The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-01-25
The CIavton.Bulwer Treaty..

Wheeling argus, Mr.. Cass delivered a
powerful speech in reply to Mr.. Clayton
on the Clayton. .Bulwer Treaty. Mr.. Cass
discusses the whole subject fully, and
shows that the Senate, when it ratified the
treaty, did not understand it as did the
gentlemen who negotiated it, nor as the
British government understood it. The
object our government had in view, when
negotiating for the treaty. was to divest
England of any claim which she might
have to territory lying in Central America.
This the wording Of the Treaty would
have effected. The Senate was satisfied
that the instrument which was ratified by
them, in its application TO Central Amer
lea, extended over all that portion of the
Western Continent known by that name.
But subsequent developments show that
from some cause, there was a different un.
derstanding between Mr.. Clayton. the Sec
retary Of State, and Mr.. Bulwer, the Brit
ish Minister. and that the treaty did not
apply to tine British settlement at Hondu-
ras nor its dependencies. This construc.
ton, or supplement to the Treaty, &C.
cording to Mr.. Cass' showing. was annex
ed after the action of the Senate was had
upon it, and without the Senate's knowl.
edge or consent. 1t is manifest that the
design Of the treaty would be wholly de-
feaied. so far as this country is concerned.
if it admits Of the Interpretation thus de-
sired to be made, and allows England to
retain by virtue OF private understanding
that which she relinquishes by public
act. The Monroe doctrine is one that
has engaged the attention Of our govern
ment ever since it was declared by its au-
thor, and one which time and study prove
to be the true principle by which we should
be Influenced in all cases where the gov.
ernments of Europe attempt to set up any
claim whatsoever to interfere with the af.
fairs o! this continent. Subjoined we give
an extract from Mr.. Cass' speech, in which
he gives his views OF the American doc
trine, and also explains how it happened
that he gave his support to the treaty,
which, with the construction now put upon
it. he repudiates. Mr.. Cass' well known
autipathy to England and English inAu.
ences are sufficient to assure US that, il
the undercurrent of the officials who me-
gotiated the treaty, had been known to
him, he never would have aided them as
he did: -.zF -. +,
Mr.. President, so far as this question Of
ratification is involved, with the lights be-
fore US, had no doubts then, and have
no regrets now, respecting the course
which the Senate sanctioned. 1t is not a
little curious, that some of those who urged
this objection, with the most per,in acity.
although they profess adhesion to this car
dinal principle of American policy. yet
never find resolution for its authoritative
assertion by Congress. the only effectual
means Of its establishment, in such
shape, as TO secure its cooperation. Nor
do they lend their aid to put it in form
to suit their own views, and thus TO COM
mand their votes, They conline their ac
lion to severe criticism and to decided op
position. Now, sir, | have no desire to
sacrifice c great national advantage TO
mere barren dogma. rendered such by our
dissensions. 9Embody this principle of
European non-intervention in American
affairs, in solemn Congressional act
and |. for one, will adhere to and support
il, come what may. But while we dispute
and hesitate, events move on; and. for the
want Of proper decision, we are obliged TO
ourselves, the best way we
can, to their course and consequences. J.
desire the exclusion of European power
and influence from all portions Of the west
ern continent, not actually held as colo
nies by some European Government; and
| believe the true principles ofpublic law.
applied to the position Of the American
States. fully justify this pretension. AS to
existing colonies, they will follow peacea-
bly,, and in good time. Well, sir, the
friends of this great measure have in vain,
for many years. sought its accomplish
ment. II will come, it is destined to come.
as surely as any event in the future. The
country. even now, is prepared for it, de-
sires it, demands it; but the hesitation is
here, in these halls OF legislation. where
there ought to be prompt and decisive nc
ton. Notwithstanding the prognostication
Of the Senator from Delaware. the wish. !
fear. was father to the thought. that lis his
tory is closed. 1t is but just begun. sir;
and in glorious future, this emanci patton
of the western hemisphere, from the thral,
dom and intrigues OF the eastern. is yet to
constitute one of our proudest claims to
the respect of mankind.
For myself, sir. if | cannot get the Mon.
roe doctrine, will get the next best thing
can. will seek to procure, by conven-
tional arrangements. the exclusion of Eu-
ropean influence from this hemisphere.
step by step, if necessary; and in seeking
TO effect this object, there are peculiar rea-
sons which render it highly desirable TO
free all Central America from impending
transatlantic intrigues. The position ol
that region with relation to the con,empla-
ted interoceanic communication which is
to unite our eastern and western possess
ions, and the divided condition ofits States,
rivals. and easily swayed or controlled by
foreign influence. gave great importance
to the effort to place them beyond any ex-
ternal action adverse to our interest; and
as il was certain that we could not attain
this object by any other course we might
adopt, felt myself fully justified in en-
deavoring to obtain it by conventional
arrangement with the Power whose inter-
ference might be most injurious TO our in
terest. If the failure has been an utter
one, as recent disclosures announce, the