The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-06-29
Chr 99Jrsttrn grmutrat.
CHARLOTTE. n C.
DEBATE IN THE SENATE.
CHARLOTTE,


On the 18th inst, when the resolutions con-
demning the recent British aggressions were be-
fore the L. S. Senate, the following debate took
place between Mr. Clingman of North Carolina
and Mr. Doolittle of Wisconsin:
Mr. Clingman thought it probable that Great
Britain might excuse her proceedings by say
ing that Commodore Paulding had violated foreign
territory; seized some OF our own people and
brought them away; not because they had COM
mitted a felony but misdemeanOr; and, though
he violated the law, his motives were good The
President and Committee on Foreign Relations
made an argument TO this effect. The British
Government is entering ships. Why? Because
it wants to stop felony. Suppose we should make
complaint? We will be told that one of our own
officers violated territory under the jurisdiction of
4 foreign country, and SO far from furnishing, the
President commended him, and some Senator's
thought he ought to have medal. Could Great
Britain make out a strOngercase! The act OF Com
modorc Paulding was as plain a violation OF the
Constitution and international law could posi-
bly he committed. Some member Of the British
Parliament might, following the example, get up
and propose that the commander of the Styx be
presented with medal saying his motives were
good in suppressiag felony and putting down pi-
racy. While gentlemen justify the violation COM
mitted by our own officers they should make some
excuse for others. He believed with Mr.. Benja-
min that something ought 10 be done to maintain
our respect abroad. He intentcd 70 vote for the
resolutions; they fell far short of what we ought to
do The Senate, however, can now do nothing
but make a protest.
Mr. Dooiittle wished to know what part of the
constitution and laws had been violated by Com
modore Padding, in the arrest OF General Walker!
Mr. Clingman replied, that clause which says no
power shall be exercised, except what Is granted.
In the second place Commodore Paudlng commit
ted disObedence and violated the laws of the Unit
ed States; ana in the last place, he violated the
laws Of nations, by invading the territory Of u
foreign power.
Mr. Doolitte joined issue most distinctly, and
could demonstrate in any court of impartial judges,
that in 10 respect did Commodore Paulding VIC
late the constitution or laws or any instructions
received from the Department at Washington The
President is authorized, expressly, TO use the land
and naval forces prevent the carrying out OF an
expedition from the shores of the United States,
against any friendly and neutral power. The min-
lister OF Nicaragua had returned the thanks Of his
government for the taking of eneral alker and his
followers. We never violated friendly or neutral
territory. Nicaragua invited us before the Prcsi-
dent sent in his message. We never violated the
territory for hostile purposes, nor was there such
an intent. 1t was preposterOus to say so. Com
modore Paulding only carried out his instructions,
but when a clamor made against the Admins
station, it did not dare to take the responsibility Of
the act. Instead of sustaining Commodore Pauld-
ing as the Administration Of Monroe did Gen.
jackson when he seized St Marks, it suffers him
Pauldingl to he sued in an action of trespass in
the Courts Of New \ crk, and suffers him to be
raiGncd simply for doing his duty, in preventing
Walker levying on friendly power. With
regard to the conduct of the British, he Doolittc)
did not, from the beginning, believe there would
be war; but that the British Government would
declare that the instruction given to the cruisers
had been exceeded.
Mr. Clingman said that he could show that
Yrissar had no authority to authorize the INVASION
and that the President and Committee on Foreign
Relations had declared the act illegal. What he
complained OF was, that instead of Commodore
Pauldin@ being censured or punished, the Exccu-
tive and Foreign Committee made argument in
his defence. Therefore, the British Government
make stronger argument in its own defence.
While they admit that Commodore Paulding's act
Illegal, the Senator from Wisconsin Doolittle)
proposed to present him medal