Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1852-01-08
lREyIsEp BY HIMSELF

ll lcOl
CREvIsED HIMSELF
Mr. President | shall not long detain the Senate
regret that this resolution has been introduced, not
because do cordially unite with all my sympathies
the proposed measures for the reception oil Governor
Kossuth but for the that il could not pass this
body unanimously. resolution to give such receP-
has been proposed should pass with entire unan-
unity; for its discussion and divided vote deprive 1t oil
its chief merit would not have brought forward the
resolution for the simple reason that have VET 10 learn
that the lives ever did live, that could make
proposition in this body that would not give rise to DIS
cusson. 1t has been objected to this resolutions SIR
that its passage would give offence to the principal I
powers of Europe. have heard this objection raised
in relation many matters of legislation that have
become heartily tired Of it. do not deem 1t material
whether the reception OF Governor kosSuth VIII give
offence 10 the crowned heads of Europe, provided II
does violate the laws of nations, and give Just cause
of offence The question: with me is, not whether II
will he agreeable the despotic powers Of Europe Tor
well know that they will not be pleased with any ac-
ton of this Republic which gives encouragement TO
European movements favorable to liberal institutions
The question, therefore, is not whether they will be
pleased dspeased but whether the adoption OF such
resolution gives Just of offence, according to the
law of nations Sir know of no principle of the law
Of nations that deprives republic of the right oil ex
pressing its cordial sympathy IN all movements tending
to the establishment of free principles throughout the
world told that it is duty to demonstrate our
heartfelt sympathy and profound admiration, by every
which is appropriate the occasion and to the sub
ec matter. Ii is due 10 character, IN vlndica
ton Of the history of revolutionary struggle, which
resulted in the establishment of republican institutions
upon this continent.
But while il is our duty to do this much would take
step which would violate any principle of the law OF
nations or give Just of offence TO any power on
earth. Nor do think that cordial welcome TO Cover
Kossuh, accompanied lay the expression Of our de
votion the cause with which his life is Identified and
sincere desire for his entire success can he properly
construed into such of offence The distinguished
Senator from Michigan has wellremarked that IT has
been the usual practice Of all enlightened nations IN Eu
rope, give welcome and asylum TO all eXiles who
have been unsuccessful in their struggle Tor liberty IN
their native land. He has referred In the example Of
England and might also have cited that Of France,
during the period that he represented tins nation with
much honor and dignity at the court OF Louis Phil
lnpe. If my recollection me rightly Louis Phil
ipPe for many years, in his annual speech from the
throne. expressed his heart felt desire and strongest
hopes for the restoration of the nationality of POa I'd
which had been divided and apportioned among the
powers composing the Holy Alliance of despotism. He
did stop there for under the direction OF his Minister
of Finance, between and two millions OF francs were
appropriated each year for the support oil the several
thousand eXlles then IN his owA capital, waiting an op-
portuny like Kossu and his associates, to and
engage in the Struggle for the independence and free
dom of their native land.
I If then, King in the heart of Europe, could from
his throne express such desire in behalf of unfortunate
Poland and at the same time could bis people TO
raise millions of money for the support oil the patriotic
exes without giving offence to hs brother kings, shall
it he said that democratic America 10 be permit
ted to grant hearty welcome to an exile who has
become the representative of liberal principles through
the world lest dcspoic Austria and Russia shall lie
otendedl We should not close our eyes TO the Tact tt
great movement is progress, which threatens the
existence of every absolute government IA Europe 1t
will be struggle between literal and absolute principles
between Tepublcanism and despoism Are we to re-
main cod and indifferent spectators when the time oil
action shall arrive. and the exciting shall be pre-
scented TO view? Will it not become our duty To do
whatever the interest honor and glory oil our own coun-
try may require in pursuance of The laws of pations 10
give encOuT agcment to that great movement!
Should we not recognize the independence of each re-
public it shall be established open DIPLOMATIC
intercourse and form commercial treaties, and, IN short
extend the right hand of fellowship. rendering all tie
courtcses and privileges hieh should exist between
friendly nations of the same political faith! think that
the bearing Of this country shoud he such rs to demon
straic all mankind that America sympathlzes with the
popular movement against dcsPo,ism whenever and
wherever made hold that the principle laid down by
Governor K0ssuh the basis oil his actIonthat each
State has right to dispose oil her own destiny and
ulate her internal Affairs in her way, without the
Interference Of foreign powers an axiom IN the
laws of nations which every State ought To recognise
and respect. | am prepared 10 assert and affirm
the proposition 10y vote of the Senate, as part OF the
international code. IL is equally clear to my mind that
any violation of this principle by nation Intervening
for the purpose of destroying the liberties of another
such naction of the international code would
horze any State TO ntepose which should conceive that
il had sufficient interest in the question become the
indicator of the laws OF nations.
The armed intervention of Russia to deprive Hungary
of her constitutional rights, such violation oil the
laws Of nations authorized England the United
States interfere and prevent the contamination Of the
deed, if either had chosen to do Ii another alliance
shall be formed by the despots Of Europe destroy the
last vestige of freedom that remains, the question
will then arise what interest, duty, and honor
require pdrsuel We will have the right under the
law Of nations interfere not, according
victons Of duty, when the shall be presented.
will say most Senators have said that in
will be for interference by this government. will
ljndge of the when IL arises To say IN advance
that the United States will not interfere in ndcaiion
the laws of nations. is give that Russia
may interfere in violation Of the International code,
destroy the liberties OF independent nation Such
declaration would afford much cncoura cement Rus
STA and Austria in the consummailon OF their work oil
blood and vengeance a similar declaration by cur
government a occasion did in instigang Spain
to butcher American citizens without the form of trial
and IN violation Of treaty stipnallons will make no
such declaration. will grant such license TO the
absolute governments of Europe.
On the other hand, will net advise the declaration in
adyance that will interfere. Such declaration might
be looked upon clustering, empty threat. would
make no declaration upon the subject ell er way until
the proper occasion shall arise would have this Re-
public retain within herself the control her
tion that may be in condition do whatever
interest and duty may require when the time for action
comes. think this is the denifed and imposing
troll of our movements, and enables us to perform
our duty onrsel ard the of the world accord
ing to convictions from day day and year year.
as the occasion sail present itself.
Sir, something has been said about alliance with
England restrain the march of Russia over the Eu.
ronean continent am free to say that desire ali-
ance with England, with any other crowned head
| am not willing to acknowledge that America needs
England ally maintain the principles of gov
eminent Nor am willing to 90 TO the rescue OF Eng
and TO save her from the power of the Auocra until
she assimates her institutions Hers is half
way house between despotism and republcanism. She
IS responsible much any power in Europe, for the
failure oil the revolutionary movements which have oc