Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-04-05
MONTPELIER, APRIL 5, Is41.

one addition TO the statement have read is neces-
snry, viz. That the destruction of the Caroline is
attempted to be justified in the despatch of Sir
Francis Head on the ground of self. defence. He
alleges, IN substance, that the force on Navy ISL
and proceeded from the American Shore and was
augmenting, through the agency Of the Caroline,
unrestricted by the authorities of the State Of N.
York, or of the United Stntes.
This 10 the only ground taken by the British
Government as n justification of the destruction
OF the Caroline aud, being taken, report on The
case Of the Caroline should have met it directly,
quence.
complain that the case is not met. No, sir, it
rs NOT met. Ii is evahcd. MIR. Fox says, "The
place where The vessel was destroyed was, nom
ilnlIy, u IS true, within the territory OF friendly
Power; but the friendly Power had been depriv-
ed through ovcrbeariug piratical violence, of the
Use oil l's proper authority over that portion of
territory" Aud what is the reply in the report?
"NOw, the insnuaiioD of the British Minister Thar
Srblosser was nominaIly" within The territory of
HE United States, may well lie reorted, as we can,
with equal truth, say that Navy Island was nom
tilaliy" within the "terrltury" of the British Gov
erliinent: Tor, ut the period TO which we alude,
the people collected there Ind as efiectually dehcd
Cq,i,.tptA Dulprities as any portion I'll our people
hasTodfs" WlInt ~ This, sir, but an admission
That SchIosscr antl Navy Island were equally in
the power Of the Patriots, in equal defiance ofte
power OF The Governments to which they respec-
lively belong ? What bnt an evasion, if not an
admission OF the ground taken by Mr.. Fox? Is
This the position on which we are willing 10 rest
our calse--lo place the issue of peace or war? -
NO, sir, no. hope we can make better case.--
In order to make orr case, think le facts should
he re-eXamined l am nor satisfied 10 rest the
case on the evidence taken. We should he in the
right-we should I've certain we are right, before
we take our final stand. In my Judgment the
evidence should be retaken. | desire that per-
son OF the highest respectfully should he com
mssloned TO re-cXamino the whole case, with
view 10 arrive al the truth, whether for against
us. Perhaps, too, it might he advisable to ask the
British Minister 10 Join in the investigation. Let
The testimony he taken on boh sides OF the line.
For one, desire 10 know how far the proper au-
thorliy OF the Uned States WINS ovcrihrown by the
violence OF the Patriots. | desire further nlor-
nation of the character of the Caroline. In both
respects, think the evidence is defer,iyc. re-
peat, that desire the truth, and nothing hut the
truth, 1t is beneath the character of Il nation To
attempt evasion. / am no; satisfied with the dep
nsilions that speak OF the Caroline having landed
certain passengers and certain freight ] desire to
know the character Of those passengers whether
evil or military nl the quality of the freight
whether merchandise or military stores.
do not desire to GiuH the present Executive
or that it should he faulled by the next Admins
Ira'ion. No, sir. The Executive should be a
unit, i'll whosesOever hands it is placed. What
'csirc is, that the evidence should be luy taken
II it sustain Tie taken, ns hope il may
then that course wW he SUSTAINED. II it do not
sustain il, then the Executive will he at liberty to
pursue such course as the new ease shall require
and that, without iinputing any fault for the past
We must in the end deny the fact or its conSc-
queuce. AS the evidence now stands, | not
willing TO make up the final issue. This conro-
| W sbnuI ha conIuctaH
duct their controversies, with a mutual and ear
nest desire to ascertain what is true.
| have fears that this report will encourage al
excitement which should have received severe
rebuke Whatever may he our sympaihies with
those who live under Government less free than
our own, we ought not to forget the duties impos-
| Ell IN us as n neutral nation. In the case Of the
attempts OF urchzens OH Upper Canada there
was but little cause for their sympathy, and no
Justhcntlon for their conduct. The people of Up
per Canada were well satisfied with their Govern.
Iren'. They have shown no desire for revolution
But Our citizens have volunteered to make rev.
olution for them. Their conduct cannot b, too
strongly reproba,ed
Al the present time, no uscfi! purpose can be
attained by the report. IL proposes no action Its
effect will he only TO excite on the one side, ant
Irrltate Oh the other. The report which send tC
the Chair is HAT which proposed us substitute
ut appearing, that the reciprocal complaint.
referred 10 IN the correspondence submitted are
The subjects OF diplomatic discussion between the
| Governments OF tue two countries, the commit
tee, having entire confidence that the rights nnf
honor of the United Suites will he sustained b,
tie Executive, and entertaining the hope that tho
| controversy will he brought To Il satisfactory ter
animation, IRE Of the opinion that no action Of thj;
House Is, nj this time, necessary. They therefore
ask TO be discharged rom the further consdera
lion Of the subject"