The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1869-01-13

WHShDurne. OF ILLINOIS,, moved TO lay the
motion on the table. Rejected-yeas As; I;
nays 81.
Further consideration of the motion was
| then postponed three weeks WE
Banks, from the Foreign Committee, re-
ported a reSOl lutiOn requesting the Presl-
dent to use his good offices for the purpose
of obtaining from the Russian Govern
ment promnt and Just Consideration of
the claims of Benjamin w. Perkins and
others. Adopted
Banks reported joint resolution, (al-
ready published in the newspapers) pro-
posing The protection of Hayt1 and San Do
subject had been brought to our attention
very recently, and that the resolution was
based upon the theory that these republics
desired the action recommended. He was
not however, authorized officially TO state
the fact, but mentioned Il on his own re-
sponsibility, pred1cated on the best infor-
NATION ne could obtain. He had present.
/ ed the subject 10 the COMMITTEES on Foreign
Affairs. There was not time for full con-
sfderatfon. 1t was novel question, and
of importance, but he. had received the
unanimous authority of the committee TO
Mullins inquired whether by pursuing
the course they were not running the haZ-
ard of interfering with foreign Governs
mentS.
BANKS replied :sIn no respect whatever.
No European Governmentihadth the slight
tton did not contemplate intervention in
the slightest degree 1t was only for the
purpose of assisting Hayti and San Do
mIngo to maintain their own authority.
IngersoIl asked Banks to inform the
House what you'd be our future ability by
virtue of the proposed protectorate or our
Banks said the resolution did not con-
template a protectorate in the European
sense. 1t might require nothing more
than the sendinglthfther offs vessel of war
and in ease OF the interruption of the pub
lie peace. TO advise the parties attempting
revolution, that they had better walt till
the regular period of election occurred.
He was satisfied this would be sufficient to
secure the object OF the resolution.
innnirad WI hot har
not initiating s.eps for entangl1ng allt-
ances against which the father OF our
Banks replied that 1t was not initiating
steps excepting TO secure good govern
meat. All the European powers mad re-
cognized the inde pendencs ofthe e Repub-
lie and Spain had withdrawn all
claims 10 the Sovereignty ofgthe Island.
Woodward tnQuued-If we extend our
protection 10 these feeble though indie
pendent Governments, do We not initiate
aggression with European powers? 70
Banks-We do not, but we prevent ag-
Ward inquired whether there was any
precedent tor the contemplated action.
Banks replied. He saids there was no
precedent, but we are in the age when new
action is required. He then stated that,
owing to tue frequent revolutions, our
commerce had within a few years suffered
to the extent OF millions ofedOllars, and |
within these Republics our trade would be
very much increased, and this, IL there /
were no other reasons, were sufficient why |
we should desire peace. .ss-ss ss r
dSk6Q WIlGJuGFLUGF6 was any pend /
ing negotiations between the Executive |
and those governments looking to a pro- |
tectorate.
Banks replied that he was not at liberty
to state that there had been, but he could |
state his own belief that there were
governments and people who desired, and
would accept our friendly Intentions;
more than this he could not say without
compromising those governments. He be-
ileved when we made the proffer, 1t would
GARFIELD remarked that the gentlemen
from Massachusetts, had said we might
send snip OF war to that Island. How
could peace and quiet be urged unless the
vessel was called on to do something?
Banks replied that we could not take
possession Of the territory or occupy their
seas without a treaty between those Re-
publics and our own. If the Governments
ask for our protection, We can offer IL. Our
vessels would be accompanied by officers
VINO, il there should be an organization to
wise the insurgents to desist from their pur-
poses until the time for the election of
President occurred, in pursuance of law.
Mr.. Judd inquired, suppose the revolu-
ttonists should refuse to accept the advice?
Mr.. Banks-Then it would be for the
Government of the United States TO deter |
mine what ought to be done and consult
the Senate in formal treaty.
Mr.. Bingham asked weather IL would not |
be well to limit the scope of the resolution
by adding the proviso, that 1t was deemed |
important to restrict the President so as
not to be involved in any appropriation of
money without consulting the Congress OF
the United states, and obtaining its con-
Involve the country in a conflict of arms. |
Banks replied: We did not intend to /
enter into conflict of arms. We want
good government; therefore, the resolu- |
tiOns on that island import the peace of |
our own country. The resolution did not |
warrant an expenditure of money!
Ferris did not see how the object could /
be made effsctual by the limited power IN
the resolution, and he fpquiI ed whether /
the Comm ittee, in determining 10 recon-
mend the protectOTaUe of the island re-
garded as a stepping stone, has in viSY
the ultIIQate annexation of the Territory.
Banks replied that the committee had
no such idea. nor haU iGe any time for full /
consideration. They gave him authority
than that fts- l'ta e
Culiom said the understanding of the
committee would not justify the gentle
man from Massachusetts in calling for a
vote Oh the resolution to-day.
Judd said that he would consent that
the resolution should go over till Bo-mor-
row.
The House, at AIS P. NJ, adjourned.