The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-01-20

great augmentation oil The ffeneh navy 10 connected with
he designs upon this continent so distinctly portrayed 10
The quotations have made Nothing is lost BY proy
dent forecast.
Now il can hardly be doubted by any man who ia "a
nilaI with the course OF European nleposion, that
the effort just made TO overthrow the Mexican govern
nent in Sonora had succeeded ere long NE country would
have passed INTO the possession Of France unless pre-
vented by our circumstances, by armed Intervention
AS tailed, we shall not know It's true history until we
read N another attempt, and perhaps a successful one
mat however, will not De made, II we are true to
selves by announcing and continuing TO manifest de-
termination to resist or any similar scheme OF European
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
II is obvious, from the foregoing recapulation, that
our policy and purposes attracting the attention OF Eu
rope, and whatever difference OF opinion may prevail
pectng the true origin and objects OF the recent move
ments IN Sonora, il is equally obvious that may look
Tor similar explosions from time to tme with results Tar
more urlous TO unless anticipated and prevented by
prompt, bold and decisive declaration, made TO be en-
forced with all power should circumstances be grave
enough to require put forth our whole strength
II, then we have right TO insist upon this principle
OF American exemption, and II the condition OF things,
here and elsewhere, may render the exercise OF TINS
right essential to interest and safely and, still
more If the original annunciation OF the doctrine meet
as II unques,onaby does, the general appreciation OF the
country, what objection there be to lis reclamation
by Congress- the depository OF SO much OF the power OF
the American peoples Why this course is rendered ne
cessaIy, have already explained, and have shown that
the time which has interviewed since its first proclama
ton, and the circumstances which have almost reduced
TO dead letter, have produced the impression which
evidently prevails in Europe that prepared TO
enforce it. the armakng authority has refused or
neglected to sanction it-why, repeat, withhold this
action, and leave us thereby to encourage untoward
and would probably prevent! The decree stands record
ed in the history of executive acts Ii essential to
its vitality that should now take It's place in the acts of
the legislative department. Why nota Do you TO
leave it without effect, and abandon it to lis fate and not
even attempt 10 enforce il Ii so, it would be much
more honorable 10 repeal it. Or do you desire its
efficient action in great exigencies, which may
probably -indced, will come-for if you do, you must
iortfy it by the declaration of your Jealous concur
renee and i need be, your powerful co operation Or
afraid 10 speak out boldly, plainly, be-
comes the American people, trusting TO the miserable
policy of expedens, instead OF asserting rights and
our determination 10 maintain them? II may be consoling
TO observe least for those who need the consolation
that legislative declaration would to say the least of il,
have strong tendency TO prevent attempts, which, with
out such imposing measure would doubtless be made;
for assuredy contest with the United States for the
QUESTION of territory in North America, the very of
power, would not be hazarded without very power
full considerations which it is difficult TO foresee, the
lace of the eXertons OF this country putting forth all lis
strength
So much for this project OF recovering the American
continent into European colonies and for the position it
is our duyto assume and mantan in relation TO IT. And
for the second resolution, which looks 10 the pres
en and the future of the island of Cuba.
But before proceeding 10 the consideration OF it, is
proper to remark that its form has provoked good deal
OF aninadversoD and some opposition because the de-
sire OF the United States to purchase Cuba is not dis
tnctly announced upon this occasion Mr. President,
is an occasion which Is not appropriate to such decla
alton Our present purpose, in this appeal to the world
tempt to obtain possession by the without the
of Spain, and in the conviction that such SOL
emn procedure will have tendency 10 prevent designs
which might otherwise be undertaken. But pur-
chase of Cuba is question between us and Spain, and
qares public annuncaton 10 other nations and to
make II would be sacrifice OF our own self-respect
So far respects my own personal views, these have
already explained to the Senate desire the
OF Cuba, earnestly desire it, whenever justly OBJ
tain il. and the sooner that time the better for
then will be finally settled one Of the most delicate ques
honshe most delicate perhaps, in foreign policy,
always liable to embarass US by grave conjunctues
easily be fore than to be guarded against As 10
the MEANS though, as have already said, prepared to
advocate it's purchase, at the most liberal price,
still should prefer It's acquisition by the action of the
insttuons-in the exercise OF their power inde-
pendent nation, could they succeed by any arrangement
with Spain in procuring her recognition OF that condition,
or should they be able and prepared to establish their right
TO place in the family OF nations.
There two questions involved in this subject OF
Cuba-one OF right the other OF expediency Whether
we can do anything justly and if what and how
much we ought 10 do. This great measure of policy
connected with the destiny of that important nsuar po
ston has long occupied the attention OF the American
people, and the considerations bearing upon have been
so often and so deliberately presented that | shall
hne my present remarks within the narrowest compass
which the gravity OF the inquiry will permit We are all
aware of the recent circumstances which have attracted
and arrested public attentions and though the crisis they
appeared to foreshadow has passed away, still there are
elements OF difficulty arising out OF the uncertain cond
ton of the Spanish monarchy, both metropolitan and
colonial which must be in active operation, liable 10
produce results gravely affecting our vital interests
The right of country 10 occupy control portions
OF the possessions OF another deducibe from the great
law OF self defence, which is applicable 10 commun-
ties 10 individuals. There many instances in mod
history OF the application Of this doctrine, and the
code which regulates the intercourse of nations, and
which adaps itself TO the existing circumstances OF the
world recognises this power OF self preservation Like
other human preteDsions, this is liable to abuse and has
been greatly abused in Europe, and especially by the
usupatons arising out OF the balance of powera prin-
cipe avowsdy introduced for the protection of the weak
against the strong, but practically perverted 10 make the
nation, feeling the responsibility of lis conduct towards
God and man, and sensible of It's dues should take
care, when driven 10 avert danger by anticipating it, that
does not mistake spirit OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT for the
Just claims OF self Defence and seize the fleet OF friendly
power--a Danish feet, for example-as instru-
ment of maritime supremacy
The true principle is well laid down in our own legis.
labve history and announced IN the resolution OF
Congress of March Sd. 1911. which declared:
'Taking view the peculiar situation OF Spain, and
OF her American provinces, and considering the influence
which the destiny OF the territory adjoining the southern
border OF the United States may have upon their security,
tranquility and commerce therefore,
Resoped by the Ssaafs and House Of Rsprtntafips Of
The United States Of prerea IN Congress assenb That
the United States under the peculiar circumstances OF the
existing crisis without serious nquietude, any
of the said territory pass the hands OF any foreign
them provide under certain contingencies for the
occupation Of the said territory. They the
time declare that the said territory shall In their hands,
main subject to future negotiations"
And in the act OF Congress passed on the same day,
for the purpose of carrying this decaratoy resolution