The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-12-10

plication of their friends and others, and
the rest, about one hundred and sixty in
number, were sent 10 Spain. OF the final
disposition made Of these, we have no off,
cial information.
Such is the melancholy result of this IL
legal and ill.fated expedition. Thus,
thoughtless young men have been induc-
ed, by false and fraudulent representations,
to violate the law of their country. through
rash and unfounded expectations OF as
ssting to accomplish political revolutions
in other States, and have lost their lives in
the undertaking Too severe a judgment
can hardly be passed. by the indignant
sense of the community. upon those who
being better informed themselves, have yet
led away the ardor Of youth and an i'll.
directed love Of political liberty. The cor.
respondence between this Government and
that of Spain relating to this transaction is
herewith communicated.
Although these offenders against the
laws have forfeited the protection OF their
country. yet the Government may, so far
as is consistent with its obligations to 9th
er countries, and its fixed purpose to main
tain and enforce the laws, entertain svvm-
pathy Tor their unoffending families and
friends, as well as feeling Of compassion
for themselves. Accordingly no proper
effort has been spared, and none will be
spared, 10 procure the release of such Cit
izens of the United States, engaged in this
unlawful enterprise, as are now in conllne-
rnent in Spain: but j, is to be hoped that
such inierpostion with the government Of
that country. may not be considered as
afording any ground of expectation that
the Government of the United States will,
hereafter. feel itself under any obligation
of duty to intercede for the liberation or
pardon of such persons as are hagrant Of
tenders against the law of nations and the
laws Of the United States. Those laws
mus, be executed If we desire to main
tain our responsibility among the nations
of the earth, it behoves us TO enforce stead
ly and sternly the neutrality acts passed
by Congress. and to follow. as far as may
be-, the violation Of those acts with condign
punishment.
But what gives a peculiar criminality to
this invasion OF Cuba is, that under the
lead of Spanish subjects. and with the aid
of citizens of the United States, it had its
origin with many, in motives Of cupidity
Money was advanced by individuals. prob
ably in considerable amounts. 10 purchase
Cuban bonds, as they have been called,
issued by Lopez, sold doubtless. at very
large discount, and for the payment o.
which the public lands and public proper
ty of Cuba, of whatever kind, and the fis-
cal resources OF the people and govern
ment of that island, from whatever source
to be derived; were pledged, as we'll as the
good faith of the government expected to
be established All these means Of pay.
ment, it is evident. were only to be obtain
ed by a process of bloodshed. war, anc
. revolution. None will deny that those
who Sc; on foot military expeditions agains
foreign States by means like these, are fal
more culpable than the ignorant and the
necessitous whom they induce to 60 forth
as the ostensible parties in the proceeding
These originators Of the invasion Of Cube
: seem to have determined. with GOODNESS
t and system. upon an undertaking which
t should disgrace their country, violate its
laws, and put 10 hazard the lives of i'll
, informed and deluded men. You will
, consider whether further legislation be ne
cessary to prevent the perpetration OF such
offences in future.
. No individuals have right to hazard
I the peace of the country or to violate it
laws upon vague notions Of altering or re-
r forming governments in other States
!, This principle is not only reasonable in it
: self, and in accordance with public law
!; but is engrafed into the codes OF o,he
I nations as we'll as our own. But whil
q such are the sentiments oil this Govern
!. ment. it may be added that every indepen
dent nation must be presumed to be abl
to defend its positions against unauthoriz
: ed individuals banded together to attacl
!. them. The Government Of the United
d States, at all times since its establishment
e has abstained and has sought to restrai
+ the citizens of the country, from enterin
into controversies between other powers
d and to observe all the duties Of neutrality
:, At an early period Of the government, j
]. the administration of Washington, severa
e laws were passed for this purpose; Tn
! main provisions Of these laws were re.en
y acted by the act Of April, 1918, by which
0 amongs, other things, it was declared tha
! if any person shall, within the territory
0 jurisdiction OF the United States, begin. o
e set on foot, or provide, or prepare tn
means for any military expedition or en-
i terprise to be carried on from theme
J. against the territory or dominion Of an
e foreign Prince or State. or of any colony
ir district, or people with whom the Unite
e States are at peace, every person so offend
/, ing shall be deemed guilty of high mis-
h demeanor, and shall be fined, not exceed
5. ing three thousand dollars. and imprison
5, ed not more than three years; and this la'
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