The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-04-30

ment or our settlers 10 tloti "'Sh'A'
ing fate was OF course not contemplated
IL cannot be denied that the conditions
plainly pointed 10 cautious and deliberate
negotiations as the way OF prudence ana
safety IL very soon became apparent
however, that delay and too much de-
liberation, did not suit the temper ana
spirit OF sturdy Americans chafing under
a sense OF wrong and convinced that they
were entitled TO prompt assistance. The
Inhabitants of our territory bounding on
the east side OF the Mississippi, In me-
mortal addressed 10 the President, Senate
and House OF Representatives, after re-
citing their discouraging condition ana
expressing their faith in the govern
ment's disposition TO extend the neces-
sary aid. closed their memorial with these
significant words: "and so far as may de-
pend on ourselves. We tender 10 our coun-
try. our lives and fortunes I'm support OF
such measures as Congress may deem
necessary TO v.ndacate the honor and pro-
tect the interests OF the United States
! The settlers i'm the states west of the AL.
! leghany mountains also in a memorial
| 10 the government clearly indicating
! their impatience and readiness for ex-
| treme action, declared that prompt and
decisive measures were necessary, and
referred TO the maxim that protection
and allegiance are reciprocal. as beng
| particularly applicable to their situation.
SOME SOLEMN WORDS.
They concluded their statement wrh
I these solemd words: Without interfer-
| ing i'm the measures that have been adop-
| ted TO bring about the amicable arrange
/ ment of a difference which has grown
! out OF the gratuitous violation OF a sol
! emn treaty. they desire that the United
/ States may explicitly understand that
/ their condition is critical; that the delay
/ OF n single season would be ruinous 10
| their country; and that an imperious nee
! essity may consequently obllge them, !
/ they receive no aid, to adopt themselve.
! the measures that may appear 90 then
\ calculated to protect their commerce
even though those measures should pro-
/ duce consequences unfavorable TO the
| harmony OF the Confederacy."
| These representatives emphasized the
! apprehension OF those charged with gov
/ ernmental affairs. that the course oi de-
! iberate caution and waiting, which up
/ to that time had appeared to be the only
/ one permissible, might be insufficient TO
/ meet the sltua tion. and that whatever the
result might be, "a more pronounced po-
sitlon and more urgent action should fH
! entered upon. President Jefferson Wros
| To a friend on the LIST Of February, sH.
"Our circumstances are so imperious o.
/ To adrlit OF no delay. as To our course
/ and the use of the Mississippi so indis
/ penSablc. that We cannot hesitate ohS
/
lie appointed an additional envoy 70 co
! operate with our representative alreaoA
| al the French capital, in an attempt 10
| obtain a concession that would cure tn
difficulty and in communication 10 him
after referring to the excitement caused
| by the withdrawal Of the right OF deposit
nc thus characterized the condition which
| he believed confronted the nation: 'On
the event of this mission depends the fu.
ture destinies OF this republic. II We
hN
sure 10 ourselves n course of perpetua
peace and friendship with all nations
us Immediately to be preparing for tina
course-though not Fastening 1t.
A CUNNING PRETENCE.
have not recited these details for th'
purpose OF claiming that this accelerated
, speed and advanced position on the par
OF our government had any importan
effect i'm Fastening final results. / hav'
thought II not amiss however TO cal
attention 10 the fact that a century ag'
the people OF this country were not seek
ing To gain governmental benent o,
clandestine approach and cunning pre-
tence, bat were apt to plainly presen
their wants or grievances and to openl!
demand such consideration and car'
their due under the mandate OF popula
rule, and that in making their demand
they relied on the mutual obligations o
the relationship between the governe' ne
and those invested with authority am
invoked the reciprocity in political out.
which enjoins that for the peoples one
dence and support OF government tner
shall he given In exchange, by the gov
ernment TO the people, defence OF thei
personal rights. and the assurance ina
in safety and peace they shall surely real
! the fruits Of their enterprise and lahor
II NAV also be we'll to note the efficac
Of the peoples call upon the governmen
in those early days, and how quickly IN
response came--not by yielding TO TEN
I porary gusts OF popular whim and On
, price--not by comforting benefits on IN
few at the expense Of the many-but u
a Quick observation OF the fact that IN
withdrawal OF certain rightful privilege
by another nation from American setter
: had caused them distress. and by
PROMPT determination to relieve their dis
, tress even n the unwelcome visage 9
war frowned in opposition.
/ CONSISTENCY AND DUTY.
Another incident which II seems 10 m
j may recall today with profit and salts
S faction grew out OF the conduct or IN
$ president when the treaty OF 1903 had bee
3 formulated and was returned 70 him tc
ratification and final completion. ~
| was az IS well known, originally qui'
: firm in his belief that the consututio
as Il stood did not authorize such an eN
2 | tension OF our limits by purchase as IN
/ treaty for the acquisition OF the Louis
a / ana territory contemplated.
Holding this opinion and at the sam
time confronted with the clear convictio
, I that the treaty. with all its stupendot
n advantages could not be allowed to ia
= without positive peril. II not 10 our nj
q tional life at least To its most vital ol
ject and aspirations. his perplexity va
Increased by the receipt Of an authorize
: tive intmation that any delay in NM
4 action on the treaty might open the wa
= 10 a recession on the part OF France.
a these circumstances. not daring TO rls
. the delay OF an amendment 10 the COZ
stitution prior to such final action. 7
r proposed reconciling consistency WI
v duty hy procuring a confirmation or "
Il treaty by the senate. and comprising q
i unuuestionablc valuation by "A subs
!, quent constitutional amendment.
. I'm view OF the conclusive settlemei
since that time OF this constitution
' question by every branch OF the govern
u ruent against Mr. Jefferson's origln
opinion and In favor 81 the nations pov
. or 20 acquire territory as was done und'
the treaty OF 1903. and considering "
: fact that we have since that time In
mensely increased our area by the a.
duisitlon not only of neighborlng terr
tory but OF distant Islands of the go
separated by thousands " miles from o'
!. home domain. we may he inclined