The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-02-03
way naturally for the contamination of po-

itiChl
But slsveholding politicians have controlled
our foreign policy, and their one idea has beer
the extension of Slavery and ascendency OF the
Slave Power
Northern politicians, PROCESSING progress and
eloquent in disquisitious on manifest destiny
have put themselves under their lead; and Tor
hidden even to dream Of advancement on the
North have concentrated all their patriotism
Southwardly. But here, too they have acted
under limitations, and been constrained by the
peculiar interests of Slavery 10 disgrace them
selves by contradictions tortuosities, and eva
sions Behold them! Solemnly affirming in
every variety of form, the right and duty of
this country to exclude the nations of Europe
from any interference in the affairs of the in
dependent States of this hemisphere, they
openly or tacitly approve of the action of the
Administration in sustaining the minatory in
reference of Great Britain and France in the
affairs of the Governments of Hayti and Do
minica -why1 Slavery was anxious, at what
ever cost, to inflict deadly blow on the power
of black empire, and in its blind selfshness
trsmpled under foot the Monroe declaration
Fiercely reasserting this declaration, we find
them, with implicit faith in slayeholding gui-
dance ratfying treaty with Great Britain
for the regulation Of affairs in Central Ameri-
ca, thus recognising policy in conflict with
that declaration. And now, when this decla-
ration is again palpably disregsrded by the act
of Great Britain in colouizing country in Gen.
trail America, in which hitherto she has merely
enjoyed the right of cutting logwood, these
same progressive politicians, aware of the de-
termination of the Shareholders not to 20 to
war with so formidable Power, are trying to
solaoe their patriotism and keep up their repu.
tation among the People, by Eliminating new
resolves, instead of executing resolves already
made.
What is needed The overthrow of the
Stare Power. This Government, in its foreign
policy should be controlled by National, not
Sectional, ideas The promotion Of the inter-
ests of the whole country, not the growth and
ascendency of a Sectional Interest should be
its aim. We want real, clear.sighted, coura-
geOus, Progressive men in our Councils not
men of one idea, not sectionalsts, not buster
ers or bullies not resolution mongers, not men
brave in speech and coward in act, ready to
trample ON the weak, but covering beneath
the strong-men who will proclaim to the world
no more than they intend to do, and who will
stand prepared to back their words by deeds
What disgraceful attitude we occupy !!
Under the lead of pro-slavery policy, American
statesmen have forbidden foreign Powers to
plant any new colony in this hemisphere. The
mandate has been disregarded. Intelligence
has reached US that colony has Just been
founded by Great Britain in Central America
What is to be done? Will these men stand up
to their word! Who believes it? Mr.. Mason
says in his place in the Senate, if such colony
has been planted, "it must be discontinued"
Must be! Strong words We place them on
record. When shall they be fulfilled? Never
Where are our feets-where our armies
where our military defences? Menaoes will
answer in our domestic controversies they
are vain in our foreign
Watch the action of the Senate. See how
long Mr.. Mason will stand by his declara-
ton; how long before we are favored with
pacific explanation-how many members will
dare to recommend action
All are the nations of Europe blind? Have
their Ministers lived in this country for moth
ing! Are the Weaknesses and divisions en-.
gendered by Slavery, unknown to them! Do
not France and England feel that in the
emancipation Of their slaves they have, &C
quired an advantage over us in the strength of
which they may presume to check our amb-
ton, and defy our threats!
Our foreign relations are perplexed, our
diplomacy is at fault, our attitude in the
eyes Of the world is one of humiliation-and
Slavery 1, the cause Clouds and darkness
settle upon the hOrizon-our statesmen are be-
wildered-there is no unity in our councils
there is no alternative now, but to fight, for
which we are unprepared, or to back out,
which will but provoke the aggressions against
which we have been so loudly protesting And
what is the cause! Slavery Shareholders
have managed our foreign relations, and got
the country into dilemma from which they
will try to extricate it, by-retrsating
We shall have more to say on this subject.
Not long since, We showed how Pro-Slavery
prejudice had prevented our ascendency in
Hayti, In another number We shall show how
Pro-Slavery sel6shness and arrogance have
prevented the independence of Cuba and
postponed (nde6nitelyf the annexation Of
that island to this country.