Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-01-12
Mr.. Ye,,nr,,e,s speech.

'.fa. 1tA q GEaaapsC > S9kDSCCEfs
We have seldom read q speech with more pleas
ure than did the one delivered by Mr. VENAnLE
of North Carolina, in the House Of Representa-
tives, on Monday week The stand taken by him
In defeRcc of the honour and true interest Of the
country is worthy of his reputation as an upright
christian statesman. The approval of President
F1LLMoRE's course by such men as Mason, CAss
and VENABLE, outweighs all the denuncations O.
all the small politicians of the Democratic party
Mr.. V. thinks Gen. PIERCE will pursue the same
policy. We hope he will, but Messrs SouLE
DOUGLASS & Co., are pulling the other way, anc
it remains to be seen which influence is the strong
est. The discord is brewing and will foam ove1
before long,
We subjoin brief sketch Of Mr.. VENABLE's
speech, which is of special interest and Importance
as indicating the views of the class of politicians
of which he is a prominent leader:
Mr.. Venable addressed the committee upon The
subject of our foreign relations. He declared him
self strictly conservative and opposed to nterven-
ton Of all kinds While no man more deeply re-
GREETED the fate of those who invaded Cuba, he
could not say. that Spain did wrong in her course
toward them. He expressed himself strongly a
gainst fiibusterng, and said that if the people Of
| the United States would permit themselves to be
considered the brigands of the earth, they would
unite upon themselves the ill-will of all christen
dom, and they would deserve it. five were tc
become the brigands Of the world; if we were &c
become buccaneers; if we were to adopt the poll
ey of falling upon the weak and appropratng &c
ourselves all their wealth; if we were to fill up
the cup of iniquity until it should run over, he
would wash his hands of it-he would be clear Of
any such guilt, for it was guilt-gullt of the deep
est and most dannable dye. He would be salts
fled to stand by the doctrine announced by Mr.
Monroe. He would stand upon that doctrine, and
take it to its fullest extent. He would not con-
sent that Cuba should pass into the possession Of
any nation other than Spain. He believed 1t was
best that Spain should hold it forever, even though
the United States might be able TO obtains II by
purchase.
He said he would take this occasion to do what
he considered pious duty, to vindicate the mem
ory Of 4 distinguished statesman now no more
1t had been said that Mr.. Calhoun was in favor o.
the acquisition of Cuba. This was mistake
which he now desired to correct, as Mr.. Calhoun
charged him shortly before his death to correcany
msapprehensons which might be made of his
views upon the subject. Mr.. Calhoun's views
were that if Cuba should ever pass from Spain, il
must comesto US by treaty honorable and satifac,
tory to both countries otherwise, it was forbidden
fruit to the United States This was the expires
sion used by Mr.. Calhoun. Several gentlemen
and himself were with Mr.. Calhoun when two OF
three individuals from Cuba entered into his pres
ence He mir. V. and his friends rose TO leave
the room but Mr.. Calhoun requested them to kecI
their seats. He said to the persons who had just
entered, Gentlemen, you are mistaken. Cuba Is
not ripe for rebellion, and if Lopez invade it, ii
will prove failure; and tell you under no Cit
cumstances can this Government be complicated
with the transaction"
Mr.. V. was not willing to disturb the laws-tfe
Compromise measuros-whch he was bound tc
obey He would not prophesy evil concerning inc
future, but he could not be ignorant Of the fact thai
the acquisition Of territory will reopen the slavery
controversy, which will break forth with renewed
yigor all over the country. Spain would set the
slaves of the island free, and we should have an
other Saint Domingo on our coast. What do VIC
want with Cuba He did not nor did he desire
the acquisition Of Canada. We have territory e
noueh in cur broal land. He complimented
the Administration for the partit had taken in sup
pressing fibusterisn, and said that he firmly be-
lieyed and cherished the hope that the incoming
administration will maintain policy pure and
stainless on this subject. Hedetermined thus early
in the session to make known his opinions, and tC
soemnly protest against the policy which goes Il
the absorption of the territory Of adjoining nations
in disregard of treaty slipulations.