Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-03-17

emancipated slaves Ifhe were Cuban. and an
emancipado, he would do his best 10 consign the
invaders 10 early grave.
Mr. BAYLY said he did not intend TO so into
an extended discussion Of the points which had
been raised by the gentleman from Ohio. The
| Presidents message and documents have not
been printed, and even the Committee on Foreign
Affairs have not yet had an opportunity OF seeing
all the facts connected with the case. Such be-
ing the condition of affairs, il was perfectly OBJ
vious that this discussion was premature; still
there were some remarks made by the gentleman,
which. il occurred TO him, he ought to notice at
once, as the gentleman was attempting 10 preJu-
dice the question
Mr.. GIDDINGS said that he did not intend TO
prejudice the case OF the Black Warrior. He
had only stated the facts as far as he had been n-
formed ofthem. What he had said was TO the
message other than that part which related 10 the
Black Warrior
Mr.. BAYLY remarked: This occurred 10 him
as reason why he ought 10 answer the gentle
man. The gentleman from Ohio said the Presi-
dent was not merely satisfied with answering the
call, but had volunteered message. Now, there
are two laws by which the President acts one
10 communicate information asked for, and il is a
matter Of statesmanke discretion whether he
will do that or go further; but the Constitution
expressly requires of the President to commune
cate with Congress on such matters de-
mand their attention. And that clause of the
Constitution refers more particularly TO foreign
than domestic affairs for the simple reason that
the executive, being the department OF the gov
eminent more especially placed in charge Of our
foreign relations, may be supposed TO be better
informed than any other department of the gov
eminent.
Mr.. GIDDINGS said his position on tina, point
was the President has not communicated 10 Con-
gress' but only TO the House, leaving the Senate
in the dark.
Mr.. BAYLY said it was the duty Of the Presi-
dent 10 make such suggestions as he had in rea-
N spec tn fora Tai II
was the duty of the House rather TO follow than
10 lead The executive; not follow him blindly, sbut
10 sustain him, in relation 10 questions where the
Constitution implies that he is more fully informed
than the House are The gentleman from Ohio
had treated this case lightly. II was not believed
by him, Mr. B y and from the character Of the
message, he did not think it was believed by the
President; that the conduct of the Spanish gov
eminent on this occasion was in bona tide execu-
ton of the revenue laws in Cuba; because on the
records of the Committee on Foreign Affairs there
are cases on cases of constant occurrence Of the
most irritating and harassing annoyances by the |
Spanish authorities of the West Indies 10 Amer- |
can commerce The committee have before them |
several cases Of similar character, and they be-
lleve, 10 use homey, but at lesst, an expressive
phrase, that they are whipping this nation from
some feeling of jealousy or dislike over the backs |
of our unofendng citizens.
Mr.. STANTON, Of Tennessee, asked whether
the action of the Cuban authorities was sudden |
and without notice
Mr.. BAYLY replied that their information was
not full and precise but they had pretty full know
ledge, such as they relied on, TO show that it was
purely vexatious evasion of their former prac
tees.
Mr.. DEAN said that the Black Warrior had
made thirty-six trips with precisely similar man
fest, without question, and he regarded her seiz-
ure as palpable case of port piracy.
MIR. CUTTING asked whether it was right TO |
endeavor TO inflame the country when only ca
parte statement had been made? Had they heard
one word yet on the other side He submitted 10 |
The gentleman from Virginia whether all discns-
sion tending 10 an inaanmatory result ought not |
10 be suspended and let the country act with dig
nifty, frmness, and patience. He respectfully sub
mted that all OF these proceedings tended to no |
good, and was OF dangerous character.
Mr.. BAYLYrepled that fhe had introduced this
debate, and sprung il on the House. and taken |
any other than the most cautious and conservative
ground, he should have felt himself deeply re-
buked by the remarks of his friend from New |
York.
He further replied to Mr. GIpp1yes saving il is |
one thing for man to step on his toes once and
% step on his toes every time he meets him. Pre-
;iseiy this way with nations. The Spanish gov
eminent has been pursuing course OF annoyance
and irritation towards under the most unjusti-
liable circumstances. He believed that those con-
slant annoyances, insults, and wrongs, are meant
as acts OF hostility to this government Believing
that he was acting in accordance with the views |
OF the COMMITTEE on Foreign Affairs, (of which he
is the chairman,) he moved that the motion of Mr..
GIDDINGs be laid on the table.
And on the question being taken, it was de- |
cided IN the affirmative, almost unanimously.
DEFICIENCY BILL.
The House resolved itself into Committee of
the Whole on the state Of the Union, Mr. CHAN. |
DLER in the chair, and resumed the consideration
of the deficiency bill but without making much
progress thereon, the committee rose,
And the House adjourned.