of these considerations, to express an opinion on the subject to which the resolution relates.  Let this be proved, and then it will indeed be made out, that neither ought this resolution to pass, nor ought the subject of it to have been mentioned in the communication of the President to us.  But, in my opinion, this cannot be shown.  In my judgment, the subject is interesting to the people and the government of this country, and we are called upon, by considerations of great weight and moment, to express our opinions upon it.  These considerations, I think, spring from a sense of our own duty, our character, and our own interest.  I wish to treat the subject on such grounds, exclusively, as are truly American; but then, in considering it as an American question, I cannot forget the age in which we live, the prevailing spirit of the age, the interesting questions which agitate it, and our own peculiar relation in regard to these interesting questions.  Let this be, then, and as far as I am concerned I hope it will be, purely an American discussion; but let it embrace, nevertheless, every thing that fairly concerns America.  Let it comprehend, not merely her present advantage, but her permanent interest, her elevated character as one of the free states of the world, and her duty towards those great principles which have hitherto maintained the relative independence of nations, and which have, more especially, made her what she is.

At the commencement of the session, the President, in the discharge of the high duties of his office, called our attention to the subject to which this resolution refers.  “A strong hope,” says that communication, “has been long entertained, founded on the heroic struggle of the Greeks, that they would succeed in their contest, and resume their equal station among the nations of the earth.  It is believed that the whole civilized world takes a deep interest in their welfare.  Although no power has declared in their favor, yet none, according to our information, has taken part against them.  Their cause and their name have protected them from dangers which might ere this have overwhelmed any other people.  The ordinary calculations of interest, and of acquisition with a view to aggrandizement, which mingle so much in the transactions of nations, seem to have had no effect in regard to them.  From the facts which have come to our knowledge, there is good cause to believe that their enemy has lost for ever all dominion over them; that Greece will become again an independent nation.”

It has appeared to me that the House should adopt some resolution reciprocating these sentiments, so far as it shall approve them.  More than twenty years have elapsed since Congress first ceased to receive such a communication from the President as could properly be made the subject of a general answer.  I do not mean to find fault with this relinquishment of a former and an ancient practice.  It may have been attended with inconveniences which justified