Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1852-01-28
REMARKs OF HOS. s. a. poUeLAs,

The Senate having under consideration
Mr.. Berrien's amendment to the Joint
Resolution introduced by Mr.. Seward ex-
tending to Louis Kossuth a welcome in
the name of the people of the United
States
Mr.. Douglass rose and said: Mr.. Pre-
sident, I shall not long detain the Sen
ate.
regret that this resolution has been
introduced, not because do not cordially
unite with all my sympathies, in the pro-
posed measures for the reception of Go
vernon Kossuth, but for the reason that
it could not pass this body unanimously.
A resolution to give such reception as
has been proposed should pass with en-
tire unanimity for its discussion and a
divided vote deprive it Of its chief merit.
1 would not have brought forward the
resolution for the simple reason, that l
have yet to learn that man lives or ever
did live, that could make propositions in
this body that would not give rise to dis
cussion. 1t has been objected to this
resolution, sir, that its passage would give
offence to the principle powers of Europe.
have heard this objection raised in re-
lation to so many matters Of legislation
that 1 have became heartily tired of it,
I do not deem it material whether the
reception of Governor Kossuth will give
offence to the crowned heads of Europe,
provided it does not violate the laws of
nations, and give just cause of offence
The question with me is, not whether it
will be agreeable to the Despotic Powers
of Europe for | well know that they
will not be pleased with any action of this
Republic which gives encouragement to
European movements favorable to liberia!
institutions the question, therefore, is
not whether they will be pleased or dis
pleased, but whether the adoption of such
a resolution gives just cause of offence,
according to the laws of nations. Sir,
know of no principle of the law of nations
that deprives Republic of the right of
expressing its cordial sympathy in all
movements tending to the establishment
of free principles throughout the world.
l hold that it is our duty to demonstrate
our heartfelt sympathy and profound ad-
miration, by every act which is appropri-
ate to the occasion and to the subject
matter. 1t is due to our own character,
in vindication of the history of our reyo-
lutionary struggles, which resulted in the
establishment of republican institutions
upon this Continent
But while it is our duty to do this much,
l would take no step which would violate
any principle of the law ofnations, or give
just cause of offence to any Power on
earth. Nor do 1 think that cordial wei
come to Governor Kossuth, accompanied
by the expression of our devotion to the
cause with which his life is identified, and
our sincere desire for his entire success,
can be properly constructed into such
cause OF offence. The distinguished Sen
ator from Michigan has well remarked
that it has been the usual practice of all
enlightened nations in Europe to give
welcome and an asylum to all exiles who
have been unsuccessful in their struggle
for liberty in their native land. He has
referred to the example of England, and
m light also have cited to that of France
during the period that he represented
this nation with 50 much honor and dig
nifty at the Court of Louis Philippe. If
my recollection serves me right, Louis
Philippe, for many years, in his annual
speech from the throne, expressed his
heartfelt desire and strongest hopes for
the restoration of the nationaltyof Poland,
which had been divided and apportioned
among the Powers composing the Holy
Alliance of despotism,. He did not stop
there, for, under the direction of his Min
lister of Finance, between one and two
millions Of francs were appropriated each
year for the support of the several thou
sand cxiles then in his own capital, waiting
an opportunity, like Kossuth and his as
so ciatcs, to return and engage in the
struggle for the independence and free
dom OF their native land.
If, then, King, in the heart of Europe,
could from his throne express such de-
sire in behalf of unfortunate Poland, and
at the same time could tax his people to
raise millions of money for the support of
| the patriotic exiles without giving cause
| of offence to his brother Kings, shall 1t
be said that Democratic America is not
to be permitted to grant hearty welcome
to an exile who has become the represen-
tativc of liberal principles throughout the
world, lest despotic Austria and Russia
shall be offended We should not close
our eyes to the fact, that great move
ment is in progress, which threatens the
existence of every absolute government
in Europe 1t will be struggle between
liberal and absolute principles-between
Republican and Despotism. Are we to
remain cold and indifferent spectators
when the time of action shall arrive, and
the exciting scene shall be presented to
our view ? Will it not become our duty
to do whatever the interest, honor, and
glory of our own country may re-
Quire, in pursuance of the laws of nations,
to give encouragementto that great move