The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-01-13
IMPORTANT CORRESPONDENCE IN RELATION
TO CUM.-THE TRUE POLICY.


moment in giving decided negative to it. We
want no alliances with European Powers for
the supervision and settlement of affairs in
this New World Whatever territorial inter
ests they have here, are subordinate and tent
porary. Ours are necessary, vital, and perpet-
tual let them be kept free from all entange-
ments. Let no conventions or arrangements
be entered into, which will link our destinies
with the uncertain fortunes of the Old World
or impose limitations on our growth and expan-
sion
Were there no. other reason, the radical diff
ference between American and European insti-
tutions were conclusive against all alliances or
arrangements with European Powers for the
regulation of American Affairs. The Demo
cratic Principle is dominant in the New World,
the Despotic Principle in the Old World. They
are intrinsically antagonistic and must forever
work against each other; so that conventional
arrangements or compacts intended to harmo-
nize them or bring them into cooperation tor q
common end, must generate dscord and mis-
chief
We speak for no Party, but for ourselves,
when we say, that we desire to see American
| Power supreme, and American Institutions uni
verssl, in this North American continent; that
we regard the present relations Of Canada,
| Cuba and the Sandwich Islands as temporary
and exceptional; that those countries will hardly
find their true position until they take their
places as members of the great American Re-
public We go for the annexation of the Sand
witch Islands, whenever they shall propose such
a measure for the annexation of Canada,
when it can be consummated peacefully honor
ably and with the consent OF the parties con-
cerned and for the annexation of Cuba, with
the consent of Spain and of the Cubans AND
WITHOUT SLAvERY-not otherwise.
Let each measure be kept distinct, upon its
own merits, and be pursued frankly, honorably
and without impotence, trusting more to the
working of natural causes than to the arts OF
Diplomacy. Diplomacy should wait upon Ma
ture and Providence, not attempt to forestall
their operations. Fraud, Intrigue, Violence,
can find justification in no end, however
noble, whatever necessity may seem to dictate
Impotence and haste will but throw obstacles
in the path of accomplishment The spirit of
true progress is also q spirit of peace It Gull
tivates and develops present possession as the
best preparation for future acquisition. lndi-
vdual well, being, well-dolng, and growth, 1t
regards as the true foundation Of National
greatness but individual interests and rights
are disregarded amidst the commissions of war
and conquest
When we speak of American Institutions, we
do not include Slavery among them That is
an exceptional system. 1t would iain identify
itself with them, extract vitality from them,
grow with their growth, make them subservient
tn its interests; but its efforts are vain 1t is alb
normal and transitory. The attributes Of God
and Man, the processes of Nature and Art, are
all against it. American Institutions must in
crease, Negro Slavery must decrease
We understand the policy of those who are
welded to this system. Some of them shrink
from all progress, lest it unsette the foundations
of this unnatural institution; the ma ority of
them seek territorial growth, merely for the pur-
pose of extending and strengthening it. Shall
the course of the Government and the Cause of
Progress be controlled and perverted by these
meni They are Sectional, not National they
are men of one ldea and that an Idea repug-
nant to the spirit of the age, and of our lnsti-
tutions They are working not for general
Principle, but a miserable Exception not for
Civilization, but for q remnant of Barbarian.
They would convert this Government, whose
mission it is to extend and perfect Free lnsti-
buttons for the benefit of mankind, into petty
Police Power for the guardianship of Planta-
ton Slavery. They would reject all extension
of American Empire, unless it would raise the
price of cotton and negroes They want Cuba,
IA an outlet for redundant slave population,
new slave market, which would enhance the
price of human stock--as IA mandatory OF
new slave States, to add to their already over
grown influence in the National Councils
We are for the extension of American En-
pire for the sake of extending American lnsti-
tutons We want Cuba, Canada, the Sand
wich Islands, and as much more of the Amer
lean continent as may be had honestly, and by
the joint operation of natural causes and a
wise diplomacy, for the purpose Of establishing
under our great Confederacy, Liberty the Rights
of Conscience, Equality Free Labor, Free
Trade, Peace, and Perpetual Growth.
Shall their low and sordid aims turn US
aside from a policy sanctioned by Nationality
and Humanity, by the best interests of our
country, and the claims of Mankind! Shall
we, in dread OF Pro-Slayery Propagandsm,
submit to the leaden rule of Pro.Slavery Con-
servatsm
This alternative has been presented to the
old parties, and we know the result. The
Wing party, distrusting the people, consulting
the demands of capital, seeking party unity,
followed the lead of Pro-Slavery Conserv atism,
in its opposition to territorial growth 1t was
willing to forego the acquisition of even free
territory if its Southern allies would abstain
from the extension of slave territory. II chose
to set perpetual limits to American Empire
and American Institutions, rather than en-
counter the hazards of struggle with the
Slave Power The same alternative will la
presented to the Administration of Gen Pierce
He must decide between Slavery Propagandism
and Slavery Conservatism The strife has
already begun The speech of Mr.. venable
is an embodiment of the views and spirit of the
Pro-Slavery Conservatives; that of Mr.. Brown,
foreshadows the purposes and policy of the
Pro. Slavery Propagandists II we understand
the views of the sobermuded supporters of Gen
Pierce ut the North, all they hope for is a de-
cision in favor of the policy of the former
Like the Wing party they are willing to arrest
the growth Of American empire for the purpose