The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-09-03
FTUM He NJ q, True Della.
what does the Government meant


What does the Government meant
II has been charged upon consul at Havana that
under the alleged pretext OF positive instructions from
Washington, framed to meet unfortunate continsencies
such the that has recently occurred there he
declined all intercourse with the unfortunate capyes of
the war steamer Habanero, and callousy abandoned
them to their fate
We are not prepared TO condemn an officer unheard or
hastily PREJUDICE conduct liable 10 msconstruction ar
is thai Of apublc functionary at great distance from
US, placed in position, too OF so much decacy as
the consul. But whatever opinion we may ultimately
form OF his official behavior for which doubtless be
produce full warrant from his superiors, no man can
lind excuse or extenaaton. il he guilty for his cruel
neglect Of the claims OF many of his fellow country
men to his generous sympathy, coincidence, and kind
offices, when about to surrender up their lives at the
fiat OF a terrible necessity--an memorable fate
What he could not perform as an American consul it
was his duty to attempt as an American citizen and in
any cannot how, in appeal Of ordinary hu
mainly. in the even of the execution Of the greatest
culpr any generous humane, and charitable could
refuse request TO visit him, and If possible, minister
little consolation in his last moments upon earth.
We have been told by the relatives OF some Of de-
OF this city, very great not only for his prompttude
in obtaining. according to their request, permission TO
visit them, but in complying with their earnest desires to
receive the consultations OF religion, and in kindly fur
nshng them with writing materials, and taking charge
of their little souvenirs for their distant
severed from them forever
sui in Havana Ought he not TO have visited them, If
possible and ascertaned from the lips Of each his la de-
sires, and the brief story OF his terrible calamity Had
he done 80, should we be debating Unreasonable
propositions, or be left in doubt OF the fidelity capacity
of Lopez!
We do not pretend to charge the consul with inhuman
indifference towards his fellowcountrymen in their deep
distress For the honor OF country hope he may
be able to exculpate himself from every mputaon that
has been made against him; for, matter what may be
the tenor or the spirit of his official instructions, his duty
as man and as an American plain, and not to be
mistaken. and from its requirements there escape
The course and determination Of the federal govern.
ment are puzzle and perpexity to the people; for
whether 1t looks favorably unavoaby on the sympa
thy INDUCED for Cuba it is impossible TO determine it
from the acts OF its officers the opinions of s presses
On one side we hear that our naval officers scoed
charged that they degraded TO the humble and humi
rating position Of naval police force to maintain Span
ish monarchical supremacy We have doubts Of the
feeling conduct of our noble taTs in any position
in any emergency they will be equally great and gene
ous but they at present circumslanced. most
charge and for their sakes, and for the honor of their
profession, justly renowned the history OF coun
try, we do think more dgnifed position before the
world should be assigned them.
II is impossible to understand the policy OF govern
ment, if policy il be called, where its officers
gagged in the most contrary pracces and its organs ad
vocate doctrines declared by Them be pratca and the
supporters Of them placed without the pale OF the national
protection.
Our army and navy, twin and glorious professions,
ought not TO be mortified by tortuous vaclllaing
policy exposed to humations that cabinet ministers
may make capital lay the foundation Of presidential
superstructure Our government ought not to be weak
will look well to il that full and explicit explanations be
given and that all that il and the officers engaged in
its civil service have DONE the good OF the people and the
honor OF the republic were daily regarded.