The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-02-27
YORK HERALD.
v.w York. Monday. February "a. ls4s.

"A
Somers case now presents new and most impor
tant aspect, in consequence OF the narrative o
Commander Mckenzie, and the reports Of the pro
ceedings before the Court OF Enquiry, having reach
ed Europe, and been subjected there TO the tree i'm
partial, and enlightened examination of the con
ductors OF the public press The case has, as ma,
well be supposed, attracted remarkable attention il
France and England and the civilization and in
teligence of those countries regard with deeI
an interest we do here. The fact that the whole
case is now under the keen surveillance Of the
public opinion of the old world, and their con-
duct illbecome the subject oil the most rigid scru-
tiny, should teach the Court Martial now IN ses-
son. the necessity of the greatest caution, and the
most deliberate action If this very peculiarly OF
their position does nor warn the members OF that
Court TO decide only after the exercise OF the most
wary and thoughtful reflection, and on principles
OF the stricest equity, nothing else teach them
their duty.
The acquittal or condemnation of Alexander
Slidell Mckenzie is not the only question at issue
The character and power of the American navy-oi
the American people of our free and liberal insti
tutons, are all at stake. Never to any Court con-
vened in our land, have the vndcation and preser-
walton of more momentous in .erests been consigned
than those now awaiting the decision of this Court
Martial Let every member remember this, and
weigh well the solemn responsibilities of his posi-
ton.
So far as we have been able to ascertain from the
newspaper press and other organs OF public opinion,
in France and England, the conduct Of Commander
Mckenzie is regarded with universal condemns
ton-not with condemnation merely, but with un-
disguised execration. Never indeed, do we recol-
lect having met with such strong and forclble and
indignant denunciation of anyiniquous act as that
which is uttered loudly against this dark transac
tion by the press of the old world. The simple fact
THAT the existence of the same feeling is every day
becoming more and more manifest here. Remark
ably coincident with this growing and unequvioca
apprehension of the entire proceedings of Comman-
der Mckenzie, is the fact that his counsel have viru
ally abandoned the case Mr.. Griffin, one of our
most respectable lawyers, never made his appear
ance after the first second day of the trial and
Mr. John Duer, gentleman of equally high sta nd
ing, has now declined any further connexion with
the case, on the ostensble ground that the conin-
ued management OF 1t would injurlously interfere
with his other engagements.
As a specimen of the tone of public opinion in
those civilized countries in Europe where public OPT
on attention, we present our readers with the
following extracts from English journals. Our first
extract is taken from the London United Service
influential organ.of the army and navy
OF Great Brtan;-
From the London United Service JournaL)
LYNCH LAW ArLeAT The papers tell of an awk.
ward but horrible affair which is sta
mers, her recent voyage home from Africa. We own
that at the hrst reading OF the account concluded
mere galley yarn, spun by some admirer of Coopers
novels but as the Commanders description has ap-
peared feel bound notice the transaction and NAV
perhaps at future day discuss it at large
Mutiny is irghful thing in ship, and when once
hsched requires prompt decisive to
contamination spreading But the before us is sin.
guary in its several bearings for the plan
said to be under concocton had been manifested by
tangible act and the embyro projects revealed
to the proper authority which authority must have been
have become executoner of the mutneer prisoners We
hope for the cause general humanity that affair will
be properly and rgdy enqured into and due invest
igaiion will place the matter in an unequivoca light
We the face of the affair." that we are surprised
how Lieutenant Mckenzie could prevail on the
sons OF America-America free enlightened to
clap the yard ropes il such Lynchke fashions but we
suddenly recoested all about backwoods gougng and
biting and shaving and other ferocious practices and
were satisfied thai Jonathan has yet much to learn in CT
vilization.
From the London Standard of January SOL
The Un,ten Service Gazette contains a very able and
iseu article (Which shall endeavor to give tomor'
owl upon the late shocking case OF LSrchng, IN the
American navy. The to which aude is that Of
cap Slideu Mackenzie who upon pretence Of imutiny.
anged his midshpmen and two of his petty ecers
without trial. and picions wholly unsupported by
proof This monstrous cruelty would be incredible upon
almost any testimony but that Of the murderer himself
readers have seen Capt Mackcnzies own state
seen his confession, that principal
reason with him hanging Mr.. Mdshipman Spencer,
one of the unfortunate victims the conviction that
could be put death brought home to be e
rally tried and also the postscript requesting for his
Captain MackenziesJ nephew the vacancy In the mid.
hipmans berth, which he he captan) had made by the
alter that srangled Spencer How the American author.
Unable say but that the murderer anticipate less
han find his neck encirced by Spencers halter,
lroves extremely Wholesome state Of feeling in the
American navy. Lynch law is bad enough in the back
woods but when it finds its way among the responsible
servants OF the state we may the near approach
ell treated by excellent weekly contemporary to al
low that allude to them very infinitely. To us it is
plain that the wretched murderer committed his crime
under the influence of the most abec the most etd cow
ardice.
lever there was any purpose of mutny which may be
doubtful perfectly in his power to Illustrate it, by
hnng the vessel into any of the neighborng ports (se
veral British and other ports being within few hours
sail OF hm for he does not pretend that for single
moment he lost the command Of the ship and In
deed the that he hanged his three I've believe
shpmates by the haHds of his proof beyond
dispute that he had complete command Of the ship7 And
why did he hang them7 Ne mutny had exploded-no
blow had been struck An intention only was suspected
and suspected upon very doubtful evidence and for this
suspected intention these young TAX en- from the
in which they had been three days fastened Zone
would think toerable security for their good behaviorD
upon notice that they must prepare for
DEATH wtheut trial. hanged at the yardarm. II McKen
lies conduct is supported by law, the law be
changed, the American navy is doomed. II,
pec that in the docy Of his poroonery he violated the
law then the service be saved in other way than
by hanging up the cowardly butcher.
From the London United Service Journal
The LATE MurINr-The late mutiny on board the
insight into the discipline Of the American Nav which
appears to to be anything but complimentary its
character and efficiency and entirely agree with
AfE
his associates, without the mockery Of drumhead
court martial series Of murders of the most arocious
description. Had Commander Mckenzie the ill-luck TO
have belonged to the British Navy his life would
tsby paid the penalty of his oence and If Anne
can Court Of Enquiry be noa farce Of the most outra
geous kind he hardly escape, in that
country. Whether Spencer guilty not-and there
the strongest presumption that however criminal, he
not guilty TO the extent described in Captain McKen
ICES loathsomeY cantng reportthe condnct Of his