If such a transaction, many-headed in wrong, can escape judgment, it is difficult to see what securities remain.

What other sacred rule of International Law may not be violated?

What other foreign nation may not be struck at?

What other belligerent menace may not be hurled?

Never before has there been such Presidential intervention in the Senate as we have been constrained to witness.

Presidential visits to the Capitol, with appeals to Senators, have been followed by assemblies at the Executive Mansion, also with appeals to Senators; and who can measure the pressure of all kinds by himself or agents, especially through…

Suppose such a proposition by Louis Napoleon or by the English Queen, made in formal speech to Chambers or Parliament, what would have been the feeling in our country?

But the Haytians love their country as we love ours; especially are they resolute for national independence.

The language of the President in charging the Senate with “folly” was not according to approved precedents.

Clearly this is not a proper term to be employed by one branch of the Government with regard to another, least of all by the President with regard to the Senate.

Was it folly, when the Senate refused to sanction proceedings by which the Equal Rights of the Black Republic were assailed?

Was it folly, not to sanction hostilities against the Black Republic without the authority of Congress?

In view of these things, the first subject of inquiry is not soil, climate, productiveness, and possibilities of wealth, but the exceptional and abnormal proceedings of our own Government.

Before considering the treaty or any question of acquisition, we must at least put ourselves right as a nation; nor do I see how this can be done without retracing our steps, and consenting to act in subordination to International Law and…

Beside the essential equity of such submission, and the moral dignity it would confer upon the Republic, which rises when it stoops to Law, there are two other reasons of irresistible force at this moment.

Surely our efforts at home must be weakened by the drama we are now playing abroad.

Pray, Sir, with what face can we insist upon obedience to Law and respect for the African race, while we are openly engaged in lawlessness on the coasts of San Domingo and outrage upon the African race represented by the Black Republic?

How can we expect to put down the Ku-Klux at the South, when we set in motion another proceeding kindred in constant insubordination to Law and Constitution?

One strikes at national life and the other at individual life, while both strike at the African race.

Another reason for retracing the false steps already taken will be found in our duty to the African race, of whom there are four millions within our borders, recognized as equal before the Law.

How vain are professions in their behalf, if we set the example of outrage!

How vain to expect their sympathy and coöperation in the support of the National Government, if the President, by his own mere will, and in the plenitude of kingly prerogative, can strike at the independence of the Black Republic, and…

It is a thousand times impolitic also; for it teaches the African race that they are only victims for sacrifice.

I speak now against that lawlessness on the coasts of San Domingo, of which the President is the head; and I speak also for the African race, which the President has trampled down.

Is there any Senator ready at all times to seek the elevation of the African race?