The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-24

Inc SuDJOIneu article Is taken from the NcW
York Albion, journal avowedly devoted TO
British interests. The ground taken by the
editor may, therefore, be regarded as that most
likely 10 be assumed by England.
THE CAROLINE AFFAIR
The question is frequently asked, what will the
British Government do with regard to the affair of the
Caroline We have not yet seen this question an
swered nationally. Many Americans say that the
most full and unconditional reparation must be made
the boat paid for, and compensation given to all who
can make out claim of lnjury or loss. In short, that
the attack on and destruction of that vessel must be
treated a gross and inexcusable outrage. Some
English writer's on the other hand, say that apollo
gy, compensation, no concession whatever can be
given without fixing an indelible stain British ho-
nor. II behooves moderate persons both sides to
avoid these extremes and 10 endeavor to bring about
such an adjustment of the affair will be honorable
to both countries. We ourselves think it fair sub
jec for compromise, and it constitutes of the
points which Lord Ashburon is to endeavor TO eff
feet settlement and his Iordship is sent by Sir r.
Peel, and comes with the Olive Branch in his hand
it is fair to presume that her Maesty's Government is
of the opinion. The party asking for settle
men disputed point is generally prepared to offer
some concession, or at least some modification or mill
CATION of former demands.
1t is true that the parties engaged in the Caroline
and the vessel itself iansgessing the laws OF
England the laws of nations, and the laws of their
country; it is true that her destruction at that
precise period of time imperative the British
matter of self defence: is true also, that Mr. John
Quincy Adams, one of the most profound national
Juriss living has said that the Caroline met her fate
deservedy, aud that no compensation can be justly
demanded. These reasons would seem to settle the
matter especially as at the time of her capture and de-
stTucon 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, was prey to the Illegal violence
and culpable interference of the partisans of Mac
kenze the marshal of which represented to his supe
rors that the people could not be restrained without
a military force which was not then at hand.
But Notwithstanding all this, there is point of
view in which great, powerful, and magnanimous
country like England may justly view the case. The
United States compose nation very tenacious of its
honor and independence Youthful nations, like
youthful individuals, jealous of their rights and
their honor England, whose flag floats triumphan'ly
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 countless, and
whose Constitution and Government are halIOwed by
the consolidation often centuries-can afford to be IL
bera What then, is to prevent her Ministers from
saying to the Government and People of the United
States "Gentlemen, we have invaded your territory
in pursuit Of band of awless persons, who were
doing us infinite mischief, and threatening the inte-
gritty of portion of our empre-persons whom you
yourselves had by Presidential and Gubernatorial
frOcamatons, pronounced IaWless, ana whom you
could not then control. Necessity compelled Us to
take the STEP but We ask your pardon tor the violation
Of your SOIL" Col Napier, 1t may be recollected, took
similar view ofthe case, and such would be
requisite and proper in private life Suppose rutian
should take possession of house. overawe its inmates
and from its windows insult and njure the opposite
eighbors-woud not those neighbours if the threat
ened injury were dangerous and lntoerable, be Justl-
fled in entering the house and furnishing the assail-
ants? Certainly; but then it would be necessary to
apologize to the rightful owners of the house for the
violation of its precincts while tuning out and chas
Using the rutfian.
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
doubt that he will be further authorized to propose
that this and other in dispute be referred to
some friendly power for arbitration.