The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-02-28


position upon this continent il attracts the gaze and
ihe admiration OF the world From il. from central
light. there goes forth daily influence OF power and
reformation. To deprive il of its isolation to disturb lis
fixed position, in order 10 carry its power and influence 10
distant countries would be as wise act to put the
upon wheels for the benefit OF benighed planet; or
make the figure applicable 10 cut up our glorious
umnary OF liberty into farthiDg candles, and go about
the world TO enlighen some spot-a Hungary or Cuba
overshadowed by throne, or darkened by despotism
Let US. rather, stand STILL and await coming events Day
viii succeed TO night and when the Old World shall
emerge from the darkness OF desposm and her people be
prepared Tor sell government our light, steady and fixed
will lead the regeneraed nations TO liberty and ndepend
ence. The proclamation OF neutrality OF 1893 not,
is said, intended by its author for mere temporary
measure. II was with him no time serving policy. Ii
the declaration OF great principea law for the
regulation OF our intercourse with other nations during
all time, He cherished and obeyed this law during his
political life and, when he retired from Office, he inn
pressed il with Immortality by giving it place in his
Farewell Address. will read what he says:
In relation to the still subssng war in Europe. my
plan Sanctioned by your approving voice. and by that Of
your representatives IL both houses Of Congress the spirit
of that measure has continually governed unnduenced
by any attempt to deter or divert me from H."
Thus did Washington maintain in life and bequeath 10
his country his DEATH the great law OF intervention
This law has faithfully been adhered TO by every
ceeding administration and has called forth the admra
ton OF the wise and great men OF other countries. II
was to this policy thai Sheridan referred when he said
in the English Parliament that the United States chad
risen, by neutrality, above the nations of Europe with
simple dignity that wins the respect, the confidence,
and the affection Of the world"
Now, Mr. President, let us suppose that Washington
had adopted different OF policy What if he had
yielded to the popular excitement OF the hour, and
thrown his coun,ry-where many OF his countrymen
The temptation 10 such course strong and most
men, standing where Washington stood, would have
fallen before its influence
The successful hero of revolutionary war, against
one OF the most powerful monarchies of Europe at the
head OF young and ardent republic to which he had
given liberty and independence the idol of the people,
al Tho amp n
acer OF Washington would have given enthusiasm and
strength TO any cause with which they might have been
for successful contest of freedom against tyranny Of
republicansm against absolute power. All the world
seemed prepared for the conflict United with for
mer ally in the struggle for liberty upon this continent
there was little doubt but that ihe republics Of France
and America, contendng together for republican govern
ment in Europe, would have marched TO common tn
Of France over the sabugaed thrones Of the Old World
and Washington, the hero Of a hundred battles,
fought for human liberty would have ryalled the mill,
tary glory OF Napoleon. But, like Napoleon he would
have sacrificed the independence Of his own country in
endeavorng to give liberty to foreign nations; and like
him, too, would by forsaking his TO stand foreign
his native land. Thank God, Washington had the moral
courage TO resist the temptation Unmoved BY the
plausible and eloquent appeals OF nsdious foreigner,
pleading for the cause OF European liberty unnfuenced
by domestic excitement and undaunted by the threat OF
parties and the contrivances Of politicians he stood
firmly by his great principle OF neutrality mmoveabe in
his purpose as the mighty continent which that principle
was intended to protect Now, behold the result: sook
here upon this picture, and this :" upon the United
States resting in her glory and in her proud ree
dom-upon France, writhing beneath the agonies OF
ceaseess revolutions submitting in her extremity to mil
tary dclation And by these examples learn, oh my
Icountrymen the virtue and the power of neutrality
proclamatons of Napoleon in favor OF national ilde
pendence and human liberty, which he Illuminated from
every battle field have persisted with his power to sus
tain them by war; while this simple proclamation OF
Washington, coming from the quiet shades OF Mount
Vernon, will ever live IN the peace and glory OF this
country.
1t is said " that this neutral policy merely intend,
ed for youth, when we were weak. and feeble, and
unable TO contend with the world but that II is no guide
for our full-grown manhood"
Whatever may be the construction put upon this policy
by those who most wish to get rid OF its influence Wash
ing ton did not understand IT, With him twas per-
principle OF national action and who reads
his Farewell Address fail TO perceive the deep anxiety
there expressed that his country might never, in the
strength OF its manhood, and in the PRIDE OF coming
power be tempted to disregard the teachings OF its YOUTH
and fosake the instructions OF its father for the teachings
OF an intriguing foreigner II true that he was speak
ing TO an infant nation, but the object OF his teaching
10 train up the child in the way IL should 60, in
the full faith that when old il would not depart from IT.
That or that nation who in the pride OF manhood
negects the wholesome lessons received in youth will
find that physical power is miserable substitute for the
moral training OF infancy.
policy subject TO such narrow construction II IS as
wise In age il necessary in youth II is policy
attached TO our whole existence. II grew out OF onr
geographtcal p0slon and is asslmuateu Win the spuh
and object OF free institutions IL is the instrument
for the protection OF liberties at home, and the means
of extending them abroad
II was European intervention that drove our pilgrim
fathers from their native land They here 10 escape
its Prosecuted by this ntermeddling spirit from
country TO country in the Old World, they sought rest
and neutrality in the New.
Intervention civil and religious; Intervention, moral
and physical Intervention, social and natlonal-was the
curse OF European e disturbing the peace OF nations,
interfering with the consciences of men, and iramping
lnaIIenabe rights life, liberty. and the pur-
suit OF happiness Relieved OF these evils, the colo
MES rapidly advanced under the policy Of non-nterven
ton and when England afterwards undertook TO inter
vene upon their rights, the aggression was met by dec
aration OF independence From that hour 10 the present
have maintained that policy not only in our conduct
towards other nations but also compelling them TO respect
| il in their dealings with ourselves.
! And when England, prior TO 1912, undertook to IN
terere with our neutrality by medding with our Tree
ships upon the ocean, took stand upon the great
American principle of non.intervention and under the
sing war. We all know the result OF that contest
II the first and last OF Englands attempts TO inter-
fere with us, either upon land or water. ,
NanineTvenlion IN the affairs OF Europe, have sad'
IS our natural pocy-our position makes II necessary
law for Separated from that continent by VIDE
ocean, we cannot, if we would, exercise much power
her AT home are able 10 subdue con-
tnen while in Europe are scarcely competent 10 ake
city The character and extent OF our own country forbid
TO waste energies and our sympaines upon lot
eign nations We have enough TO do at home and al.
though we have effected much for the cause OF
liberty and national Independence by the establishment
OF our domestic institutions, yet our homework is but
half finished The principles oil our liberty are not yet
fully expanded The fountains OF popular education