Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1858-06-09
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 nfraction of the
sovereignty of the United States.
ResoIred, That these aggressons demand such an
unequivocal explanation from Great Britain as shall
prevent their recurrence forever in the future.
Resolyed That the Committee approve of the &C.
ton of the Executive, and prepared to recon.
mend such future legislation as circumstances may
require"
Mr. Mason spoke on the 29th on the resolutions
He cited authorities to show that armed ship of
any nation has The right to stop, visit board for
any purpose, and that ships on the not bound
to lay to or wait He said the American people
could submit to these indignities. Other Sem
ators followed concurring with Mr.. Mason. Messrs.
Douglas and Toombs advocated summary measuresA
They were for overhauling and capturing the Offend
ing British vessels at once On the 31st the resolu
tons were again taken up. We copy as follows from
the condensed report of the proceedings of the Sem
ate on the subject:
"Mr. Toombs repeated what he said on Saturday,
that he wanted to seize the British ships The
olutions were not worth the paper they are written
Mr. Hammond disagreed with the Senator from
war b;' an amendment to an amendment. If the
British acts are beigerent let US throw with all due
solemnity the bloody spear. If we must have war
let us declare war after dignifed 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 or 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 on
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 rashy, but to pro-
ceed with firm, determined, but cautious steps. The
resolutions of the Foreign Committee were sufficient
to express the sentiments of the American people,
and it would be Unworthy of both great nations TO
indulge in quarrelsome words and quarresome &C
tions
Let England be informed that require repara-
tiOn and if it be refused, we have then right to
stand on our ground. He agreed with Mr..
Toonbs that cannot assent to discuss the right
of visitation and search 1t would be unworthy oi
this Government to enter into any discussion on 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 inaslnuch it proposed
to confer power on the President by vote of one
house only. He therefore withdrew it. but express
ed the hope that orders had been given to sink OF
capture the offending ships.
ry that the President be authorized to arrest the
outrageS at once"
There appears to be but voice in Congress:
with reference to these aggressions The probabiil
ty is that the matter wl.be amcably adjusted, ye
no one can foresee the result. War may follow. L
this country prepared forit? The British force il
the Gulf of Mexico is three times greater than ours
while her ships of war of all kinds, and which sh
could at once bring to bear upon us, largely excee'
this proportion Senators talk of war, and seem t
regard it as probable, and some of them even pro
pose to commence the by violently sezing tn
offending vessels; but we hear of no appropriation
for the navy--no proposed additions to this indls
pensable arm of our defence. We like the tone 9
Messrs. Hammond and Crittenden. A wit
England would shake the world. If it must come
let be ready for it-let the navy, always to
small, be greatly increased. 1t is easy to talk bu
Senators will find fighting different and NOR
difficult business.
The country must be in suspense on this subee
for days to come. No doubt the Presder
has taken the ampest steps for the vindication
the national honor; but some time must elaps
before we can hear from the British cabinet. If n
reparaton should be offered for what is past, an
no pledges given for the future, that the aggre
sions upon merchant vessels will not be repea
ed, We may expect hostlities between the two cour
tries.
Hon, THOMAS RrFFJN We II stated in so,r