Indiana State sentinel., 1849-08-23
Struggle i'm Europe--Ex-President Tyler.


The following letter, says the Journal of COM
merce from Ex-President Tyler, to friend IN New
York, will doubtless be read with interest The gen.
teman to whom it addressed has taken the liber-
ty of making il public.
SHERWOOD FOREST, July l6 1849
have been gratifed TO learn, that your course on
the Hungarian question has been SD entirely in
sonance with my own feelings, although have ta-
ken no occasion heretofore To express them. That
noble people are entitled TO the deepest sympathy of
every lover of his race; and if they ultimately
ceed, they will have done more for the cause of hu-
manity than hns been achieved since revolution.
What prudence and wisdom in council, and what
consummae generalship, have they not already ex-
hbiled. The elevation to their Presidency Of of
the greatest men Of the age; the humanity, the OBJ
servance of which is always wise. which they mani
fest upon oil occasions; their undaunted bravery and
gallant bearDg.-entitlc them to the first place among
nations ripe for Liberty.
What shall be said Of their opponents in this great
struggle for freedom! Wherever they move desola-
tion marks their progress. In prosecuting the war,
they to have laid aside the attributes of civi-
zed men, and to have become little better than de-
Acts disgracefu TO the worst stages of the
world signallze their smallest victories. Villages
sacked and pundered the noblest of the people mark
ed for dsgracefu executions, and women of the
first class exposed in their persons, and subjected TO
tie scourge;-such the accounts that reach us
As people give aid in and men
the HungarlanS but Of the community of ma
lions, we nave TlgDt 10 enforce ana duty 10 per-
form. We are interested in seeing that the rules
which civilization has prescribed for the conduct of
war, shall be observed by nations at war.
When Austria subjects TO the scourge, women of
worth and character-thus trampng civilization in
the dust, and reverng TO days Of worse than Gothic
darkness and barbarity-it becomes our duty as it is
that of every civilized State, to protest against such
proceedings; and, If our protest is unayailing, to
manifest our displeosure by Withdrawing all dplo-
matte intercourse. The United States should not be
left in doubtful position We are responsible to
the world and posterity, for the aid may give in
the advancement of society to the highest state of civ
ization and refinement; and we but poorly acquit
ourselves of duty if keep company with those
who both against the and the other. This
would not be taking part in the struggles Of Europe
no stepping out of our sphere of neutrality: IL
would be but the enforcement of those conventional
rules in the preservation of which the interests of all
nations are alike involved. What are the views of
our government this subject, have means of
knowing. express my own opinion for your delib-
Grafton and reflection.
In the which Russia is waging for the MAIN
enance of despOtc principles, the course of France
has greatly disappointed me. The only way in which
she her soil from the tread of the Co.'S
sack, is to meet him on the Northern confines of
Hungary. Such, al this distance from the scene of
action. and with the lights around me- appears clear
ly to be her duty and true interest. Lamartines an
nunciaOn of purpose to the world, when at the head
of foreign affairs was correct: "France would not
interfere in the affairs of other States, but she expect
ed other States TO be governed by the rules"
Such the substance of his declaration and was
wise. The great struggle has commenced be-
liberty and despotism, and mighty earthquake
cOnvuses Europe. The fate of centuries is involved
in the contest. At this distance from the scene of
action. only offer up our prayers for the sue
of the oppressed
Yours, with true regard JOHN TYLER