The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-27
From The Neto Orleans True Delta.
Deportation OF MIR. Thrasher.

From the Neto Orleans True Delta.
Deportation OF Mr.. Thrasher.
| The right TO do a thing, and the judciousness
and propriety of exercising that right, are very
| different things.
Tho right of the people to assemble in greater
| or Lesser numbers, 10 denounce injustice, re-
dress wrong, or express an abstract opinion, cam
not be disputed, and will not be abridged. But
there are occasions when questions involving very
delicate considerations, and of themselves suffi-
GENTLY embarrassing to those called by the people
to administer their affairs present themselves for
consideration, and when popular interference, un-
regulated as it is most likely to be. by know
ledge Of all the facts necessary to correct under
standing Of the subjectmau cannot be otherwise
than obstructive of the purpose it is ostensbly in
yoked to subserve.
1t cannot be doubted, by any one who cares to
arrive at TRUTH that the very best disposition ami
mates the Federal authorities in their exertions TO
procure the enlargement of the unfortunate men
now detained and punished by Spain, for partici-
patton in the invasion OF Cuba by Lopez. 1t is
equally certain that the distinguished public mon
Of both parties-Henry Clay not the least conspic-
uous among them-have pretty generally em-
ployed their personal influence to accomplish a
like generous purpose; have either the least
doubt that the same potential influences will be
used to extricate MIR. Thrashcr also from the af
| flicting predicament in which he has become in
voved.
Whether Mr. Thrasher's case be one which will
command diplomatic interference, ia not, it would
! appear from the publications made the subject,
apparent for if it be, as Spanish law authorities
contend, that the fact of mans taking out letters
OF domiciliation converts him into Spanish sub
iect, our Government will have right to
interfere for his release than would any European
government for its subjects who might become
turalized here and be subsequently condemned for
real or alleged political offence. This, however,
is very different question from sympathy in a
mans misfortunes which, particularly when of a
political character, sure to command commise-
ration, and acquire dignity, in proportion to the
sufieriRgs of the individual
That the system of government existing in Cuba
ID despotie every one knows; that, such, it is
particularly obnoxious to every lover of rational
liberty and equal rights is sclf-cvdcnt But if any
American citizen thinks proper to exchange the
freedom he enjoys in these States for the privilege
of prosecuting commerce, the mechanical arts, or
literary pursuits, in that country--transferrng his
allegiance the act and its consequences concern
him and the land of his adoption only.
II, on the other hand, Mr.. Thrasher, or any other
citizen, be resident of Cuba for business plea
sure, in accordance with the rights guaranteed
him by treaty between the two countries, and has
not changed his allegiance, the duty of the United
States Government, if he has been unjustly treated,
is plain, and the people will look to Daniel Web
ster, whoever may fill his place, for the support
of the national dignity, the preservation of the
tonal honor confided to his hands, as supervisor
of the foreign relations of the Republic.
Being 30, the attempt, if made, to take the man
ugemcnt of the foreign affairs of the Union out OF
the hands of the statesmen 10 whom they are con-
hded by the laws and the Constitution, and subject
them the decision of the people, in their primary
assemblies, will scarcely commend itself to popular
acceptaton.
If sufficient time has elapsed to allow the Gov
crnment to obtain the necessary information in
laon to Thrasher's case, that information and the
action taken upon it will be known here long be-
fore any petition can 60 to Congress from the citi-
zens of New Orleans; and if the Administration
4 has failed to do it's duty in any particular, has
been wanting in fidelity to its sacred trust, the
I prcsentatves of the people the spot to
ablish the fact, and visit upon il the full measure
of their Indignation
/ That the people should vigorously exact from
their servants strict observance of the conduct of
other governments towards American citizens, and
that the foreign policy of the Union should on all
occasions greatly affect the popular susceptibilitics
on this head, one will deny. Recent manifes-
/
! their servants, regard furnishing cheering
evidence that in future the rights of every Ameri-
/ can sojourning in other countries will command
an attention and respect which heretofore, we re-
/ gret to say, they have failed to do.
| In avoiding the domineering and offensive con-
duct of English officials, in their intercourse with
the servants of weaker powers, we have run into
the opposite extreme, and have couraged the
practice of that insolonce and imposition towards
our citizens, which John Bull pursued towards
every other power that not able to resent it.
We hope no well grounded complaint of this char
acter will soon again occur; and believing that it
will not, cannot but regard special expression
of popular opinion at public meetings, in the
! Thrasher affair, entirely supererogatory-too
| late to prevent his departure from Cuba, if that
were at any time practicable and unnecessary to
influence the Administration in Washington, whose
/ determinations in relation to the matter have al
| ready been made and acted on.
The New England Festival
Came off at New York the evening of the 23d
instant, as usual, in happy style. Moses ii. Grin
/ neII thn off hc iad he