Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1839-03-30
From the Globe
MADAME AMERICA VESPUCCI.

MADAME AMERICA VESPUCCL
This lady, il is well known, presented p
tition to Congress, asking two things: frst to /
admitted to the rights of citizenship il the U. )
and, secondly, TO be given sooner Of land' OF
of the public domain of the country which bea
the name of her ancestor. The committee
whom her petition was referred, reported again
both applications, but on grounds in no way pc
sonal to the petitioner. The citizenship coul
not be granted, because, under the Consttutio
Of the United States, Congress only max
general and uniform rules Of naturalization, az
pcable TO all persons alike, and no, to any on
in particular. The ''corner Of land" could not b
granted because there was personal servic
from the petitioner, for which it could be con,
pensation.
In reporting against her application the Com
mit,ec the Public Lands did ample justice
to the personal character of Madame Vespucci
her intellectual and moral qualities, her liberia
principles and her descent from the celebrated
AMERICUS VESPUCCIUS; and recommended
her to the American People for that ASYLUM ana
establishment which it not in the power o
Congress to grant The following extracts
from the report:
"a descendant of Americas is now here; a
young, interesting, dignified, and accomplished
lady, with mind Of the highest intellectual cul-
ture, and hear. beating with all enthu.
siasm in the cause of American and of human
liberty. She feels that the name she bears is a
prouder title than any that earthly monarchs can
bestow, end she comes here asking of a small
corner of American soil where she may pass the
remainder of her DAYS 10 this the land Of her 4
dopton. She comes here an exile, separated
forever from her family and friends, stranger,
without a country and without home, expelled
from her native Italy for the avowal and main
tenance of opinions fay orabe free institutions.
and ardent desire for the establishment of her
freedom. That she is indeed worthy
Of the name of America; that her heart is indeed
mbued with American principles and fervent
owe Of human liberty, is proved, in her case, by
tolls, and perils, and sacrifices, worthy of the
,roudest days of antiquity, when the Roman and
The Spartan matron were ever ready to surrender
ifo itself in their coun;ry's service.
st fissei 81 fsd bse the donation to her of
ceiling of respect and kindness for the memo
ialist, ma jority of the committee deem 1t I'M
ossible for this Government to make the grant.
They think such a grant without precedent
nd that it would violate the spirit of those com
acts by which the public domain coded to
Gus desire of the committee that The petitioner
hould receive all the benefits and recognition
hat this government bestow. What this
Government cannot do is within the power Of the
American People. They feel at least an equal
ride and glory with in the name of America
Throughout. our wide extended country. among all .
lasses, this feeling Is universal; and in the hum
lest cottage the poorest American feels that this
anne, the name of his beloved country, is proud
. title than that adorns the monarch's brow, and
nat, if he has other property. this name, with
II It's great and glorious associations with
re past, and hopes for the future, is all suf-
Gent heritage TO transmit to his children. This
enerous, patriotic, and enlightened People will
Ike in their own hands the case of America YES
Icci. They will procu for her that home
bich she desires among us. They will do all
lat Congress is forbidden to do, and infinitely
ore than she asks Or desires, and demonstrate
the world that the name of AmerIca-our
,untry's namc-is dear to US all, and shall be :
,nored, respected, and cherished in the person /
the interesting exile from whose ancestor we I
rive the great and glorious titIe.''
Immediately after the report was read In the !;
,nate. national subscription was commenced r
the benef. of Madame Vespucci, to be ap- c
led towards procuring her home and support
the United States Senators from every quar-
of the Union subscrib ed. The amount was
ceived by Mr.. Haight, the Sergeant-at-Arms OF s
e Senate, and presented to her. Many others
aced in the hands Of Mr.. Haight. other sums to n
presented to her; among whom we have heard i
e names of the Judges of the Supreme Court,
veral members of the House of Representa-
res, and some citizens. This is the commence
ent of the national subscription recommended
the report Of the Committee the Public
.nds, and which, we presume, is now open 10
citizens who, in the language of the report u
~ wish to aid in procuring that home which p
adamo Vespucci desires among US, and which
,ngress could not grant.
The Augusta (Georgia) Constitutionalist OF p
huary 9th says:-s.We understand that MIR u