Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1838-01-12

France gave us assistance-So in the case
OF the South American governments, and
in the case Of Texas.
This can only happen when by The ac-
acknowledgement, the party 10 admitted into
the family Of civilized nations. But whom
the struggle for mastery is between the
people Of the same section Of country, az
il the cases before mentioned Of Crom we'll,
the revolutions in France or that now
raging in Spain, no assistance con be given
TO the dsaffected without a breach OF the
avs of nations. If the disaffected obtain
the mastery and become q government de
G,cto, they may be recognized as sCch and
acquire the rights of government. In.
stances have occurred Of aid TO the regular
government. as that Of Prussia TO France,
during the French revolution, and OF the
combined powers at the battle Of Water-
loo, but no instance Of aid TO the Yevolters
is recollected, and it is believed none can
be found.
The reason obviously is, that a principle
of this kind would loosen the foundation
Of all authority; would lead TO the destruc-
ton OF all government. There can be but
one government over the same people at
the same time; hence, until the disaffected
obtain the mastery, no treaty could be made
with them.
The cases where assistance has been
given TO the revolters is confined to those
where the contest is between the different
portions Of the government.
When therefore the people Of q section
Of country as in the cases before mentioned
Of the United States, Texas &C. have
tablished regular government they
may be recognized as Independent nations,
and others in their discretion may make
treaties with them. But these principles
have no application to the contest in Cana.
da. The resistance is too feeble 10 merit
the distinction of a revolution it is .
pitiful rebellion. At the firing OF the first
gun, the leaders abandoned their adherents
and seeking safety in dsgraceful fight,
have come among Us to give examples Of
patriot daring under the protection Of ous
laws. Disguise in this matter is useless.
The continuance Of this contest rests with
US. II we stand aloof it dies stiU born.
lf we nurse the banting it may acquire a
momcntary strength, but will be crushed
in the end. And why take such a step,
there is madness in the thought. 1t cannot
beneti, Canada, the injury to ourselves 10
sure. We pollu,c the name Of liberty by
this meretricious interference, and bring
disgrace upon the American character
which ages cannot wash out.
The demonstrations Of sympathy which
have been exhibited are credible TO Ameri
cans as lovers Of liberty, and if restrained
within proper limits may advance it's cause,
but If allowed to burst forth into furious
enmity against oil other forms Of govern.
ment will only defeat i,s object and bring 4
stain upon the nation. We may extend
our sympahles 10 every oppressed people,
but must not make war upon their governs
, ment except for injuries we have sustained.
Against Grea. Britain we have no cause Of
complaint. Time has been when We have
met them in the battle field, and if urre-
dressed injuries should ever demand it, we
will meet them again, and thrice is he
armed that hath his quarrel just. But the
caron's voice has given place 10 the notes
of peace and we are now friends. A col.
emn treaty binds the two nations in terms
of amiy and mutual benefit. and laws have
been enacted for the purpose OF preserving
tina, peace. Have The terms Of that treaty
and the laws been observed In shame
and IN sorrow we answer no. Our feelings
have obtained vent in more enduring forms
y than sympathy, they have become embod-
led in preparations for war. We cannot
dece We others; it is useless TO endeavor to
deceive ourselves Arms, ammunition,
munitions Of war have been openly furnish
. ed. To say nothing of what has been done
in this state, the encampment al Navy isis
and is American in It's character, com
E manded by an American, with American
cannon and American soldiers.
It matters not that it LES few rods
beyond our jurisdictiona hne, its character
is the same as if it were ia the streets OF
Buffalo, and could not 1--we a day without
5 American support.
, If these things are right, let the govern.
y ment avow them and give character 10
T those acts which our citizens ue now PEI
9 forming. But if wrong, let IT,, 49,. ch
| be put far away by the action vi the gov
: ernment, and let these misguided men be
$ taught that the nations peace, and tho
5 nations honor must be preserved, 10
=. would be an insult to say that the govern
Z ment have no, The power to command the
e observance of it's treaties and laws. They
have the power, and having ii are bound TO
b exercise it. If this power is put forth in
y good faith, and with the honest intention
7 Of maintaining peace, oil will be well. Ii
q. otherwise, the consequences are not doubt.
. ful. Great Britain will attempt to main
: tain the integrity Of the province. The
v record Of our acts viii be exhibited, and
d satisfaction demanded and if not given, the
c harbors of Boston and New York will be
e aid under contribution before the first day
n Of June.
c A,v VIC prepared fnr snch an event ,
G where is our efficient force2 Our armies
are 10 the marshes Of Florida in the unsuc-
!, cessful chase Of few naked Indians
e and where is our navy? Echo answers.