The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-08-06
FEDERAL MOVEMENTS TOWARD THE
LIBERATION OF M'LEOD.

The counsel for Mcleod, or rather for the British
in the case Of Mcleod, Is Joshua A. Spencer OF
New York. What will our readers think when
we tell them that this very man has been appoint
ed by Mr. Tyler, U. S. District AitorneE The
Senate two or three days ago confirmed the NOM
nation! Can any further evidence be wanting of
the interest which the present Federal adminislra-
ton takes in the cause of Great Britain
Only think of the appointment to such an Office,
of man engaged in an important suit upon which
may depend the harmonious relations of two great,
nations, and in which his feelings and sympalhles
have all been naturally enough under the crcum-
stances, arrayed against the demands of justice,
and the honor and dignity of the country Of his
birth! What will Federal whiggery do ncXl?-
Daniel Webster, the ruling member of the Cabinet
of Mr. Tyler, has doubtless effected this and it is
only another proof added to the ten thousand his
political history affords, of his willingness 10 sacri
icr ever, veSige of patriotism, at the mandate Of
an impcrious foreign foe.
But this appointment involves still more serious
consequences than we have suggested, or that AT
the first blush would seem TO be its legitimate off;
spring. Is it not in the first place, step pren-
nary TO still holder one, for the rescue of Nc
Leodi This is serious inquiry. When Mr. Fox
haugh,ily and cheatingly demandei of our govern
ton, what was Mr Webs.er's reply? Sir" said
he with the pusilIannity characteristic of Hartford
Convention associallous,-
"Sir, if this indictment were pending in one of
the courts Of the United States, am directed to
say that the President upon the receipt of Mr.
Fox's last communication would have Immediately
directed a nollc prosequi to be entered"
Such is the declaration Of the mouth piece Of the
present administration. Have we not reason to
apprchend therefore that there is some Federal
scheme ahoal, of which the appointment Of Nc
Leod's counsel ms U. s. Attorney for the Northern
District of New York, where the trial IS expected
to take place, is but the FIRST and perhaps the least
obnoxious The President desires, it seems, that
Mcleod should escape He is not willing that the
accused Of murder, shall have his trial like cl,l-
zen, and abide its ISSUE. There nrG seven witnesses
ready to prove the prisoners guilt; aud if yon OF
we. gentle reader, or any other American citizen,
were in his place, the President would turn his
back upon any application for an effort 10 Illustrate
the honest and regular administration OF the law
but when British subiect--a man who boasts o
his prowess in boldly landing at midnight on ou'
shores, and assisting 10 murder our dercncelcs
penple--when such an individual appeals to him
not only the feelings Of our patriotic Presden, arr
ment their inability in the words Of Mr. Webster
to "arrcst the proceedings in the civil and crlmna
courts of the State Of New York."
Has not this precious set of patriots then. a
length, hit upon an expedient by which their dar
ling object can he attained, and the foreign homi
eide snalched from the hands Of the judiciary .
our sister state Suppose just before Mcleod goe
to tral, the Federal government charge him will
Piracy, and issue n warrant FOR his arrest. A
the crime exceeds that Of murder alone, Governo
Seward of New York could no, hu, deliver him up
on application of the United States Attorney 10
the Northern District Of that Staie-NIr Spencer
who is also. as we said before, Counsel for tn
accused. This being accomplished, Webster woul'
doubtless instruct the District Attorney TO enter
mol pros, and the ardent hopes of President lyle
and his cabinet might at once be realized. Mclean
would walk forth freeman, 10 laugh at our law
and boast Of British omnpolence while the Amer
can people disgrnced by their own leaders, wouli
blush at their degradation; and history might poin
it out as singular instance Of n nation e,ern III
speaking Of its courage and independence pnbllcl
minated by the threats Of foe that it had lwit
vanqnlshed!
For the honor of our country, we hope that tn
nfi,uaiion of our Federal rulers will not Undue
them to venture thus far, and that we may neve
have TO record fact so shameful to the dignity q
the American Republic. Still we fear the worst
fear the appointment Of Mr. Spencer Is by n
means calculated TO obliierate.-Phiid. Times.