Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-06-04
A Bill to Restrain Outrages upon the American Flag

Bill to Restrain Outrages upon the American Flag.
1t is the opinion of able constitutional lawyers that
the President armed with all authority to restrain and
redress outrges and to protect the citizens of the United
States who may have business with the citizens sub
ects of other governments We are clear indeed that
such the intention Of the trainers of the constitution
simply because the efficiency and force of the federal arm
in cases Of extreme necessity would justly to de-
mand that it should be We are reminded of this
subject now by the existence of several of outrage
committed upon the flag citizens and property of the
United States which, under existing laws cannot be re-
dressed.
In reference to this matter the honorable senator from
Illinois, Judge Douglas, introduced bill in the Senate
yesterday which was referred to the Committee on For
eign Affairs. We give copy of the project of Judge
Douglas as the subject is of the gravest Importance
and cannot receive too much attention
BILL to restrain ourages upon the flag and
citizens of the United States.
Be 1t enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in CONGRESS assembled
That in of fragrant violation of the laws nations by
outrage upon the nag SOIL or citizens Of the United States
prompt and when in the opinion of the President
the republic the President hereby authorized to employ
such force he deem necessary to the pepe
r en ae to Just and
his duty lay the facts of each case together with
for his action in tho premises before Congress- at
thereon as Congress may direct.
The power of the United States is confessed all over
the world as being quite sufficient to restrain Outrages
upon their flag, and to redress wrongs inflicted upon
their citizens and property The real difficulty exists in
the fact that the executive authority is too limited to
enable the President to put force the abundant mate
rial we are acknowledged to possess. In this way in
the chief commercial ports of the world Americans are
told that their government is very good at hone but
is poweress abroad" This branch in fact of the ex
eeutive functions is reserved to Congress The Pres
dent in other words is armed with penary authority to
embroi the nation in mischief but when an active SER
vice required of him. to restrain aggression upon the
rights or persons of our citizens that is duty which
Congress, by the common law of our administrations
reserves to itself The President may do ever so much
evil but is forbidden to do any good Such we regard
as the language of existing laws on the subject.
We hold it to be the ciearest policy in the world that
the strength of the nation in of wanton aggression
upon flag, should be put in position to be exerc
sed to extent necessary to vndcate the honor and
dignity of the republic
The bill proposed by the distinguished Senator from
Illinois is measure OF the greatest importance to the
country. If it becomes law, it will simply arm the
Executive with authority to protect the flag and citizens
ure has been introduced into the Senate with anv speca
reference to the alleged outrages which have recently
been perperaed upon the merchant vessels of the Uni
ted States in the West indies Or indeed with reference
to any special case or cases of kindred nature elsewhere
nor is it at all probable that such authority thus confer
red upon the President would in any manner tend to
embrol the country in difficulties with any nation AS
the proposition, it is emnently peace measure
rendering efficient administration of the govern
ment possible at least and by the known existence and
concentration of the power in the hands of the President
restraining the aggessor against acts of outrage against
our flag. Washington Union.