The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1858-02-20

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why were these orders sent to him while he
America, q thousapd miles beyond the ma
rine league? The fact of their being sent
to him there shows conclusively that the
Government had already construed the Law
to apply beyond the marine league2 What,
then, becomes Of the argument as to Paul
ding's exercise of power beyond the marine
league? He had the order, then, to apply
them; how. could he refrain? Instead,
therefore, Of this argument being applied to
Comodore Paulding, let it be applied to the
President for to him, or to his Secretary,
belongs the fault, if any exists, for having
caused the exercise Of that law beyond the
marine league. Apply your censures to the
principal, not to the agent. Stand by the
dictum Of law-tacit per alum, Jaeit per Sc.
JUsrIrIcArIoN or CoxxoDoRE PAuLDfSo.
Mr.. Smith, of. Virginia. Il desire, with
the consent of the gentleman from Iowa,
that be should answer this interrogatory.-
I wish to ask him whether there is anything
in the instructions given to Commodore
Paulding, which justified him in capturing
Walker on the shores Of Nicaragua? lam
willing to concede that the President did
give him orders under which he was justi-
fed in going outside the marine league to
capture Walker. That is the net Of the
President, and upon him will rest the respon-
sibility. But think that, for Commodore
Paulding to 60 within the Jurisdiction of
Nicaragua for that purpose, was an act of
war, and that Commodore Paulding is re-
sponsibls for that act Of war. ~ ri
Mr.. Curtis. The answer Of the Secreta-
ry of the Navy to the inquiries of Lieuten-
ant Almy, in my opinion, did give that au-
thority to his discretion, because, what was
the order9 1t was not to take the vessel,
but it was to stop the expedition. ! think
any man who will read the order carefully,
will come to the conclusions that the act Of
Commodore Paulding in capturing Walker,
was only the exercise of reasonable dis
cretion in the execution of his orders. His
orders we're to act; and when the emergency
came, he was not to stop and cayil about
nice distinctions. His orders were to strike.
He did strike, and demand that justice
shall be done him. If he exceeded his or
ders, the responsibility rests upon the Presi-
dent of the United States, for not defining
his duties more distinctly.
Yes, sir, Commodore Paulding stands be-
fore this House, charged with grave Of
fence-in the language Of the President, a
"grave error" ask gentlemen to look at
the surrounding circumstances, and see
whether he was guilty Of any error. We
have seen that G Commodore Chatard has been
removed, and that the order had gone out
for his removal when Walker was taken by
Commodore Paulding. 1t will be remem-
bered that he was removed for not detain-
ing Walker when within the marine league
of Nicaragua. The United States officers at
Mobile have also been censured by the Presi-
dent. Three of the naval officers of the
United States, under the command Of Com
modore Paulding had been insulted, and
when in full uniform were prevented from
passing the lines Of Walkers sentinels, and
they demanded justice for their offended
honor, which had been thus assailed. 1t is
true that Walker says they were not in uni
form, but they have certified that they were
fully under arm.-thus meaning the distinc
ton which permits them to pass the lines Of
sentinels Of all the countries, except those
with which we are at war. This was a spe-
cial indignity, which must have been
pressed upon the Commodore, as it seemed
to defy the power of self protection against
indignities shown our navy. s,-5...s-.s- I,
But, sir, there was further inducement for
immediate action. There was the voice 81
woe and lamentation, which came up from
the inhabitants Of the country; the men, wo-
men aud children, saw their friends slain,
their houses burned, and their villages left
desolate. Murder and arson and robbery,
he reports, had been committed, and the
country was left to havoc and dcsolation.
There was the cry for justice upon the part
of the officers, and there was the cry for
mercy from thepeople on shore. lsay that
under these circumstances, with the in
stincts of man, the heart Of sailor, and
the defender of our honor, Commodore
Paulding could not have done less than what
he did. He is stranger to me; but it is
enough for me to know that he is one Of
our standard bearers, to induce me to rem
der him this tribute Of justice. i'1t, ~. ~
But, sir, Commodore Paulding needs no
defence. If he were here himself, he would
vindicate his own character. | am merely
calling the attention Of this House to the
circumstances under which he acted. He
has been treated roughly and harshly for
conduct which should have called for praise,
not ondemnation-honor, not disgrace
from the representatives Of his country.
Mr.. Chairman, l have cndeavored to
argue that it is not the policy Of this coun-
try to intermcddle in the affairs Of foreign
nations. The less we have to do with their
responsibilities, the better. l congratulate
the people of this country on the general
tone Of the Presidents late message on the
subject Of ilibustering, except so much Of
it asimplies a willingness that the Govern
ment itself may proceed by some such means
to acquire dominion and power. %3 -
! am willing to see our nation grow inter-
nally and externally, but l desire to make
acquisition only by fair and honorable means.
wish to see surrounding States attracted
by our wisdom and virtue, and not forced
in by stratagems or fraud. desire, for
this purpose, that our department towards
contiguous countries, should be especially
conciliatory and generous. have no doubt
of our ultimate expansion to the limits Of
this continent, but leave that to the dcsti-
ny Of nations and the natural affnities that
draw less to greater bodies. I'wish to
see the rights Of the feeblest nation respect
ed and maintained, and subscribe most
heartily to the sentiment quoted by the
President, as rule Of national as well rs
Divine law, that 'swhatsoover ye would that
men should do to you, do ye even SO unto
them"
THE sun. szs'73sta
The editor Of the Fayetteville North Car
Olinian, tells the following amusing Incl.