Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856.

DEBATES OF CONGRESS. 441 MARCH, 1826.] Debate on the Panama Mission in Secret Session. [SENATE. With regard to the relations with that coun- Nothing can contribute more to a just detry, no change is desired-none will take place cision of the question before us. than a correct here. It may be proper to express to the South understanding of what that question is. I will American States, the unalterable opinion enter- endeavor to state it. tained here in regard to intercourse with them. A Congress of Deputies from several of the It will have its due weight and influence in Spanish American States is to be held at the their councils, and, I hope, it will be effectual. Isthmus of Panama. The objects, powers, and The unadvised recognition of that island, and duties, of the Congress, are set forth in certain the public reception of their Ministers, will treaties, formed by those of whom the Congress nearly sever our diplomatic intercourse, and will be composed. bring about a separation and alienation, injuri- The United States were not parties to these ous to both. I deem it of the highest concern treaties; but, subsequently to their formation, to the political connection of these countries, it was thought advisable by some of the States, to remonstrate against a measure so justly of- to invite us to join them. Foreseeing the diffifensive to us, and to make that remonstrance culties which might prevent an acceptance of effectual. their invitation, and unwilling to impose the I trust I have shown, that, if this mission is necessity of a refusal, these States, with a comnot due to courtesy, it is due to a just estimate mendable delicacy, made an informal applicaof our essential interests. It is due to friend- tion to our Government, to know if it would ship, to peace, to commerce, to our principles; be agreeable to it, that such an invitation it can do no injury-it may do good-it will do should be given. On receiving this intimation, good. the President had before him the choice of one Mr. VAN BUREN, of New York, said: The of several courses. If he believed that the subject before us presents a question entirely attendance of an authorized agent of the Unitnew. It is one, too, of intense interest, involv- ed States at Panama, with suitable instructions, ing considerations which, when once fully un- would be beneficial, it was competent for him derstood, cannot fail to excite the deep solici- to have sent a private agent, at the public extude of our constituents, and ought to fill us pense, with proper credentials. If he had with proportionate anxiety. It has grieved me thought it more advisable, because more reto hear it announced, on different occasions, spectful, he might have directed our Ministers and in various forms, that gentlemen had so at Colombia and Mexico, or either of them, to definitively made up their minds at to render repair to the proposed seat of the Congress, indiscussion unavailing. I venture to affirm, that structed to express the interest we take in the a similar course has never been pursued in a success and prosperity of the States there asdeliberative assembly. Cases have occurred, sembled; to explain to them the principles of where the sinister designs of a factious minor- our policy, and the reasons which dissuaded ity have been defeated by a refusal to reply to our Government from uniting in the Congress; speeches made after a subject had been fully and to communicate whatever else, in the opindiscussed, and with the sole view of embarrass- ion of the Executive, the interests of the Uniting the operations of Government; but to com- ed States reqtuired. Or he might have exmence the consideration of. a great national pressed his desire, that the invitation to the measure with the declaration, on the part of its United States to be represented in the proposed advocates, that it ought to be settled by a silent Congress, should be given; and as far as his vote, is an occurrence, in the annals of legisla- constitutional power extended, determined to tion, which, as it now stands without prece- accept it. He has chosen the latter; and if the dent, will remain, I trust, forever, without imi- Senate approve, and Congress make the necestation. sary appropriation, his decision will of course It is not for me to advise those with whom I supersede any other steps which might have differ in opinion: nor am I disposed to arro- been taken. But if the Senate do not approve, gate a privilege to which I have no claim. I or Congress refuse the appropriation, either of will, however, with permission, and in all kind- the other measures may still be adopted. Their ness, entreat gentlemen to re-consider the pro- execution is within the constitutional compepriety of a course which cannot, I am per- tency of the Executive, and the contingent suaded, receive the sanction of their deliberate fund will supply the means. It will be seen, judgments. Let each determine for himself therefore, that the question is not whether whether it will read well in the history of this measures shall be taken to avail ourselves of measure, that its progress through this House all attainable advantages from the Assembly of has been marked by a circumstance of so ex- the Spanish American States, but whether they traordinary a character. Entertaining an en- shall be of the character, and in the form _protire confidence in the motives of gentlemen, I posed. That form is, to send a representation will still encourage the hope, that they will on the part of the United States, to the Condiffuse the light which has brought conviction gress of Panama, according to the invitation to their minds; and, as far as practicable, di- given to our Government, and its conditional vest themselves of all predetermination. This acceptance. I cannot give my advice and conhope alone induces me to trespass, for a mo- sent to this measure; and in assigning the reament, on the time of the Senate. sons for my dissent, I hope to be excused for

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Title: Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856.
Author: United States. Congress.
Canvas: Page 441
Publication: New York, [etc.]: D. Appleton and company [etc.]; 1857-61.
Subject terms: United States -- Politics and government

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Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856.

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