41
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1848
the highest political considerations present themselves to the patriot's mind. In the desperation of the affairs of those people, they have not only appealed to the Government of the United States, and made a tender of their dominion and their sovereignty, but they have made a similar tender to England and to Spain. They have first appealed to us, and we are now discussing the propriety of interposing in their behalf. Some power must interpose. It is true, they are not entitled to our consideration as a recognized member of the family of nations, for they have been abandoned by their national ally, with whom we are at war. If we refuse aid, and England or Spain or any other Power should interpose in their behalf, how can we say to them, you have no right to interpose? If England should acquire peaceable possession, with the right of dominion and sovereignty, will we not be precluded from all interference hereafter in rela- tion to that territory? If, in consequence of delay on the part of this Government, or want of action, a foreign Power should take possession of it, we are precluded forever from all inter- ference with that country, unless by an act of open war, nor will we have a right to question their title to it. No matter whether they are prompted by a love of dominion or feelings of humanity, if they acquire possession of it owing to delinquency on the part of this government, we never can question their right, as connected with the affairs of this continent, as embraced in the declaration of Mr. Monroe. That declaration either meant some- thing or it meant nothing; and if this Government docs not take action in behalf of Yucatan, we must regard that proud sentiment of a revolutionary patriot as idle gasconade. It was no idle threat, nor has it been so understood. The history given of that declaration by the Senator from Indiana [Mr. Hannegan] upon this floor, derived from a distinguished member of the cabinet of Mr. Monroe, leads the mind to a clear conclusion that it was the avowal of a great principle, upon which this Government would act in all future time. If we do not aid Yucatan in this emergency, it will be an abandonment of all pretext for resisting any encroachment that may be made upon this continent upon any territory not within the defined boundary of the United States. Hence, I believe the true policy of this country, aside from motives of humanity, should induce us to act promptly and efficiently. The course which we ought to pursue is consistent with the safety and well-being of our country. No time would be more propitious than the present for the practical application of the principle inhibitory of the intervention of foreign Powers
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