True American. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1835-18??, 1839-09-07
CONSUL 1RIST.

ms individual, against whom busts Of indipna.
lion has resoundcd from one end Of the union 10
Tile other, has at last found champion in New
or'eans IN the shape of correspondent of the
oou''er' IL not surprising that this should be the
spot where defenders of Trist should be found-nc
has connexions and alliances in Louisiana whose
oo'y is (pcrhaps) to do all they can to defend
him. There are ties in society which are often
stronger than the calls Of patriotism-ths is natu>
RAIL- and it is useless 10 rail against it, It is howevr
aosufc" Tor any person who acts merely from mo-
t'ves Of personal attachment to u friend or rclo.
'lvo' to expect that he can impart feelings similar
to his own, to the mass of the commuAi,v.. pr;vatc
endearmcnls should have their course, but public
justice should not yield title.
The correspondent of the Courier a. far m wc
arc able to ascertain from his article rests his de-
fence Of Trist on three points.
LIST. 1t is imprope: to inflame the public mind
against lrist by holding public meetings.. and
writing in tho newspapers, because Congress will
investigate the subject.
90 Mr lrist throws himself beh nd his dignity
noble character, unsuIlicd reputation, and all
that sort of thing.
5. Purity spirit isinvokcd, and the democrats arc
called to the rescue
Now as to the first point-,his is tho first time
we huve heard that the press should be silent on
tho subject OF the conduct and character of public
'Weers-'hs is the first time we are told the right
guaranteed by the constitution to the people peace
ably to assemble, and to petition tho 20 vcrnment
Tor tho redress of grcva ces, is disputed or con-
demned. True, Trist's conduct will be laid before
co"grcss-and we hope congress will do its duty
faithfully and imparliaIIy; but VIC hope also .,a,
the people and the press will be allowed to cxpress
their sentiments.
AS 10 Tic IND point, VIC will allow Mr.. Trst all
the dignity, &c. of Spanish marquis, if he wish.
es; but we must DO permitted to respect couallv
the dignity noble character, and spotloss reputa
ton OF the American ship,Captains and mer-
chants who appear against Mr.. Irist.
As to the 81 point-wc deny its correctness in
.oto-the proceedings against Trist partako not
in the least of party spirit. We see that the "a.
pe's OF New York, both Wing and Loco-foco,
havo joined their voice against him. The mec.
ing was composed of men Of all parties. If it
was party measure 1t would certainly not be con-
hnad to Mr.. Trist-certainly there arc many other
loc'>toco consuls. Why do they remain undislur.
ocd II party spirit was the motive of action. il
would certainly be evil ced against others as we'll
as against Mr.. Trist-would it not?
Mat amuscs us the mos, in the article above
alluded to is tho readiness with which the writer
oequ'ts Trist of all cu'pabty without invcs,iga-
lion or the proofs against lin. Hear him speak.
Ing OF the papers signed by Trist found on board of
The slaue ships: " If" says he" the pa; ers found
were really signed by the consul, no doubt that he
was not only authorised, but it was his duty to
sign them" What authorised to sign papers for
foreign vessel TO prosecute the slave trade
What! can it be his duty to sign papers for the
comintal of Il crime Does not tho writer know
that to participate in tho slave trade is a capital
oftcnce by the laws of country, of England, of
France &c. Yet, ho says mo doubt" it was all
right. Why Doubtless because, consul Trist did
1t TO please some Cuba planter, crony of his. In.
decd, if u. complains that Trist is condemned I'M.
Notwithstanding he shows an equal readiness to
dcqut HIM unheard, and to disregard the evidence
and appeal of hundreds of individuals of the hph.
est reapectability, some of whom are of equal rank
TO the "nodle, .unsullicd, pirtuous hgh, Aonora.
6le' and unblemisted Trist" The desire and De.
luton OF the Captains and merchants are not that
IrIst should b. condemned unheard, but that his
couduct should be impartial!y examined by the oro
per authority.
As IT CARDS his private reputation, and his con-
duct previous to his consuIship, have nothing to
do; but it should not screen him from full trial on
charges brought against him in 20 tangible and
respectablea shape As to his fair reputation as a
public officer up to the presentation OF the charges in
New York, wo deny it. We have long ago, heard
serious complaints against him, tho archives a.
washington will show that years ago complaints
have been submitted to the president Manvmeue
hant' Of this city will bear witness to acts of great
neglect and even tyranny. Tho truth is, that
American citizens and american trade have receiv.
ed greater protection from the British Consul Mt
l'aVaha lhan from our own national representative.
Ills is painful to confess, but the investigation be.
tore congress will provo it to be true.
In this city there is general feeling Of iudirna.
ten among No merchants aud tho masters Of vos-
sells with respect 10 the conduct of Trist, and
there will certainly G held here, as soon as the en-
lcsmlc IS over ard tho business season commences
4 meeting To express sentiments similar to ,box.
Numbered from New York.