The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-01-15
WAsaiscros. D. c., January II, 1853.
tie Editor If IA R~c.;h,,.. ~ -

xtGpt0tc.
els: ! notice this morning, in the Republic an
extract frem the Alexandra Age crit;eiSine Gem
erai ASS speech in the Senate recently on the
presentation Of the petition Of the .Baptst Ascot.
taken fl secyl;ne PRAYING thai measures be
hDerty OF Americana travelling or residing in
other countries. Ordinarily the speeches Of Een-
erai Cas- will bear the test of scrutiny, and the
cavlihngs OF critics. But mans sentiments
will successfully, withstand misrepresentation.
They will, as they must, yield somewhat of their
force and beauty to misrecital or rnisquotation.
The editor OF that paper leads his readers to be-
leve that General Cass desired Congress to Doss a
atb operative in foreign countries, and "smifes at
the simplicity OF the person who would submit euch
proposition. !" Either that editor has tnieread
General Cass's speech upon the question alluded
20, or ne has mleconceived his desire well as his
languages. After speaking. generally, Of religious
toeraton, he proceeds thus: - sssf5syfT
I IN what manner it may be proper fer our Gov
eminent to present this grave question to other
governments 90 not undertake at present to say.
shaA move the reference of the petition to the
Committee on Foreign Relations, feeling satisfied
that they will give it their earnest attention, and
In the hope that they will make report which
will be authoritative as the expression OF our views,
lands still more, those of our constituents, in any
communications the Erec,,t;ce may open with for
eign powers Certainly there can be objection 10
firm and friendly REfREsENTATIoNs; and cannot
doubt that these declarations of the wishes of the
american people will have weight everywhere, and
am satisfied they will ere long produce sauta-
~ effect on some countries, and eventually on all.
This is piece of interposition which we'll BELTS
this Republic; and as day by day we find our
selves engaged in far different questions. we have
cause to feel gratifed that the opportunity is of
tered US OF aiding in work which comments it.
self to our consideration by the highest motives
that can influence human action.'
Now, neither in this paragraph nor in any other
part OF the speech is word to be found about pass
ing "a law compelling foreign governments to
change their existing laws respecting religious
liberation The matter was presented to the
Senate by General Cass as one properly belonging
to that body and the President of the United
states-the treaty making power of this country
to whom all questions of international comfy like
this must be submitted. He did not, therefore,
either "in tadien refbis,'' or sn substance, init
mate any action Of Congress upon the subject, but
made it a matter entirely, as have said, between
the Senate and the President of the United States
to whom are alone conhded all questions of inter-
national negotiation.
1.-THE editor of the Alexandria Age laid the speech
of General Cass before his readers they must have
smiled at his Quixotic simplicity in boldly and
reckessly showing either that he had not read the
speech, or that he did not understand it.
Yours, very respectfully, FL.