Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-06-05
British Insults to onr Flag.

British Insults to Onr Flag.
The resolutions of the Senate's Committee on,For-
eign Affairs, reported by Mr.. Mason as follows:
"Resolred, That American ships at sea under the
American flag remain under the jurisdiction of the
country to which they belong, and therefore that
any visitation molestation is an ntracton OF the
sovereignty of the United States.
Resolced, That these aggressions demand such an
unequivocal explanation from Great Britain as shall
prevent their recurrence forever in the future.
Resolred That the Committee approve of the &C.
ton of the Executive, and are prepared to recom-
mend such future legislation circumstances may
require"
Mr. Mason spoke on the 18th on the resolutions.
He cited authorities to show that no armed ship of
any nation has the right to STOP visit or board. for
any purpose, and that ships the not bound
to lay to or wait. He said the American people
could never submit to these indignties Other Sem
ators followed, concurring with Mr.. Mason Messrs.
Douglas and Toombs advocated summary measures.
They for overhauling and capturing the offend.
ing British vessels at once On the 31st the resou-
tons were again taken up. We copy as follows from
the condensed report of the proceedings of the Sen
ate on the subject:
"Mr. Toombs repeated what he said on Saturday,
that he wanted to seize the British ships. The
olutons not worth the paper they are written
Mr. Hammond disagreed with the Senator from
Georgia. He was not willing to be Struggled into
war By an amendment to an amendment. Ii the
British acts are belligerent let throw with all due
solemnty the bloody spear. If we must have war
let US declare after digniied consideration
War with England would be the most momentous
event that has happened in the past three centuries
perhaps in all time past. Perhaps hostilities with
England are sooner later inevitable; when it comes
he believes England will be rushing on her fate
Let US avail ourselves of the chance afforded by
these resolutions to avoid until it be forced u.s.
event which, whenever it occurs, will change the
face of human affairs.
Mr.. Crittenden also spoke in a conservative tone,
advocating the doing of nothing rashly but to pro-
coed with firm, determined, but cautious steps. The
resolutions of the Foreign Committee sufficient
to express the sentiments of the American people,
and it would be unworthy of both great nations to
indulge in quarrelsome words and quarrelsome &C.
tons.
Let England be informed that we require repara-
ton, and if it be refused, we have then right to
stand on ground. He agreed with Mr.
Toombs that we cannot assent to discuss the right
OF visitation and search. 1t would be unworthy of
this Government to enter into any discussion that
subject We have to deal with acts only, and re-
quire England to dsown them and forbear.
Mr.. Wilson, having reconsidered his amendment,
saw that it was not in order inasmuch as it proposed
10 confer power on the President by vote of one
mousse only. He therefore withdrew it, but express
ed the hope that orders had been given to sink or
capture the offending ships.
a Joint resolution was then moved by Mr.. Mallo
~ that the President be authorized to arrest the
outrages at once"
There appears to be but one voice in Congress
with reference to these aggressions. The probabil-
" is that the matter will be amicaby adjusted, yet
no one can foresee the result War may follow. Is
this country prepared FORTH The British force in
the Gulf of Mexico is three times greater than ours,
while her ships of war of all kinds and which she
could at once bring to bear upon us, largely exceed
'ns proportion. Senators talk of war, and seem to
regard 1t as probable, and some of them even pro.
pose to commence the war by violently selling the
onending vessels; but we hear of appropriations
lot the navy--no proposed additions to this indis-
pensable arm of our defence. We like the tone Of
messrs. Hammond and Crttenden. A war with
England would shake the world. If it anust come,
'e' US be ready for it-let the navy, always too
s%al be greatly increased It is easy to talk, but
senators pen will find fighting different and . more
olfhcult business. .ssss-s s.
1ne country must be in suspense on this subject
,0r some days to come. No doubt the President
uas taken the amplest steps for the vindication Of
,"e national honor but some time must elapse
oelore We can hear from the British cabinet. If nc
feparation shouid7be offered for what is past, and
10 pledges given for the future, that the aggres.
SONS upon our merchant vessels will not be repeat
co, We may expect hostities between the two coun.
tries. q ~ 8 = ga 81
w Lewis Casa, Jr, has resigned bis mission t
nome. His successor has not yet been appointed.