The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-01-05
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

| Mr. HOUSTON introduced a resolution propos
| ing to terminate the debate upon the West Point
Academy bill in two hours after the same should
again be taken up; and, after an Intellectual at
tempt to extend the time until to- morrow it was
| passed.
AFFAIRS OF CUBA-LIEUTENANT GENERAL.
The House then resolved itself into Committee
OF the Whole on the state of the Union-Mr. Rich
ARDsoN In the chair-and took up the bill maxim g
appropriations for the support of the West Point
Military Academy for the wear ending June "a.
1854
Mr. POLK, being entitled to the floor said that
on his return from the enjoyment of the Christmas
holidays, when he entered the hall yesterday, he
found his friend from North Carolina (Mr. VENA.
BLE) discussing the Cuba question. He listened to
him with great deal of interest," and admired the
adroitness with which he piled his argument; but
at the same time it occurred to him that the gen
tieman was occupying the same position with en-
eral CAss. He was not however, able to ascertain
whether the gentleman had turned cold fogy," or
whether General CAss had turned ssfre eater .,
They certainly occupy the same position. 1t might
be possible that General CAss, aware of the great
care which this executor had taken of the charac
| ter of Mr.. Calhoun, making use of the same
kind of influence to let his mantle fall on the shout
ders of 30 worthy an executor.
The gentleman said he was opposed to the acoui.
siion of territory at all. This being the case be
could not but conceive thot the gentleman should
adopt the principle urged in the report of Mr.
Conrad, the Secretary of War, and go in for the
Laughter.l H..
The gentleman said that every enc entitled to
freedom enjoys it. When did this become 30?
Would not the declaration of such sentiment as
well suited the English Parliament in l776, as the
American Congress of 1853? He would not stop to
examine the extent OF the mischief of promulgating
such doctrine, and the effect which it would have
on our institutions. As we enjoy freedom it ia as
much as to assert that we should shut down the
gates, and say to European nations, you hear
your chains cianking, but you are not required to
raise your arms to break the manacles which now
bind you" How did the gentleman know they are
not entitled to freedom? Have they tried it. and
bad as fair an opportunity have had? No.
But ne would dismiss his fogy friend from North
Carolina.
1t had been said that members of the Democratic
party, scattered throughout the country, approved
the policy OF Mr.. Fillmore on the Cuba question;
but he did not approve of it. He objected to the
slaughter of the fifty Americans at Havana. The
treaty of commerce and amity required the Presi
dent to issue his proclamation; but he could not
say that he admired its extent. We performed
our part OF the treaty; but Spain did not and vio-
lated 1t Although those fifty men taken in
arms, they had right to fair and public trial
This was clear and distinct stipulation in the
treaty; but the Spanish authorities denied it.
They were tried in secret, and shot down in viola
ton OF the treaty which Mr.. Fillmore was trying
to carry out. l! he was trying to carry out the
treaty against "flibusters," why did he not show
equal industry and good will in carrying out the
feature which gave 10 them fair trial?
had a trial under the two highest courts of that
island.
Mr.. POLK replied: Justice in this country is
an altar at which We worship Spanish justice!
He was asonished to find the gentleman from
New York approving of it. 1t is mockery.
Where American citizens are not protected by
this Government, Che had like to have said pusii
luminous Administration, but he would not, } for
elgn nations will not respect our rights. Did the
gentleman come here to approve of it, and say our
Government did right in submitting to a mock
trial before military commission, without coun-
sci on behalf OF the prisoners, and without OPP
portunity being afforded them of communicating
with their friends for the purpose of bringing the
facts to light?
Mr.. BROOKS desired to reply, but the gentle
man refused to yield the floor.
Mr.. POLK resumed, saving that the Goyernm emit
stands in this light before the world Fifty men
slaughtered in Cuba, in violation of treaties and
you submitto it. This is not only submitted to,
but salute is fired in honor of the return of the
spahlsh Consul What wrong can Spain perpe-
trate TO drive you to the defence of your flag? This
VIII De the only question, il the policy which he
had adverted be carried out
He would not discuss the ssThrasher,, and tho
s'Crfscent City, cases. He intended Yesterday
to enter into the discussion, as the blood was no
and the debate was running.
How stand the diplomatic corps in Europe? Are
they respected? Is the American Minister in
France respected? IRE his declarations on the
part of this Government respected? Is the Ameri.
can Minister in Spain respected? Are his decla-
ratons respected? Or is any one of them on the
continent of Europe respected? He repeated this
Administration has broken down the respectability
and honor of this nation abroad; and he then pro.
ceeded to show how. By the publication of the
correspondence with reference to the purchase of
Cuba. The correspondence was confidential, and
bore the mark of privacy upon it's face. Foreign
governments cannot hereafter repose in our honor,
and will be disposed to deny to US the usual conf.
dence extended to minister's
The honorable gentleman then proceeded to the
discussion of another subject, and earnestly op-
posed the passage of the Senate resolution propos-
ing to confer the title of lieutenant general for
distinguished military service in Mexico. He Oh.
posed 1t on the ground that General Scott had new
err been magnanimous to either friend or foe. 1t
was a draft on the Democracy which he was not
willing to accept And he oppoled it because the
records will chow that General Scott is not entire
y worthy of the title and he said, in the course
Of his remarks which were in no manner compli-