Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1856-02-09
MR.. SEWARD ON A WAR WITH ENGLAND

Mr. Seward concluded his speech in the
Senate on Thursday. with the following refer
cree to war with England -
lie thought war with Great Britain
among the possible contingencies OF the
present cmbarrussment.--We certainly can
look for no moderation on the part of Great
Britain hereafter if we overlook her persistent
refusal TO fulfil this the most solemn and
! important of all our international engage
ments. 1t will be an idle dream to suppose
ourselves free and safe if we leave her to way
! lay us on all sides ofall our Isthmus passages,
, from our Atlantic region 10 the Pacific
! States.
! Nor DO fear q war, having justice and
high State necessity on our side. We out
number the population Of the British Islands.
Their dependencies detract from, instead Of
lending strength. Although we have less
realized wealth. we have infinitely greater
resources than those Of Great Britain and
our revenues, susceptible Of large increase,
are practically free.--Our recruiting ground
! is ample, rs Great Britain well knows for
she has tried to enter it Glands stinely. If
, there were any deficiency Of native volunteers,
/ Great Britain herself, as we'll as other Euro
pean nations, has supplied us with this ele-
/ ment OF war. We have a corps of military
officers uneyualled, and We have the founda-
! tions of an effective navy that can speedily
be built mp and put in motion.
In view Of the circumstances, il seems 10
me wise to adhere to our demands. and yet
to cast on Great Britain distinctly the re-
sponsbility Of deciding upon peace or war.
Some would advise us TO propose arbitration
but think we have passed that point alrea-
dy. twoud imply doubt of the rightfnlness
Of the positions on which We have elected tc
stand as claimants out of possession. Such
indecision would be equivalent to abandon
mcnt. Besides, | d. rot know where We
could find an impartial empire in the present
disturbed condition Of Europe.
DO not think that Great Britain vii
choose = resort to war. Her Government
hardly less than our own, is q popular one
This controversy grows out Of n caprice o
her own administration. A war would EN-
barrass her prosperous industrial system, anc
could bring TO her in return no adequate nd
vantage even if she were successful NJ,
counsel therefore, is q notice to Great Britain
} that we shall interfere 20 prevent her eXcr
) else Of dominion in Centra. America, if i
} shall not be discontinued within one year
ana also that authority be now given to tn
President to execute that delayed purpose.
Great Britain may reconsider. may pro
pose to us reference or some other amicabl
adjustment. would be ready to hear, ant
e to 60 to the very verge Of accommodation
But this disposition, think ought not t
persuade us TO inactivity.
r If the wisdom of Congress shall approx
this course, then the intervening time can b
well and wisely improved No sagaciou
e nation will ever hazard all its foreign domn
S ion or influence, or the integrity of its terr
r tory. without bringing all its power into eS
: ercise A nation that strikes for continents
S supremacy must at once render itsel. sci
n sustaining and independent. Before we e,
l pose California and Oregon to the hazards {
{ war with the first naval power in the worll
5 we must at least begin what has been TO
long delayed already, the construction
railroads from the Western borders of III
n Mississippi States to our ports on the p,
A cifc. Although the controversy arises o
the shores of the Caribbean Sea, yet til
field of contest will now, as heretofore, Ii
d north Of the St. Lawrence. Canada cannC
be conquered against her will. She cannC
: refuse if you tender her annexation on jus
n terms, with indemnity for the struggle ST.
: may expect with Great Britain
i ] have thus expressed my opinions vii
frankness. But / am not tenacious Of theI
t all invoke equal frankness and the broat
d est patriotism on all sides Of this chambC
/ and in all parts Of the country, II thes
c shall be Gnlly exercised this day will inaug
rated a new and important and yet peacef
Il triumph over the ancient colonial policy
Europe, honorable to ourselves and ausp
J. cious to all nations