Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1854-05-13
Our Neutrality Laws,

The Republican takes ground against the
movement of Senator Slidell-to invest the Pro
sdent with authority to suspend at discretion
our neutrality lnws,so far as they apply To Spain,
and assigns tho following conclusive reasons for
its course
lst. The suspension Of our neutrality laws
would produce u successful iillibuser invasion of
Cuba and thus involve MS in war with Spain. BY
the constitution the right TO declare war is yest-
ed in Congress, and il is violation Of the spirit
Of that instrument to shift the responsibility Of
an act certain 10 produce il upon the President.
IDLY. Iii little and shuflng ndreetion un-
worthy powerful and brave nation. II injuries
done us by Spain, or our safety, require the over
throw of Spanish dominion in the island of Cuba,
let Us assume the responsibility of the act and
not seek its accomplishment by an evasion which
implies mt once consciousness of wrong and II
cownrdly fcnr of consequences.
3dly--We are opposed to this daily increase Of
Executive power by authorizing the President at
his discretion 10 do things; which, the constitu-
tion says, belong properly 10 other departments
OF the government. If our neutrality laws are
too rigid and we think, they are, let congress re-
peal or modify thom. Congress is the law max
ing power, not President Pierce.
1t is gratifying 10 see journal Of the Rcpuh-
cans influence throwing its weight against n
movements originating with its own party, 50 con-
trary to the policy and principles of the govern
mcnt, and 50 pernicions in It's tondonoy,as that
proposed by the Louisiana Senator. If there
were no other Objectionable Sd urged by the Re
publican would be an imperative reason with us
fol opposing the scheme from the beginning to
the end. From the character of recent oceurrcn
oes and the tone of popular feeling we incline to
81 IF I'll
subsist between our country and Spain,
but we see no reason for opening a way for the
commencement of hostilities by any other mode
than the recognized and established usages OF ma
tions. If we must have war-let it be entered
upon in an open and manly way-in the face OF
the world-under all the sanctions of national
honor and all the soemnites of the national law
The Republican declares itself very certain
that the President does not approve "this ridicu-
lous trick We not of that The
subjoined statement by Washington cores
pendent of the Baltimore Times is copied into the
Richmond Enquirer, as if that journal attached
credit to ii:
WAsHiNGToN, Monday night, May 6.
All statements 10 the contrary, | again assert
that the resolution of Mr. Shdell in the Senate
was introduced by the consent of the presidon
To meet the oxgeneies of the Cuba question:
| Spain has refused compliance with our demands
and the administration must declare war, bach
out, or suspend the neutrality laws. The spe
! ca message of the President was read to-day il
! Cabinet Council, and will he sent in mmediatel,
upon the passage of the Nebraska bin, or perhaps
| to assist its passing The message is calm bu
firm. 1t sets forth the many outrages perpetra
ted by the Spanish authorities upon our proper
! ty, honor and commerce. The President simply
leaves the proper action to Congress. This mes
sage will be responded to by the prompt passag,
of the Slidell resolution. REX.