Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-02-04
Gail far The Correspondence Of Gen. Cass and r. Web
ster, hoc anscered.

sfer, hoe answered
The Department Of Stale has answered Col Benton 9
coll for The correspondence respecting The quintupe
treaty. 1t has something, but not that which II ls
most material the public should Are TO presume
that il las not sent the whole, because the public ne
rest will not permit it We apprehend that there
private considerations tina, controlling in
this 1t is impossible conjecture how this
correspondence could operate njuriousiy the public
interest, unless suppose the nation identified with
its tunctonaries that verything which may affect
them dsadvantageously, must also be mischevous to
the country. This idea would strike at the root of all
responsibility, and make II part OF the policy OF this
Government il is Of those founded different prin-
ciples-.lat the people must be bndtoldfd.
In the communication between the Representative
OF Government in France, and the representative
tor foreign affairs at home, touching the great question
which has been debated all Europe, there no
public interest here which be served by conceal
ment IL is not only the interest," but the right Of The
American public, TO understand how its func,ionnrcs
have treated most important matter which ihti-
matcy concerns this country, and has SO deeply en-
| gagged the Governments of Europe. There is nothing
appcranng TO the conduct of national agents which
the public ought not to know, and nothing which the
Executive ought not 10 communicate The general
purport OF the correspondence is we'll known. 1t has
been freely talked about; and the great fnancrr Of
Philadelphia, said some time ago, that the letter of Sc
cretary Webster crusher for General Cass That
may be so. We shall believe il only when We see it TO
in political circles here. When General Cass received
copy of the late treaty with England, he instantly
ques.ed his recall lie did SO, because he considered
that he placed false poston-t that the treaty.
no; STIMULATING for the REIMBURSEMENT OF The right Of
Search had abandoned the ground he occupied, and
token from him the support he had right 10 expect
Ii is well known that he wrote letter TO the Depart
nent of State cmbodyng his views, and censurng the
omission Of this provision in the treaty Upon this
point he returned home II is equally well understood
that Mr. Webster wrote elaborate reply 10 this let
ter containing his Justification; 10 which Genera Cass
reoined. What public interest is connected with this
correspondence Of which the nation should not be in
formed And what public motive be assigned for
Withholding such important documents from the public
eye? We do not put much faith in The doctrine of State
secrets We believe that the people may be snfely
trusted with knowledge Of their affairs We be-
leve this ledge is safe with them, with their
agents. We itnst there will! he independence enough
IN Congress 10 push this matter until the papers are
orhco,nnr.
There is one thing connected with this matter of The
quin;upe treaty hchwe have long though noticing,
and which shall embrace this to present
We should be glad TO know why when this treaty was
going was known through the world-our Co.
vernment did not instruct ministers in Europe as 10
The they should adopt, 10 vent
SO injurious 10 the U. States;
Why was General Casa left TO act upon his own re-
sponsbility; Why not the necessity of an inter-
ven;ion oreseen By Mr.. Webster, and the Joint action
of several ministers directed so as 10 prevent The
establishment Of principle fraught with such danger.
Gus consequences TO US: That was a case where a
Department of State should provide BY specific in
s,ruc,ions that The proper course should be adopted
[GtOJe.