The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-03-24

| The subjoined article is taken from the New
York Albion, journal avowedly devoted to
British interests. The ground taken by the
editor may, therefore, be regarded as that most
likely to be assumed by England
THE CAROLINE AFFAIR.
| The question is frequently asked what will the
British Government do with regard the affair of the
Caroline We have not YET this question an
sweTed nationally. Many Americans say that the
most full and unconditional reparalon must be made,
the boat paid for, and compensation given all who
can make out claim OF injury or loss In short that
the attack on, and destruction Of that vessel be
treated as gross and inexcusable outrage. Some
English writer's the other hand say thai no apollo
gy no compensation, no concession whatever can be
gwen without liking an ndelible stain British ho-
nor. u behooves moderate persons both sides TO
avoid these extremes, and 10 endeavor 10 bring about
such an adjustment of the affair will be honorable
10 both countries. yourselves think IL a fair sub
Ject for compromise, and il constitutes of the
points on which Lord Ashburton is TO endeavor to eli
feet settlement and his ordship is sent by Sir K.
Peel and comes with the Olive Branch in his hand
1t is fair to presume that her Majesty Government is
OF the same opinion The party asking for settle
ment disputed point is generally prepared to offer
some concession, at least modification mlti
CATION OF former demands.
II is true that the parties engaged in the Caroline
| and the vessel itself were tiansgressing the laws of
England, the laws of nations, and the laws OF their
own country II is true that her destruction at that
precise period of time was imperative on the British as
matter of selfdeence is true, also, that Mr. John
Quincy Adams, one of the most profound national
Jursts living has said that the Caroline met her fate
deservedly, and that compensation can be justly
demanded These reasons would seem to settle the
matter especially at the time OF her capture and de-
struction the legal authorities Of the State and Gene
raj Government insufficient to repress the law
less proceedings Of the parties engaged in her The
whole district in the vicinity OF Navy Island, on the
United States SIDE prey TO the illegal violence
and culpable interference of the partisans of Mac
kenzie the marshal of which represented TO his supe
that the people Could not be restrained without
military force, which not then at hand
But notwithstanding all this, there is point of
view In which great, powerful, and magnaninous
country like England may Justly view the case. The
United States compose u nation very tenacious OF its
| honor and Independence. Youthful nations, like
youthful individuals, jealous of their rights and
their honor. England whose flag floats trlumphantly
every sea- whose rule is over one hundred and fifty
| millions of willing subjects, who holds IN her hands
the fate OF empires whose victories are countless and
whose Constitution and Government are haowed by
the consolidation often cenues-can afford to be H.
beral. What them Is TO prevent her ministers IRON
saying to the Government and People OF the United
States, Gentlemen, we have invaded your territory
in pursuit of band OF lawless persons, who We're
doing us infinite mischief and threatening the inle-
gritty of portion Of our cmplre-persons whom you
| yourselves had, by Presidential and Gubernatoria
Proclamalions, pronounced lawl,ss, and whom you
could not then control Necessity compelled us to
take the step but ask your pardon tor the violation
of your soil" Col. Napier, II may be recollected, took
similar view of the case and such course would be
requisite and proper in private life Suppose ruffiin
should take possession of house its inmates,
and from its windows insult and njure the opposite
neghbors would not those neighbors, il the threat
ened injury were dangerous and lntoerabe, be JUST
fled in entering the house and Furnishing the assal-
ants Certainly; but then 1t would be necessary to
apologize to the rghtfu owners of the house for the
violation OF It's precincts while tuning out and chas
Using the rutiian.
Perhaps some proposal Of this kind Lord Ashbur-
ton will be authorized to submit to the Cabinet OF
Washington; and should it not be accepted, we have
no doubt that he will be further authorized to propose
that this and other matters in dispute be referred to
soule friendly power for arbitration.