Weekly national intelligencer., 1854-04-29
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Mr.. EWING, by consent submitted the following resc


lutions
esolve That the President be requested if incompa
ble with the pubic interests to inform this House what
steps, any, been taken by this Government to
the permanent acknowledgment by treaty of the rights of
neutras by the Governments of Great Britain and France
and what degree of has attended those efo any
have been made.
Rcsolrd further That the President be requested if not
incompatible with the public interests to inform this House
whether in any particular the Government of Great Britain
assumed act for Spain in the negotiations consequent
upon the seizure Of the Black Warrior what degree Of
biity that Government has assumed in the matter snd II
assuming for Spain upon what pretext if any is
alleged.
Mr. EWING. l have but word to say in regard to
the object have view in presenting these resolutions
As the question upon their adoption explanation Of
the object may influence some members In the vote they
may give upon them.
drew up the resolutions and have submitted them to
the Judgment of Of the members Of the Committee
Foreign Affairs, well to other gentlemen outside of
that committee all Of whom regard it as matter OF
practical Importance am as much averse to wasting
the time of the House in the passage Of mere declarations
of sentiment as any member be- have always been
opposed to that course but am fully convinced that the
time has for practical action upon this subject
1t has been said that able representative at the
court of Great Britain is endeavorng to perfect treaty
to effect the purpose referred to in the resolutions know
not that il but it has been intmated that there is
danger that amid the eaousies Of the leaders Of that
great party whose peculiar mission is to furnish Pres
dents to this country and to divide the spos this
tiaton may to naught AT all events believe that
|
We gain nothing by it, Our only strength arises from
the knowledge that the uncomfortable Democracy Of this
country plant themselves upon their rights and de-
tcrmined to assert them, and will not yield particle of
them and that is greatest perhaps our only, adran
tage in negotiations with foreign Governments Secrecy
gives strength because cannot secure that pro-
found secrecy which surrounds the diplomacy of foreign
| Governments.
think therefore, that this department Of the Govern
men and the people Of the country ought to participate
in the councils and in the knowledge of all such matters
as this In reference to the last of the two resolutions
will also say word perceive the reports Of the de-
bates Of the British Parliament that member asked
Lord John Russell what the British Government
had taken in relation to the Black Warrior affair He in
formed the House that instructions had been transmitted
to Mr. Crampton the British Minister to this country,
but that no had been received. read that with
amazement 1t is important that should know what
action if any, that Government has taken in relation to
that affair in connexion with Spain.
only wish to add, sir, that it would seem the purpose
of the British Government Of the present Ministry of
that Government to interfereas they have expressed
their determination in conjunction with France, to do
in the regulation of affairs upon this continent and oil
the universe These my reasons for calling the
attention Of the House to this subject at this time