The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-09-29
THE REPUBLIC.
From the Ne,Oben Nv. CO. Nsooernian.

brave and generous souls whose errng judg-
ment and misguided zeal lead them on 10 GER
tain, inevitable destruction. But, whilst we
possess hearts susceptible ofsorrow for another's
woes, we feel constrained to express our strong
condemnation of the slightest disposition to vo-
late the paramount laws of the land, or to veiw
disregardfully the solemn treaty stipulations
we have engaged into with other nations
Philanthropy, when confined within the limits
of strict, legal right, will ever attract the adj
miring gaze of the world. But that species Of
philanthropy which can lay its ruthless hands
on the most sacred obligations, and trample un-
der foot the amicable relations we sustain TO
wards others, is indeed philanthropy not to
be tolerated. Such must certainly be an acceptable
opinion TO all except those who upon the principle
that the end sanctfes the means. With these pre-
liminary observations we may be enabled TO form
correct conclusions in reference te the merits of
the late disastrous Cuban expedition.
While selfshness enters not into the composition
of an American citizen, and whilst he is justly de-
srous Of sharing with and extending to- others the
inestimable boon of liberty which he has inherited
and enjoys, he should not become wholly unmind
full Of the misery he may entail on his fellow
trymen both collectively and individually, in per-
hitting his credulity to be too easily practised upon
by avarcious and deceitful men. If there had ex-
listed revolutionary movement in Cuba-if there
had existed disposition and an established pur-
pose the part of its inhabitants to free themselves
from the iron rule and oppression OF tyrannical
and despotic government we are free to admit that
the subject would assume an entirely new and diff
ferentaspect. The reverse, however, constituted the
stern reality of the case Instead Of that and
friendly reception promised to these deluded men by
the orignaors Of this unlawful expedition, loud and
open demonstrations of firm and deep rooted
hostility exhibited by that very class whose
hearty cooperation they had been taught to rely.
Instead Of salutations, and greetings, and rejoic-
ings the fatal bullet heraded forth the announce
ment that the drest enemies to them and to their
government were invaders of their native shores.
Here, then, set Of men, whom untoward
circumstances had thrown beyond the protection
of our laws, endeavoring to divest Spain of her
brightest jewel under pretence OF acquiring free
dom for those whose nerves were too paralyzed to
strike even a blow for 1t themselves. Their con-
trolling motives may have been praiseworthy, but,
acting under erroneous impressions, the fatal con-
sequences of their deception must rest upon their
own heads, Is the Spanish government, there
fore, liable to just censure for it's policy in prompt
ly wardng off blows aimed at the very foundation
of its established institutions? Self preservation is
the first law of nature, and it is law to which
instructive obedience ia universally rendered. If
Spain guards not her own safety, one else will.
There are those of our contemporaries who, hav
ing allowed their sympathies to obtain the mastery
of their judgments, urge vehement objections to
the course of the Administration on these highly
intricate and delicate subjects. Yet President
Fillmore has but based his acts upon the non-in
PREVENTION system warmly recommended by
Washington as indispensably requisite to the very
vitality of the Republic. AS chief executive officer
of the land, he is bound by the solemnities of an
oath to demand rigid observance of all treaty
quirements, and TO enforce strict and faithful
obedience to the behests of the laws. He stands
charged, however, with having transcribed the
limits legally prescribed for the performance of
these duties, in using naval force as means for
the suppression of this expedition. If there could
e9ist doubt as to the Legality of such movement
founded upon treaty stipulations, it would be in
stanty removed by the positive statute enactments
of Congress. The act of 1918 enjoins the Presi-
dent the duty of employing not only the civil and
military force, but in the event of its failure, also
the naval force, to prevent the invasion of foreign
shores by expeditions armed and fitted out in this
country. And where could the naval force prove
advantageous, except upon the high seas? There
is in fact, most perfect coincidence between the
Presdent's course and the provisions of this act.
But why this defence of the Administration
Some men, born with talent for fault-fnding,
rail even against our most holy religion as a base
and vile mockery. We doubt not that posterity,
uninfluenced by sectional jealousies and local pre-
JUDGES, will view the present as the Augustan age
of the Republic. Encompassed by trying difficult
ties from the very commencement of his voyage,
our helmsman has steered the course marked out
by compass whose needle is true alone to the best
interests and welfare of his country "Born in
land of liberty he has heart to sympathize with
the oppressed of every cline. Yet his is philan
thropy restrained within the proper limits of law
and order.