Delaware gazette. (Wilmington, Del.) 1837-1883, 1839-03-26
From The Washington Globe.
MADAME AMERIGO VESPUCCI.

| his lady, il is well known, presented a petit
tion TO Congress, asking two things; first, 10 be
admitted 10 the rights Of citizenship ia the Unit
ed States; Secondly, 10 be given "cOrner of
land" out Of the public domain of the country
which bears the name OF her ancestor. The
committees 10 whom her petition was referred
reported against both applications, but on
grounds in no way personal 10 the petitioner.
The citizenship could not be granted, because
under the Constitution Of the United States,
Congress can only make general and uniform
rules OF naturalization, applicable to all per-
sons alike, and not 10 any one In particular.
The ''corner Of land" could not be granted, be-
cause there was no personal service from the
Petitioner. for which it could be onrnpnnsa-
hon.
In reporting against her adoption, the Com
Dittee on Public lands did ample Justice 10 the
personal character of Madame Vespucci, her
intellectual and moral qualities, her liberal
principles, and her descent from the celebrated
AMERIcUs VEsPuccIus; and recommended her
10 the American People for that asylum and es-
Enlistment which il was not in the power of
Congress TO grant. The following are extracts
from the-report
"a descendant Of Americas is now here; a
young, interesting. dign6ed, and accomplished
lady with mind Of the highest intellectual cul-
ture, and heart beating with all our own en-
thusasm in the cause of American and of hu-
man liberty. She feels that the name she bears
is prouder title than any earthly monarchs
can bestOw, and she comes here asking of US
small corner of American soil where she may
pass the remainder of her days in the land Of
her adoption. She comes here as an exile, sep
arated forever from her family and friends, a
stranger, without a country and without home,
expelled from her native Italy for the aVowal
and maintenance Of opinions favorable 10 free
institutions, and an ardent desire for the esab-
lishment of her country's freedom. That she is
indeed worthy Of the name of American that
her heart is indeed imbued with American prin.
ciples and fervent love of human liberty, is,
proved in her case, by tolls, and pers, and sa-
crlhces worthy OF the proudest days oil anti
guilty, when the Roman and Spartan matron
were ever ready to surrender life itself in their
couhtry's service.
"The petitioner desires the donation 10 her
Of small tract of land by Congress. With
every feeling of respect and kindness for the
memorialists, a majority Of the committee
deemed il impossible for this Government 10
make the grant. They think that such grant
without precedent, and that il would violate
the spirit OF those compacts by which the pub
lie domain was ceded TO this government. II
is the unanimous and anxious desire of the com
mittee that the petitioner should receive all the
benefits and recognition that this Government
can bestow. What this Government cannot
do is within the powered the American People .
They feel at least an equal pride and glory with
us in the name OF America. Throughout our
wide extended country, among all classes, this
/
tage the poorest American feels that his name,
the name Of his beloved country, is a prouder
title than any that adorns the mODarchs brow,
and that, if he has no other property, this name,
with all its great and glorious associations with
the past, and hopes for the future, is an all-suf-
fcent heritage TO transmit TO his children
This generous, patriotic, and enlightened Peo-
pie will take into their own hands the case OF
American Yespucci. They will procure for
her that home which she deserves among us.
They will do all that Congress is forbidden 10
do. and infinitely more than she asks or desires
and demonstrate 10 the world that the name oi
America-our couDtrys name-is dear to us all
and shall be hOnored, respected, and cherished
10 the person Of the interesting exile from whose
ancestor we drive the great and glorious title. u
Immediately after the report was read in the
Senate, national subscription was commence
ed for the benefit Of Madame VEsPUccI, to be
applied towards procuring her home and sup
port in the United States. Senators from every
quarter of lhe Union subscribed. The amount
was received by Mr.. HAIcHT, the Sergeant-at-
Arms Of The Senate, and presented TO her.
Many others placed in the hands Of Mr.. HAIGHT
other sums 10 be presented 10 her; among
whom we have heard the names of the Judges
of the Supreme Court, several members of the
House Of Representatives, and some citizens
This is the commencement OF the national sub.
scripton recommended by the. report of the
Committee on Public Lands, and which, VIC
presume, is now open TO all citizens who, in the
language Of tho report, may wi sh 10 aid ia pro
curing that home which Madame VEsPUccl
desires among us, and which Congress could
not grant.
There is now $4,000 English regulars in North
| A 81 sab -.