We are fighting a great moral battle for the benefit not only of
our country, but of all mankind. The eyes of the whole world are in
fixed attention upon us. One, and the larger portion of it, is gazing
with contempt, with jealousy, and with envy; the other portion, with
hope, with confidence, and with affection. Everywhere the black cloud
of legitimacy is suspended over the world, save only one bright spot,
which breaks out from the political hemisphere of the West, to
enlighten and animate and gladden the human heart. Obscure that by
the downfall of liberty here, and all mankind are enshrouded in a pall
of universal darkness. To you, Mr. Chairman, belongs the high
privilege of transmitting, unimpaired, to posterity the fair character and
liberty of our country. Do you expect to execute this high trust by
trampling, or suffering to be trampled down, law, justice, the
Constitution, and the rights of the people? by exhibiting examples of
inhumanity and cruelty and ambition? When the minions of despotism
heard, in Europe, of the seizure of Pensacola, how did they chuckle,
and chide the admirers of our institutions, tauntingly pointing to the
demonstration of a spirit of injustice and aggrandizement made by our
country, in the midst of an amicable negotiation! Behold, said they,
the conduct of those who are constantly reproaching kings! You saw
how those admirers were astounded and hung their heads.
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