Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-03-28

naval reports. These are unimpeachable au-
thorities, and all these have been officially
communicated to the Senate. Thus the case
stands. International law has been violated
in two of its commanding rules-one secur-
ing equality to nations, and the other provid-
ing against belligerent Intervention. When
the distinctive fundamental principal of the
Constitution by which the President is de-
prived of Kingly prerogative presented by
the President this is the simplest statement.
Looking still further at the facts, we see that
all this great disobedience has for its object
is acquisition, an outlying tropical island.
with large promise of wealth, and that in
carrying out this scheme our Republic forci-
bly, maintained the ursuper in power, that he
might sell his country and deal blow at the
independence of the black Republic of Hayti,
which being wrong to that republic was an
insult to the African race, and all has been
done by prerogative alone, without the au-
thority of an act of Congress. If such
transition can escape judgement, it is diff
cult to see what security remains, what other
sacred rules OF international law may be vio-
lated, what other foreign nation may not be
struck at, what other belligerent may not be
trusted, what other Kingly prerogative may
not be seized. Never before has there been
such a Presidential intervention in the Sem
ate as we have been constrained to witness.
The Presidential visit to the capitol with ap-
peas to senators, and who can measure the
pressure of all kinds by himself or agents,
especially through the appointing power, all
to secure the contamination of this scheme.
Thus do we discern in the acts of Presidents
whether on the coasts of San Domingo or
here at Washington, the same determination
with the same regard of great principles, and
a same recklcssness toward the people of
Harti, who have never injured US before con-
demning the treaty or any question of acqui-
sition. We must at least put ourselves right
nation, nor do l see how this can be
done without retracing our steps and con-
sentng to the act of characterization to inter-
national law and Constitution of the L. S.
Therefore on the question of acquisition, l
say nothing to-day, only alluding to some
questions involved. Sometimes it is insisted
that emigrants will hurry in large numbers to
this tropical island when once annexed, and
thus swell the means, but this allegation
torgets that according to testimony and his
tory, that peaceful emigration trayels with
the sun, or parallels of latitude, and not on
parallels of longitude, mainly following the
southermal line, and not turning off at right
angles whether north or south. 1t is some
times insisted that it will be better for the
people of this island if annexed to our repub-
dent question, whether it is better for them,
better for the African race and better for
civilization, that the black Republic should
be absorbed outright, instead of being fostered
into successful examples set by the govern
ment for the redemption of a race, not only
on the caribbean Island but on the Cont
nent of Africa. Then again arises the other
question, whether we will assume the bloody
hazards involved in this business, as has been
pursued with alternative expenditures for
war ships and troops, causing the most pain
full anxiety; and still that other question as
to debts and obligations acknowledged and
unacknowledged, with an immense claim by
lIayti and the unsettled boundary, which |
| have already called 'blood law suits" These
questions | state only meanwhile to my mind
something better than belligerent interven-
ton and acts of war with menace. Absorp-
ton at untold cost, treasure it as sincere, and
humane efforts on our part in the spirit of
peace to reconcile Hayti and Dominica, and
to establish tranquility throughout the Island.
Let this be attempted and our republic will
become an example worthy of its name and
civilization which it represents, while the
Republican institutions have new glory, and
the blessings of God. Good men would at
tend such an effort, nor would the smile of
Heaven be wanting, and may we not expect
the President to unite in such measures of
peace and good will. "He that ruleth his
spirit is greater than he who taketh city,"
and the President ruling his spirit in sub
lection OF humane principles of international
law and the constitution of this country will
be greater than if he had taken all the islands
in the sea.
| Mr.. Sumner continued: Had the President
been so inspired as to bestow on southern re-
unionists one-half the time, zeal, personal
attendance, personal effort, and personal in
tercession which he has bestowed upon his
attempt to obtain half of the Island in the
Caribbean sea, the southern Ku-Klux would
have existed in name only, while tranquility
would have reigned everywhere within our
borders. General applause in the galleries
and hisses).
speak now of that Ku-Klux, of which the
President is declared at the head, and l spoke
for the African race whom the President has
trampled down. Is there any Senator in
earnest against the Kuklux? Let him arrest
it on the coast of st. Domingo. Is there any
Senator ready at all times to seek elevation of
the African race? Here is an occasion for his
best efforts
After speaking for three hours and quar-
ter, Mr.. Sumner at 8 80 z. NJ. concluded.