Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-05-04
Washington Correspondence. I

wAsuiSoroS, Nay 9, 1856
The proposition made by Mr.. Shde in the Senate yes.
erday to give the President tho power suspend our
neutrality laws during any future of Congress-
perhaps the most unb!ushng aud audacous that
auated from Locooco brain. Stripped Of its genera
ties simply that Frank Pierce shall be Invested
with authority to make upon Spain, for tho svowed
purpose Of despong her Of Cuba. moro atrocous aud
piraca conception entered the head of the mos.
awless 6ibuster 1t is astonishing that the Senate
should have treated Il with ordinary respect have so far
countenauced refer to the Committee on Foreign
Affairs The resolution should have been
rejected and the national character been thus promptly
and emphaticsly vindicsted.
The Constitution 10 Congress alone tho power to
declare war; and that body has right to delegate
any person whatever. repeal Of our neutrality laws
would virtually lead war; and would therefore have the
practical effect formal declaration Of hostties
In this point Of view alone the proposition Of Mr. Side
Is utterly indeeusblc But IL this objection did
exist. there Others equally nsuperabe 1t is very
questionable whether, under any circumstances Il would
be advisable to vest in any man, power unusual
and liable abuse and which might lead to the most
serious and alarming consequences. Were Gen. Wash
ington himself alive and in the Presidential chair
Congress might well deliberate before comforting
upon him vast authority-but when 1t is remember
ed that tho Executive direction OF affairs Is in the hands
of the veest pigmy aud the most corrup. mbecie that
occupied tho White House, the idea too abhorren
TO bear moments consd Grafton.
This tangled scheme Of redressing national
grievances by repeal of the neutrality! laws, utterly
wrong in itself and If carried out would degrade and
dshonor us in the eyes OF tho civilized world There
few men in this country who will deny that the Spanh
authorities have frequently outraged rights who do
not desire that efficient steps should be promptly taken
obtain satisfaction for the past aud ample security for
the future but surely this great nation Is able to defend
its honor and afford protection to its citizens without re-
sorting mode of warfare practised only by buccs-
If Spain refuses to give US just redress con-
uues to insult dag aud annoy commerce, by ty-
ranca eIae,ons would be far moro creditable openly
declare against her. than to encourage lawless
expeditions against Cuba, where the unavoidable evils OF
strife would be aggravated by individual hate, thirst
for revenge, and greedy lust Of gain Such contest
would be marked by the most savage atrocities, and
would cast en- ndelible stain upon national reputa
tou
is worthy of note that this proposition OF Mr. Slde
is warmly endorsed by the Union" which plainly init
that it also with the Presidents APPROVAL
This is not at all astonishing The Brigader would ua'u
ally like be entrusted with such extraordinary powers
aud If granted, would most probably exercise them He
miuistraon, and would gladly rush into a war;
trieve il possible his credit with the country But for
tunsely there is too much good in Congress al
low him such opportunity The country will seriously
reflect before it engages in any Of which be is 10
have the supreme direction. His campaigns in Mexico
have amply demonstrated his fitness for military rule
with the Spanish Dons leaders who have an
unfortunate prediction for fantng will not be apt to sled
much lusre on American valor.
The dgraceful scene between Billy Smith and the abe
tionis Gjdiugs, which lately occurred in the House.
has excited much comment in Washington circles Each
of the champions seemed himself with the ut
vgor excel the other in the free Of the cho
ces Blingsgae. Ii is difficult which of them
ed the laurel wreath, for they were well matched in
strength and suppeness aud both expert in the
of their weapons Both of them, too have hides Of bull
like toughncss and powers Of endurance. Upon the
whole It may be considered draw battle-neither
party having gained decided advantage the Other
Gddngs looks il he ready any moment for
other rencouutcr and Billy exhibits no, the slightest
backwardness. 1t is be hoped however, that due
tce may be given, when is take place, that the
galleries may be cleared of ladies' aud their places be
appropriately supplied with deputaton from tie
Five Points.
Mr. Richardson, of Illinois, who ia chairman Of the
Committee Territories gave notice in the House to-
day. that he should early week, to take the
Nebraska bill for consideration. lie avowed his object
be 10 bring it TO the test Of vote, but to
get the subject fairly before the House. where every cp
poruny for the fullest discussion and amendment would
be afforded lie inmated, however, that If this motion
with a factous opposition, some efficient means
would be found get at the bill and pass it at once
Under what rule Of parliamentary law this can be DONE
is more than am able to say It, however indicates his
confidence in the strength Of the BILL which will be regard
cd a cheering sign. IKE