The Portland daily press., 1863-03-07


The message of the President, communi-
eating In answer to a resolution of the Senate,
the correspondence of the Government on the
subject Of mediation, or other measures look
ing to a termination of the present war by the
influence of foreign powers, was referred to the
Committee on Foreign Relations. Mr. Sum-
ner reported from that Committee the follow
ing joint resolutions, which were adopted by
the Senate and passed the House of Repre-
sentatives last Tuesday evening:
Whereas, 1t appears from the diplomatic
correspondence submitted TO Congress that n
proposition, friendly In form, looking toward
pacincation through foreign mediation, has
been made to the United States by the Em-
peror Of the French, and promptly declined by
the President, and Whereas, The idea OF
mediation or Intervention In some shape may
be regarded by foreign governments as practi-
cable, and such through this mis-
understanding, may be led 10 proceedings
tending 10 emharrass the friendly relations
which now exist between them and the United
States; and Whereas. In order 10 remove for
the future, all chance OF Misunderstanding
on this subject, and TO reserve for the United
States She fuii enjoyment OF that freedom from
foreign Intervention which h one OF the high
eat rkghts q independent states, if seem. nt
that Congress should declare rs convictions
thereon. therefore,
R-soired. the House Of Representatives con-
carrinK, That while Ia times past the United
States have sought aud accepted the friendly
mediation or arbifation Of foreign powers cor
the pacific adjustment Of International aues-
uons. where The Uuited states sere the party
of The other part. and while they are not In
eitned 10 mizeonstrue the natural and humane
desire Of foreign powers 10 aid Ia srresting
domestic hostllities. which widening in their
influence. have afected other countries. e<pec-
izlly IA view 81 the circumstance deeply re-
eretfed by the American people thar the blow
aimed hy The rebeillon ~ the national lite has
fsiien heavily upon the laboring population OF
kuropes yet Notwithstanding these things,
Gongre<s cannot hesitate 60 regard every pro-
position of foreign Interference in the present
contest ~ 20 Car unreasonable and inadmIs.
slble thai lie Only explanation will be found ia
Misunderstanding of the true state OF the
question and of the real character OF the war
In Which the rebuhlie i engaged.
Resolced. That the United States are now
graphing with an unprovoked and wicked re-
eellion, which + seeking the destruction Of
the republic that 1t may build a new power
whose corner stone, according to the express
sion OF It's ehiei shall be slavery; that for the
suppression OF this rebellion, aud thus 10 save
the republic and 10 prevent the establishment
OF such power, the national government Is
now employing armies and fleets, In full faith
that through these efforts, all tie purposes OF
conspirssors and rebels will be crushed; that
while engaged In this struggle, on which so
much depends, any proposition from foreign
power. whatever form II may take, having for
Its effect the arrest Of these efforts, Is Just
In proportion TO Its influence an encourage
ment 70 the rebellion and TO its declared prin-
ciples, and on this account Is calculated to
prolong and embitter the conflict, TO cause in
creased expenditure Of blood and treasure.
and 10 postpone the much desired day of
peace; that with these convictions, and not
doubling that every such proposition, although
made with good intent, is Injurious to the ma
tional interests, Congress will be obliged TO
look upon'any further attempt in the same
direction as an unfriendly act, which 1t earn
estiy deprecates TO the end that nothing NAV
occur abroad to strengthen the rebellion or TO
weaken those relations OF good will with for
eign powers which the United States are hap
py to cultivate.
Resoiced, That the rebellion from its begin
ming, and far back even in the conspiracy
which preceded the outbreak, was encourage d
by the hope of support from foreign powers
that its chiefs frequently boasted that the peo-
pie OF Europe we're so FAR dependent upon
their regular supplies of the great southern
staples, that sooner or later, their governments
would be compelled to take side with the re
bellion In some effective form, even TO the ex-
tent Of forcible intervention If the mder form
did not prevail; that the rebellion is now sus-
tained by this hope, which every proposition
OF foreign interference. awakens anew, and
without this life-giving support it must
soonyield to the Just paternal authority OF
the national government; that considering
these things, which are aggravated by the
motive OF the resistance thus encouraged, the
United States regret that foreign powers have
not frankly told the chiefs of the rebellion
that the work In which they are engaged is
hateful, and that new government, such as
they seek to found, with slavery as its corner
stone and with no other declared object of
separate existence, is so far shocking TO civii-
zation and the moral sense of mankind that II
must not expect welcome or recognition in
the commonwealth of nations
hesolced, That the United States, confident
IN the Justice of their cause, which is the
cause also Of good government and of human
rights everywhere among men, anxious for
the speedy restoration OF peace which shall
secure tranquility at home and remove ali oc-
easion for complaint abroad, and awaiting
with well-assured trust the final suppression
OF the rebellion, through which ali these
things, rescued hom present danger will he
secured forever and the republic one and in
divisIble, triumphant over its enemies vii,
continue 10 stand an example 10 rnankind
hereby auuouurp thair