The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-02-07

The other day that this doctrine abstraction and
had therefore found favor with Congress. Sir, il
never abstraction. There never moment
when lis fssolue confirmation by Congress would not
have been Of the highest importance 10 the honor the IN
erest aud the safety OF country The legislative con-
rnaon would have been abstract declaration
than the executive recommendation Both the and The
other were demanded by the grayes considerations No,
sr II was not the fear Of distractions which interered
between Congress and this good work II was SOME nde-
lined apprehension that If spoke the words must
adhere to them and that ii adhered TO them, they
would be words of terrible import TO country am
happy o believe that tnlidity is giving way TO wise
hrmness.
Mr.. SEWARD. win the honorable senator allow me
70 ask him question at this point by way of elueidang
Mr.. CASS Certainly
Mr.. SEWARD desire TO avail myself of the honora-
bic senator's recollection about the occasion when the
debate 70 which he ades took place Was there IT that
time before Congress practical question OF conflict or
apprehended conflict in regard any portion Of the terri
tory OF Central American ask the question because |
have quite forgotten the occasion on which the debate TO
which he refers took place
Mr.. CASS. beg pardon referred to the honorable
senator's declaration the introduction Of the Presidents
message.
Mr. SEWARD spoke then Of the reason why il failed
upon The occasions when il had been brought forward
erring especially to occasion since had been mem
Der OF this house. when the honorable from Mch
gan himself brought it forward and thought then il
presented without occasion.
Mr.. CASS Mr. President far know, the first at
tempt to procure the corporation Of the American egs
aturein this doctrine its redeclaration by Mr..
Polk He certainly introduced it in reference TO the then
pending difficulties in regard to Oregon. There was
plain, practical point We refused TO say word, and,
repeat refused then TO take il the subect into
consideration On the other occasion to which the honor
able senator refers there was resolution think intro
duced by myself but do not recollect what particular
bearing il had except its general bearing the welfare
OF the country.
Mr. SEWARD. That is what understood, and there
Mr.. CASS. The circumstances connected with Mr.. Mon
roes communication are well known, and properly called
for the consideration and action of Congress but it found
neither Nben Mr. Polk adopted and renewed the decla
ration the Oregon controversy pending and it was
peculiarly fitting occasion for union Of the legislative
and executive powers in order to bring this great work to
its c' nsmrnation. Stiil nothing was done. And now
this subject s again brought before by another Pres
dent and with view its direct bearing upon the dis
cusson which find ourselves engaged with England
Some years since have stated the debate in the Senate
was brought by resolutions introduced by myself a
ring The of Congress in the aniicolonia
doctrine 1t was uitess in any useful result and thus
this American principle has been but barren afctp
Lord Clarendon calls it, and will rnctfy until il
ceiyes the sanction of the federal legislature.
The honorable senator from New Hampshire Mr. HALE
in the remarks he made upon this subject few days ago
referred TO the views expressed by Mr. Calhoun, IN the
Senate in relation 10 this doctrine and maintained that
general principle of action laid down by Mr. Monroe
but that his efforts limited to the preservation Of the
Independent States Of Spanish origin from the grasp of the
holy alliance the union of various despotc powers TO
put down popular demonstrations WAS called The unhoy
alliance would have been It's proper designation.
There doubt sir but that the threatening aspect
Of affairs In relation to these Spanish States and the known
project bring them under the dominion of Bour-
bon Prince, the prominent which led MIR Mon
roe to intepose upon that OCCASION Circumstances do not
create principles They call them into action Circum-
stances occurred which directed the attention Of the Amer
lean COVE nment approaching crisis and il then in
vesnga;ed only its line Of action but the ground upon
which that could be justified and the result this we'll
known declaration 10 position il of the great
elements of strength and of Of seldefnce
Ii is perpetual well in its obligations in the security
ii brings with it Ii inererod with existing rights but
looked to the future with view TO guard that from dan
ger.
Mr.. Monroe promulgated wba, is known through the
world bis docrinethe American doctrine of American
spreservation 1t is sought TO degrade II TO mere
temporary expedient living while the Holy Alliance lived
and dying with the death Of that unprnepled league
Now sir Mr. Monroe is the beste1posor Of his views
Hear him. Ia his annual message Of 1924 when the dan
ger from the Holy Alliance had passed away be said
newing his recommendation that had with
European wars but Awith regard 10 neghbors sit
uaon s different IL impossible for the European gov
interfere In their concerns especially In those
alluded 10, which vital, without affecting us
Bat sir have another witness 10 introduce whom no
American can hear without respect and grsttudethe
writer Of the Declaration OF Independence the patriarch Of
the democratic faith the Statesman and patriot second
only Washington in the estimation Of his couurymen
Mr Monroe during his whole presidency in the habit
Of the most confidential with Mr. jefferson
upon all questions OF serious lie consulted him
upon this subject and here follows the dated octo-
Der "a 1923. Never sentiments sounder in them
selves or more beautifully expressed
"Tbe question presented BY the letters you have sent
is the momenous which has been offered to my
contemplation since that Of independence That made
nation is .sts our oomeas. and poiN. ie
through the o fSe And never could we
embark on Il under suspicious Our FIRST
and fundamental maxim should be, entsnrle
selves IN the bros Of EnroPe seoo"d serer 20 ssfr
North and South has set Of interests distinct from those OF
Europe and peculiarly her She should therefore,
have system Of her separate and sPart from that Of
Europe the last h sborng 20 become the doc Of despot
ism-our sndeavor should surely be make hemis.
phere that Of freedom
And now there are those who would mar the magnificent
figure Of Mr. jefferson by converting his Of time into
mere duck pond and his fundamental maxim, ito
suffer Europe ntermeddle with cs-Auanuc affairs into
the historical recollection Of temporary project to
our neghborpg States from blow aimed at that time at
their safety and all danger from which passed away sud-
denly As Il had arisen
Aud there s another voice from the tomb which speaks
the oonhrmatory language respecting this doctrine
our history and in the hearts Of counycn long
true genius and elevated patriotism shall find admirers
In 1925 Mr. Clay then Secretary Of State letter 10
Mr. Ponseit SAYS "that the then President Mr. Adams,
who was Secretary OF State when Mr. Monroe advanced his
doctrine comedies in both principles nonnerference
and anti-ooonzaonl which laid down after much
and anxious doiberaou the part Of the late admin
istrstion The President (Mr Adaps) who then formed
part Of IL continues coincide with both and you will
urge upon tho government Of Mexico the utility and expe
dency Of asserting the principles all proper oca-
siOusR
ID - obvious sir that Mr. Calhoun was under misap-
prehension in relation the views Of Mr. Monroe upon
this subject He himself stated that his recollection Of II
was imperfect and that II s beyond all conirsdic
ton lie considered that the declaration Of Mr. Monroe
had reference 10 specific case 1.-THE Holy Alliance and
stopped there Mr. Monroe he added swss wise
and had design Of burdening the country with task IL
could perform. lie knew there broader dcclar-
lion made by the gentleman then Secretary Of State &c