Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-01-28

person Of this character in this country we should make
citizens than this stranger represented
to be, most unusty, believe the authority which
has been given to
therefore rejoice that opportunity has been afford
ed in this Senate do Whatever be DONE by the
preston of opinion al sides of the house. strengthen
the Of the law by bringing in support Of it the
powerful arm of public opinion and public feeling
hope the resolution of the Senator from Michigan will
be adopted.
| Mr. ADAMS Mr.. President it is with some hesitancy
that submit any remarks this subject but it
to my mind that this body, as well other bodies, is
business Of this body should be confined subjects
which it has jurisdiction. find authority in the Con-
sttuon for US 10 undertake TO regulate public opinion
II the individual referred to by the distinguished Senator
from Michigan to this country in political and
accredited character take for granted that he has
ported himself to the Secreay OF State and is the du
~ OF this Government to protect him in his person IL
he here in religious character, the shield of
institutions is thrown him Every State in this Union
provisions in its constitution and laws protect every
one IN the free exercise Of his religion should like
know wha jurisdiction this Government has any
OF the States to put down riots TO punish rioters
control her citizens. am n loss 10 know by what
means are to obtain jurisdiction this matter.
regret as much any any violation OF law,
dsrespec shown this stranger whatever may be his
missions yet sir, hold that this is matter which be-
longs to the States that they capable and competent
and that they will enforce the rights of the stranger
well as of their citizens
|
recty said according the reports in the papers that
the ourages referred to have been committed by foreign
not by nayeborn citizens and that this individual
could have passed through the Southern States unmoest
ed That is doubtless true; but how account
for this suppose that where these outrages have been
committed there number OF Individuals not native
born, but foreigners who suppose not wheth
the supposion be true nothat they have felt the
expressions Of religious intolerance abroad They may
be mistaken but whether they are or not is matter
with which we have nothing to do In the Southern States
we have but few foreigners; and that is the way
for the difference of treatment in different portions
OF the country. No doubt sir, those who have been
gagged in these ourages have supposed themselves ust
fed for their conducts but contend that it is matter
which Belongs to the different States with which the Fed
eral Government has nothing to do Nor do that
the Senate of the United States has any right under the
Constitution to attempt control public opinion however
much each individual Senator an individual, may
these We hear Of murder committed
in any State of the Union which do regret hear
and yet murders being committed every day We hear
of no outrage upon any citizen foregnborn native
born which do regret to hear Of yet that does
not give the Federal Government jurisdiction the
Isubject-matter.
tell you sir there is very great danger that we may
in time forget that there States in this Union, and
that this Federal Government is OF delegated and
limited powers. With all due respect those dstin-
guished gentlemen who think have jurisdiction
this matter and who think is the duty the Senate to
control public opinion throughout the country, beg
leave differ with them Public opinion will regulate
itself in the various communities throughout the Union
where these outrages have occurred. IT, however this
individual has diplomatic character, and political
character accredited agent to this Government it is
different matter; but the fact that he is accredited to
another Government does give to the General Govern
ment jurisdiction over local offences in the different States
Ii he possesses the character of accredited represen
tative to this country heard it before this
son If he came here religious mission, he is pro-
tected by the institutions Of every State in the Union
and have doubt their laws will be enforced without
the Intervention of the Federal Government.
Mr. CASS. Mr.. President wish to say werd upon
topic which the honorable Senator from Mississippi
has touched in his concluding remark and that is
the question of jurisdiction Why, sir, that is very
clear matter. The object which we have in view in this
inquiry-and it is legitimate Objects ascertain
whether this gentleman is clothed with diplomatic cha
racter in the United States. Ii he is have legislative
jurisdiction the subject for then his right of proec
ton rests upon the Constitution and laws Of the United
States The Constitution expressly protection to
ambassadors other public ministers, and consus" and
this is to be provided by Congress We may find there
FORE from the to this inquiry that have uris
dction. If find that he is in that position in this
country, and that his person has been threatened with
violence and if find that defect exists in the exist
ing law it may be necessary to remedy it,
full jurisdiction the subjectmatter That is legi
innate object Of inquiry We propose to ascertain in the
first place, the position of this gentleman his public cha
racter his diplomatic relation If find he is
under the protection Of the law of nations then
examine the necessity of any Legislative interference.
1t very true the honorable Senator has said that
public opinion controls itself in this country but dis
cussons which arise here and elsewhere topics before
the public think, of great service. They
times to enlighen public sentiment, and less to
aid it. Why sir, this is common The honora-
ole Senator speaks of murder and Of other crimes which
are committed throughout the country which all
greet and which the laws amply sufficient il not
prevent ut least to punish and if not to punish the often
ders escape from circumstances, such the want of
proof and other difficulties which the law cannot supply.
But conduct towards this stranger becomes national
act The eyes of all Europe upon it. The represen
atye Of one Of the sovereign States OF the Old World is
here among in character emitting him. under any
circumstances, to claim from protection and hospitality
and therefore national character is involved in this
matter. 1t IS not mere question to ordinary
breach of laws That is bad enough but that would not
call upan the Senate for any nterpostion would it
require any peculiar manifestations in regard public
opinion But in this it becomes to redeem
selves from the oboquy Of these arocous of violence
which have been threatened against diplomatic repre-
sentative coming among under peculiar circumstances
complimentary to our country and originating in the
kindest feelings. .."
Sir, what should say if one of Ministers Eu-
rope should land in France and proceed thence Russia
and meet with similar insults in every State through
which he might pass Should look upon it ordi.
nary case of assault and battery? No. sir but from Lake
Superior to the Atlantic ocean, burst of indignation
would arise; and the honorable gentleman may be
that such is the feeling in Europe for when you
to questions involving love of country the sentiment is
almost equally strong every where. repeat, Ameri
deserves the who would not feel indignant
OF representatives exposed to similar treatment
Mr. PETIT This resolution is right and ought to be
adopted in two points Of view First that may know
whether the Pope Of Rome secular Prince desires
open any negotiation extend his intercourse with us
beyond what it has heretofore been. Ii is our right
know that at all proper times whenever the President is
willing to communicate such matters to in open Sen
ate In that view, it is proper that should be in