I would demand explanations from Spain and France, categorically,
at once.
I would seek explanations from Great Britain and Russia, and send
agents into Canada, Mexico, and Central America, to rouse a
vigorous continental spirit of independence on this continent
against European intervention.
And, if satisfactory explanations are not received from Spain and
France,
Would convene Congress and declare war against them.
But whatever policy we adopt, there must be an energetic
prosecution of it.
For this purpose it must be somebody's business to pursue and
direct it incessantly.
Either the President must do it himself, and be all the while
active in it, or
Devolve it on some member of his cabinet. Once adopted, debates on
it must end, and all agree and abide.
It is not in my especial province.