Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-11-20
Smith O'Brien, Mitchell, Meagher, and their
Comn1frrofs-

We are delighted to perceive that the call which has
been made on our citizens. for their friendly encourage
ment and support in an effort to procure the freedom of
these noble but unfortunate gentlemen, has been answer
ed in a manner at once prompt and influential. II is but
seldom, indeed, that such an array Of high talent and
true responsibility has been found associated in any
cause. The object and spirit Of the demonstration il is
proposed to make here, are similar in all respects to
those which already have been made in the States of
Maryland and Massachusetts and about to be made in
South Carolina. Indeed the whole people of the whole
country, comprehending all shades of political and re-
hgious opinion, and all circles OF society, seem to be ami
mated with the same humane sentiment, which induces
them earnestly to wish for the speedy restoration of
O'Brien and his friends to their liberties. j. IS no part
Of the intention Of our citizens to ask that these men.
distinguished both 10y their misfortunes and their virtues,
shall be admitted to the endowment of their foil civil
rights in Great Britain as British subjects. The British
government might not be able to do this without offend
ing its dignity. or perhaps endancering irs future peace.
We only intend inviting our government, on The princi-
pie of the good will and charity Of nations. 70 appeal TO
the m agnanimity and humanity Of the British govern
ment for the liberation of the exiIes. A similar applica-
ton was made some few years ago, nv the President Of
the United States under resolution OF Congress. adopted
without dissent, in the case Of the condemned Canadians.
then confined for a political offence at Van Deman's
land. In consequence Of that application these persons
were brought home. restored to their civil rights, and some
OF them are now in places of trust and authority under
the Canadian government.
We cannot hut believe and hope that the British Gov
eminent will feel disposed TO respond in the present In
stance, to a request Of our government in favorable and
generous terms. DeSlOeS u is Clearly tne poncV u tndl
Government, DESTROYS as il is to cultivate amicable rela-
tions with the United States, to do so. There are GER
tainly not less than four millions of people in the Union
who are Celtic in their feeliRgs and blood. They con-
stitute an ardent, energetic and intellectual element in
the composition Of onr national character. and enter
largely and most actively into the public and political
sentiment OF our country. We can scarcely conceive OF
any act on the part Of the British Government, which
could have a greater tendency in soothing those feelings
Of asperity which naturally exist, under present circum-
stances, against England and the English, on the part Of
this numerous and influential class of our citizens, than
a compliance with the desires Of the American people
on this point.
We might say a great deal moro. We could not say
less in Introducing an account Of the preliminary meet
ing held in reference to this interesting subiect.-W We
have no donbt the demonstration now shortly TO he made
in this city, will be unusually imposing and enthusiastic.
I-PennsylUanidn.