The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-01-25

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MIR HOWARD said
Mr.. CHAIRMAN; have risen TO address some remarks
10 the committee ia reply the observations Of the hon
orabe gentleman from New York, Mr., BRooKs the
other day, touching the course OF the administration in
relation 10 the subject OF Cuba | think he has done
great injustice both 0he law and to the facts connected
with the OF Conduct pursued by the
and that he has also done injustice the American citi
who We're the victims oil Spanish cruelty connected
with this affair IL manifest that the subject of Cuba
becoming OF great and growing national interest in
this country lis importance 10 my State consists
this that il Cuba in the hands OF adverse or un-
friendly maritime power OF any great strength, it would
be impossible for the States bordering on the Gulf of
Mexico get their products Market our great staples
must rot upon the wharyes of southern
cities II IS, therefore, subject 10 which direct
our attention, and dispose oi in some form or other.
Now, sir, In relation TO the expedition which the
subject OF the gentemans comments agree in view
expressed by him. and thats that it the duty OF this
government 10 suppress all illegal private enterprises
against Cuba, or any other foreign country. And, sir
it gives me pleasure 10 be able to say upon this
that the administration OF Mr. Polk did suppress e-
gal expedition thai was contemplated shortly after our late
peace with Mexico and into which an effort was made 10
draw our soldiers on their return.
The letter OF Mr. Buchanan, the Secretary OF Stale OF
Mr. Polk, which has been so improperly published by this
administration, shows that that administration n,erposed
and suppressed contemplated expedition against Cuba
that issued directions 10 the officers OF The army, and TO
all it's civil officers who could act the subject directing
that measures be taken that any such expedition should
be suppressed. The measures adopted were efficient and
in this respect the conduct OF Mr. Poks adminlstra-
ton stands in bold and honorable contrast with the
Of his successors, two such enterprises have
since been set foot and descens upon Cuba eiieced
in both instances Ii the present administration dd not
permit this expedition to 60 out, they were at least gully
of great negligence relation TO the matter Tor which
they ought 10 be held responsible to just public opin-
ion For sir take to be absardy 10 say that this
government with all its power could not arrest an ex
Dedon confined single The OF ordinary
diligence and exertion would have perverted that expe-
dilion from going out Gentlemen the other side can
not therefore, accuse democratic administration OF this
n,,ntrp nf hair lie
ons against neghboring power; and IN that respect
the democratic party OF this country stands in much
more favorable light not only here, but elsewhere.
have no doubt ta, General Pierce will take efficient
to maintain and enforce the neutrality laws OF the
country.
another question am in favor OF the Monroe doctrine;
but am inclined TO sustain certain resolutions that.
have been introduced into the other branch Of Congress
BY one OF the greatest statesmen of the country, which
give formal notice the world. that when any foreign
power attempts 10 settle or cooniZe on this continent
will consider it an unrIendly act-a cause OF war; am
not for abstract legislation on any subject do not
the propriey, by joint resolution of Congress- OF
ing notice upon the whole world, after the OF
Richard Roe and John Doe in action OF eectnent,
that whenever colonization establishment or any
other settlement, shall be made upon this continent
by European power, it shall be Immediately
cause of war. ! think that abstract legislation, in
all instances, is improper. The court which wanders
beyond the record in deciding case in Judicial pro-
ceedngs, generally has 10 rerace It's steps; and when
the legislator attempts abstract Legislation in advance
of the times he commits fauit stlli greater, and more
nexcusabe prefer that each should be left its
own circumstances II is the part OF wisdom 10 leave
every case to be determined by it's crcumstan
They will not only be a law tor themselves, hut find
means for their own peaceful solution. To attempt TO
determine this matter by legislation IS not comPaoo with
the theory of government In the first instance II is
more properly question for the diplomacy OF the gov
eminent and in ihe next place, diplomacy falls IS
question for the war.maklng power 10 declare 'his
policy by law, in the shape OF Joint resolution, would
In great measure take it out OF the hands OF dpo
limit discretion oil the PRESIDENT, 10
whose custody has hitherto been conhded Sir 1t must
be apparent every rejecting man that the European
powers much more likely TO quietly concede Cuba TO
us il do thus ostenlaously assert such principle
by legislation than they are 10 IN tins doctae
so broadly stated has been put forth 10 those resou
tons TO which aliude lts rather calculated 10 irrl
tate than to be OF any practical beneht.
But SIR | do not think that the Senate resolutions
state the Monroe doctrine fairly. The Monroe doctrine
is that If colonization upon this continent by European
powers shall endanger safety shall conflict with our
great national interests or peril our institutions lhen IL
will be OF war; but II is not as these resoiu-
tons contemplate, thatevery settlement upon any
sand bank on this continent offence which Is To re-
sui, in war opposed TO any declaration, by legls-
tive enactment by joint resolutions OF Congress which
would compel in honor to 90 TO war II European
power should happen TO take possession of any unm-
por,an, or barren spot upon this continent am IN favor
Of this doctrine, that whenever European power un-
dertakes to make a colonial establishment here which
inerferes with great national interests our national
safety, or institutions will then resort TO the last
argument If the last argument becomes necessary 70 iiee
liam in favor of practical enforcement OF the doctrine
when any necessary case shall arse.
But, am opposed to these resolutions for another
reason. They inadequate TO the subject They &c
upon the ground that we will not permit any foreign
country establish any settlement here but at the same
time that we peIm, present establishments TO remain as
thew are that we will acquire Cuba without the
consent OF Spain Now, am al loss to understand OF
what the Monroe doctrine, taking that view OF the sub
iect is held to be based. Ii it has any sound basis
mus, rest on question OF safety-hat these colonia
embellishments interfere with commerce and institu
,ions and endanger the stability oil our government
Well II any existing establishment upon this conlinen
intereres in the way, and is pregnant win tbt
sane dangers, is there not as much reason that al
existing establishment shall cease as there Is that
new establishment colony shall not be created Iht
one principle precisely broad as the other and con
troed by the Sir, IT is not sound pm
cipe of International law which attempted to be as
serted by the Senate resolves The whole doctrine rests
and be based upon nothing else than that we have
right under the international code, take all those precau
tlonary which the safety OF the nation requires
Therefore, sir, for one, while Caba remains IN It's pres
ent poson-whe it remains quietly under the power OF
SpaInwbe It's present domestic relations are continued
and its internal policy does not endanger our safety SEE
no necessity for our attempting any design upon II.
But, The contrary, 1t the projects Of England should
ever take definite form, which have contDued IRON
s2o TO the presen, timei there should be danger tha
any great maritime power will take possession OF Cuba
and thereby disturb safely by locking up the com
merce OF the Guilt including it does that OF the valley
OF the Mississippi and eight ten Siaesthen, under the
international code laid down by Vatte Wheaton, aud
others, and as the principle has been stated by Chancellor
keni, We would be justified in taking possession OF Gu
ba although we might, in justice and fairness, be after
wards compelled to make fair compensation for 1t 't
Anotn yl Il tn