberties
and institutions are threatened, then inst re.
! gard 10 our own safety will require us 10 ad.
? vance 10 the conflict rather than await the ap-
proacb Of the foes Of our constitutional freedom
aud Of human liberty.
I Mr.. SEwARD's amendment proposes 10 strike
ont all after the second resolution Of Dir
CLARKE, and insert:
RESOLVED, That while the United States. in
consideration Of the exigences Of society, hab.
, itually recognize governments de Iacio in other
States, yet that they are nevertheless by no
} means indifferent when such a government Is
established against the consent Of any people
by usurpation or by armed Intervention Of for.
tign States or nations.
! Resolved, That, considering that the people
Of Hungary, in the exercise Of TIE right secured
10 them by the laws Of nations, in a solemn
and legitimate manner asserted their national
! independence, and established government BY
J their own voluntary act, and successfully main.
taned Il 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
political constitution thus established, and there
BY reduced that country 10 the condition of q
: province ruled by a foreign and absolute power
1.-The United States, in defence Of their own inter
; ests, add Of the common interests Of mankind
do solemnly protest against the conduct OF Rus
STA on that occasion, as a wanton and tyrannica
: infraction Of the laws Of nations; and the
United States do further deciare that they vii
not hereafter be indifferent TO similar acts of ma
lional injustice, oppression, and usurpation
whenever or wherever they may occur
Mr.. CAss's amendment j. designed a. n sub
stitute for Mr.. CLkRK's series Il Is rs follows
'ResolU,d by ne Senate and Hons Of Repre-
sentatipes of the United States of America i,
Congress assembled, That while The people o
. the United States sympathize with al nations
! who are striving TO establish free governments
!, yet they recognize the great principle Of the law
OF nations which assures to each OF them the
= right 10 manage its own internal affairs in 10
4 own way, and TO establish alter, or abolish IL
4 government at pleasure, without the interfer
i. ence OF any other power; and they have no
seen, nor could they again see, without deep con
cern, the violation Of this principle Of nationa
!. independence.
: Mr.. CLEMENS said Mr.. President. wbe,
o this question was last under consideration,
listened with deep attention 70 the remarks o
the honorable Senator from MichiQan. I'M,
: CAss In that speech--psrhaps the ablest O
his life--there is much to which cannot sub
scribe; but there Is also much 10 which well
a cordial assent / had supposed that we dit
; fered more widely than we do; and that suppo
sition was source 70 me Of profound regret