The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-06-18

| Mr.. LATHAM said;
Mr. CHAIRMAN In the midst of peace general pros
perty while commerce and agriculture hourishing,
and every species of industry meeting its adequate reward
the apprchenons OF the country have been excited and
our business community startled by various resolutions
introduced into this House and the Senate by gentlemen
VINO seem 70 have paid especial attention TO foreign
sons ana 10 whose peculiar keeping il would seem
overrulng Providence had conded the deslnies of this
great republic! @ 4 E "#an5
While have been taught for years past to believe in
manifest deslny-whie historical events which we all
witnessed have contributed and strengthen that
belief IN which the present generation is regularly
educated, we are permitted to behold and admire in this
house the instruments through which Gods providence is
to work out the problem of peoplng and cvilizing this
great connent The men who have received this special
mission are before and their inspiration is manifest from
their high resolved Anticipating the future and strong
the of the power be acquired by within
the three decades they have in parliamentary
waythe only one left open to their ambition and patriot
sm-lad down the principles which ought to guide
intercourse with foreign nations and the policy which
ought to pursue at this particular crisis 1t is enough
for the people Of this country to believe in particular
doctrines they must have faith also in the Apostles.
For the present our new leaders give to their nspra
tions the form of inquiries. Their modesty-Heavens
choicest gift the adorning grace of every vrtue-wl not
even permit them to make suggestions but theprer the
more unpretendng popular Socratic method questons
apd answers to lead the benghted to understand the things
they would teach them And If the administration is but
half intelligent and docile the pupils of the great
practical philosopher Of antiquity cannot with any show
OF reason cando resist the conclusion they would
rive at There but drawback to this system of in
structon which would otherwise be accompanied by the
most beneficial results There many teachers and
they slightly vary the doctrines which they seek in
culcate Each Of them seems to have received special
elaon and each therefore, anxious establish of
his own 1t difficult for this House and the country
determine which is the real orthodox teacher and which
the heresarch that would make from the
faith, 1t is this doubt sir which hangs not much
our destiny the men who feel themselves called
upon guide it, that puzzles and perpexes me too am
believer of manifest destiny but that manifesto
ton to be clear and explicit not satisfied to the
point wish to arrive see the way that leads
1 TO it.
Let for moment in consideration of this question of
the RIGHTS OF HEuTRAL and CUBA cast glance the
don OF the country and the prospect of things before
We are free happy prosperous people, have from the
beginning of national existence increased in wealth.
population and teritoyand this so steadily without in
terrupon that not only ourselves but the world believe
in our mission Under the benign influence of nstitu
TONS each State of federal galaxy developing its
gigantic resources while the energy and enterprise of the
whole people are constantly employed in discovering
OF wealth and prosperity and scope for the
ercse of their varied faculties We have not only added
vast possessions to magnificent domain but we have
cultivated peoped and improved them without diminish
ing the rapid development Of what already by the
labor and vaor OF our ancestors.
AS child outgrows its garments, have outgrown
our ancient mees and bounds and daily in
creasng in wealth and power What too young
to do to-day we are ripe for tomorrow, and will
psh without extraordinary effort the day after We of
all nations of the world are best able TO bide our time
We have continent before us and the future with
out dispute The boy ten years Of age may not be equal
I
oyer-match for the of fifty, and twenty years
hence the man OF thirty will meet with but feeble resist
ance from the sexagenaran We in that condition,
sir in the family of nations and afford lei the years
ron on which bring us nearer to full manhood and
all oher nations whom emuating to old age
and decrepude. All require Is TO nurse our health
and to commit no excesses that may not be doomed
premature old age.
Now under these circumstances appears to me that
we are not bound to diyulge to the world what
to do hereafter il the world has not sagacity enough
know IT. is it prudent in to indulge in threats and
boasts of our forthcoming strength We need not
weaken internal organization and cohesion by deye-
opng one set Of faculties at the expense Of Others by
giving particular direction Of already su-
GENTLY developed national propcnstes. The harmonious
growth OF body and mind of physical and mental acul-
ties is what we ought TO aim at and with view to that
object ought TO avoid exposing ourselves 60 all those
influences, at home abroad which would give
uon developments onesded direction and instil into
desires and passions which only be gahed at the
expense Of our better moral And above all things
ought we TO avoid those sophsms which blunt peroep
lions OF right and wrong and lend to vice itself the color
Of reason and justice Sir If were not as nation easi-
~ moved by passion IL n the qualification Of desires
we were not easily betrayed into the sacrifice Of
convictions, partisan leaders would have power
the people and heads OF clqties would find II difficult 10
deceive them about their own dearest interests
But unfortunately for the peace and progress Of our
country we have too many men among whose prurent
ambition win stop nothing and whosc longing after
Immortality only be satisfied by seeing their In
public print They must be connected with startling
proposition, with some novel and striking theory that
shall wake up the drowest audience and m with surprise
aud expectation the unsuspecng portion Of the pub
lie IL Is TO achieve such results that In high places
must tax their ingenuity and II their inventive faculties
are not equal TO creation they dress up some
old theory to suit the taste and fashion Of the day The
condition OF the Old World furnishes an inexhaustibs
theme for exhibiting their versatility Of talent aud the
definite expansveness Of their patriotism There never
chance Of going down 10 posterty at cheap rate
There arc those whose love Of glory looks the tented
field for theatre Of action seeking the bubble repu-
ton at the camons mouth but the way arrive
honor and distinction in this House il through the na-
tive hue OF resotons not sced DER with the pale cast
of thought These resolutions crowding upon
aud must be followed by action, matter what may be
the consequence Two sets Of resolutions in regard
foreign relations pending the present European struggle
have enRrossed the attention Of this body set referring
to rights bey say nothing Of obigatons)
trails the other setting forth claims established to
entire satisfaction on Cuba shall speak " them in
order. ...
As regards the erights of neurals there are think few
thinking and rejecting people this country certainly no
commanders and mates of vessels who have not pretty
reasonable and just conception OF them The theme has
become 80 familiar TO all Of and has been often ably
and 50 fully discussed in Congress and in the leading jour
mas o. he day that any further elaboration Of the subject
Whe destitute OF novelty cannot but prove severe trial
70 our pauenee The rights OF neutrals' have become
household words with the American people and there s
no danger that a this hour when every that trans
ps mas special reference to them, they likely TO cs-
I cape our memory.
But Mr. Chairman, told by the gentleman from
Connecticut Mr. lsGERsoLLl that we must act-that
must assert our rights IN Congress and esewheethat
we must let England and the world know where we stand
az nation In regard to them Allow me to cav cir that
no nation ln the world has given better evidence than
our own of It's perfect understanding of the rights OF ne-
trails and that no other nation has impressed England or
France more thoroughly Of s knowledge in that respect
Russia and the other northern powers have more