Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-11

that In the only two Instances In which
the United States engaged In a foreign war
the war Of 1872 and the Mexican war.
the proceedings IN the first case took place
behind closed doors in both the House and
Senate. In the case of the Mexican war
Az the proceedings In both houses were in
open sssnion. On MoIdsy, June 1, 1872,
President Madison transmitted his mes
sage to Congress regarding the Invasion OF
our rtghts on the high seas by Great Brit
am. But the President made no recon-
mendations. In submitting the question to
Congress-. the President said:
we Denold, In hne. on the side OF Great
Butain state or war against the United
states, ana on the side Of the United
states state Of peace toward Great Brit
ain. Whether the United States shall con-
tinue passive under these progressive usur-
pations and these accommodating wrongs.
OF, oproAng force to force. in defense OF
their national rights. shall commit a Just
cause Into the hands of the Almighty Dis
poser OF Events, avoiding all connections
which might entapgle 1t in the interest of
views OF other powers. and preserving a
constant readiness to concur in an honor
able establishment of peace and friend
ship. Is a solemn question which the Com
Stitution wisely confides to the legislative
mending 1t to their early deliberations. 1
am happy In the assurance that the decis-
ion Will be worthy of the enlightened and
patriouc counsels of Firtuous. a free and
The message was marked confidential, -
end the House at once went into secret
session. In the secre: session. the pro-
ceedings OF which were afterward made
I'uDhc the message was read, and as indf-
eating the temper of Congress at that
time. the molten TO refer it to committee
OF the whole for immediate action was de-
Ieated.St to s.. 1t was referred to. the
committee on foreign relations The House
met and adjourned the following day.
awaiting the report of the committee
On the next day, June g. Mr. Calhoun Of
scum carolina submitted the report of the
committee, which in strong terms stated
the causes and reasons for declaring war
against Great Britain, and which submit
TED bill containing a declaration of war,
MI: Quincy moved to remove the in
Juhctlon OF secrecy at this juncture but
the motion was defeated-46 to &C.
Another motion. by John Randolph. to
nave tn proceedings conducted with open
doors failed-45 to a..
The motion was then nut on tho hill
snail the bill be rejectedg" and II was
lost-6 to 49, The bill was then consid-
cred in committee of the whole, and with
o ua ae.lon .he House adjourned. The yeas
ana noes on the third reading June & re-
suited 1S to rs. When the bill was about
TO PASS Randolph moved to POSTPONE con-
sideration until October hut the motion
Wa WAS ueiea.ed.i2 to 81 Several flibuster-
ing motions to postpone, adjourn etc
were defeated, and finally the bill was
passed-d9 to -. The bill was then trans
lii.teu 70 the senate, and passed that body
Win amendments. June IS. The same day
t .ne rouse agreed to the amendments, the
phi was signed by the President. and unon
MI. Randolph's motion. the Injunction of
secrecy was removed -
Hostiiities had actually commenced be-
lore action was taken by Congress in tbe
Mexican war. The battles of Matamoras
snd Resaca de la Palma had been fought
MONDAY, May ii. 1885, the House by vote
VI 70 70 % passed bill declaring that a
hef
states and Mexico. The proceedings in
Dom houses were in open session.