Washington sentinel., 1855-01-07

Governments have been taking all the territory
they could acquire without peril to themselves,
we may well challenge q comparison with
them.
may say, further, in order that no gentle
man may misunderstand the feelings with which
l make these remarks, that belong to what is
called the party of progress, or to Young Amer
lea. | am in favor of the acquisition Of terri
tory under proper circumstances Neverthe-
less, while entertain these opinions, and be-
leye that injustice has been done to our coun.
try abroad, it is impossible to conceal the fact
that the impression prevails in Europe that we
desire this war TO continue, in order that we
may get an opportunity to seize upon our neigh
bor's territory. Now, by making this move
ment we shall truthfully, and at the same time,
gracefullyremoye anysuch impression. Besides,
SIR, it would be q declaration of neutrality in
most emphatic form. Itwould not onlybe de-
claration thatour Governmentintended to stand
neutral, but that II did not desire that the war
should continue to the injury of the parties
themselves. If the movement were to be suc-
cessful--if we were to be instrumental in re-
Heving these belligerents from their present diff
6culties, it would give us the greatest consider
alton, not only with the Governments, but also
Mr.. CHAMBERLAIN, (interrupting.) I
wish to ask the gentleman from North Carolina
one question. desire to know whether, in the
reference he makes to the masses among whom
we shall obtain so much consideration, he refers
to the masses in this country or Europe?
Mr.. CLINGMAN. Twill answer the gentle
man. My remark, of course, applied to the
masses in Europe. 1t is not necessary for me
to say that this Government has already con-
sjderatinnr enough with the masses at home.
But what was proceeding to say was, that II
our country and its Government became popu-
lar with the people of Great Britain and
France, and with the other nations of Europe,
the monarchs would not like to quarrel with
US. But where there is ill-feeling between
countries, single spark will sometimes light
the flames of war.
have, Mr.. Chairman, discussed this cues.
ton mainly upon the narrow ground of our in
terests as nation. This, however, is not the
mode to DO full justice to the subject. To do
this will require much wider range of thought
and investigation. Independently of all caicu.
latlons OF interest," considerations of humanity
rise up and force themselves upon the mind.
The earth was given to man for his dominion
and control. But it is only in our times that
men are beginning to assert that right in its
full extent. do not mean to say that in for.
mer ages men have not spread over the earth,
but it is only in our day that they have begun
to turn its great natural agents to account.
This war will stop the progress Of humanity.
1t will destroy the greatest and best works Of
man, and throw him back upon the barbarism
of the past
Besides, it is war between the different
branches of the great Caucasian family--the
white races Of men, who have shown by their
superior mental and moral endowments, their
right to control the world and regulate its des.
TIMES. 1t is also war, in the main, between
Christian nations; and we are impeled, there
fore, by considerations of humanity, Of race,
and Of religion, to interpose, if our interposi.
ton can avail anything. If the movement is
to be made, it should begin here. We repre-
sent the feelings, the very heart of the Ameri-
can people; hence our sanction will give greater
force and consideration to the movement But
to the Executive, who has the charge of con.
Quoting the foreign affairs Of the country, il be.
longs properly to decide when and how the
step should be taken. If there be not a fitting
occasion just now, it may be otherwise few
months hence.
Entertaining these feelings, my original OBJ
ject was to bring the subject before the Com
mittee on Foreign Affairs, and let that COM
mittee determine whether such movement
was advisable; if it we're, to let it begin with
Congress, but leave to tho Executive tho mode
and manner of conducting it. The President,
of course, has an acquaintance with the cond-
ton OF things which nobody else can possess,
and to him, therefore, would / leave it to de-
termine whether the movement should be made
now or at some future day, and whether the
offer of mediation should be rendered through
the foreign ministers here or through our min
listers abroad, or in any other mode that he
might regard as best calculated to effect the
object. Whenever he should think proper TO
act, he would then move in the matter with all
the authority of the Government TO sustain him.
If the movement shall be made, / have no
doubt but that it would be sanctioned and ap-