The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1851-04-26

| This small country has been recently exciting
some attention, in consequence of the measures il
has taken towards political refugees. A prevalent
idea is that she has been coerced and brow beaten
by the threats of the leading powers of the Con-
tinent of Europe, into abandonment of her prin-
| ;iples OF liberation and hospitality that she has
somewhat degraded herself by submitting to the
iictation of the powerful monarchs who surround
her with their imposing armies. We think this is
mistaken and hasty judgment, an injustice done
to sister Republic who, for many years and under
the most trying circumstances, has boldly asserted
and maintained the principles of liberty and demo-
cracy.
Hitherto Switzerland has never conceded any,
thing to the threats or to the diplomatic insinua-
tons of despotism; she has, on the contrary, re-
sisted, on many recent occasions, when resistance
seemed unavoidable destruction
In 1888, for instance, when France asked for the
expulsion of Louis Napoleon, then a political re-
fugee in Switzerland, compliance with the request
was declined. When threatening language was
used, it was Immediately answered by an I'M
| anching and emphatic declaration of the right of
asylum, and the feeling was echoed throughout the
| country, from the valleys to the mountain tops
from the cities to the most remote hainlets of the
Alps When finally, France marched large
| army to chastise the nsolence of her turbulent
neighbours" expressed in the proclamation of
the Commander in.chief to his soldiers, then, all
Switzerland rose man for the defence of its
liberty and its republican principles The enthu-
siasm was greatest in those very States most ex-
posed. In less than week first division of
thirty thousand Swiss stationed on the lines
The odds were fearful. A country poor, and with
only two millions Of inhabitants in array against
wealthy France and her thrty.five millions. And
still there was determination to die rather than
give up principle. The enthusiasm was such,
that females did not allow any man to stay at home
who could bear arms. To the eye of the astonished
traveller, villages seemed entirely deserted by
their male population. This energy saved Swift
zerland France was not prepared for a war of
determination.
But little more than three years ago, the odds
against the Confederation were still greater in the
war of the Sonderbund There was then in theStates
dsunionist party at work, led by the Jesuts and
lomented by the European Powers. After talking
of disunion for some years, seven States out of
twenty-five formed separate confederacy and
armed themselves in formidable array. The dis
unionists were openly supported by France and
Austria. The Diet of the remaining States did.
not hesitate, however, to enforce the Constitution,
and to march over hundred thousand men on the
traitorous States in spite of France and Austria
BY rapid campaign they prevented the armed in
PREVENTION of both these powers.
Indeed, the united threats of the European des.
pots against the right of asylum, connected with
the marching of armies, is fact which has &C.
cured more than once within the last sixteen
years. Switzerland has never yielded yet, and
must have suddenly altered her character, had she
yielded now
But the facts are simply these. During the
political agitation of Europe which followed on the
war of the Sonderbund, and on the fall of Louis
Philippe, an unprecedented number of refugees
gathered in Switzerland. AT one time, in July.
l549, there came together from Germany twelve
thousand men, nearly the whole revolutionary
army of Baden. Then there came, besides, leeions
of Poles, Hungarians, Italians, Frenchmen. All
these men came destitute, unfit for any kind of
work but fighting. In country like ours, part of
them might have been disposed Of as settlers, and
in various other ways; but Switzerland, poor,
mountainous country, not as large as the State of
New York, could offer no employment to such
men they were a dead burden to the community
The case might be better understood by instiuting
A comparison with our own country About
iwenty thousand men thrown upon population of
Two millions, is tantamount 10 over two hundred
thousand helpless men being landed on our shores,
and having to be provided for burden which we
could not bear for any considerable time Swilzer.
land bore it, however. The victorious Prussian
army was on her borders in 1919, and threatening
IN invasion the Swiss remained unilmching, and
while granting generous hospitality 10 the refu-
gees, had at the same time to protect them from
their pursuers by sending troops to the German
lines, which was an increased trouble and expense
With time, and by degrees, the greater part of
these refugees ceased TO be a burden to the coup.
Try. Many emigrated many returned home, some
| established themselves where they had found an
asylum. But these were the best part, those will
| ling to help themselves, and the balance, which
had to be provided for, was formed of the worse
materials. With few exceptions they were idle,
'nsoent, and real desperadoes. Instead of helping
themselves, they wanted to be fed by Government
I'LL inc day OF some other adventurous enterprise,
anu Inc sympathy Of The hard working citizen who
nau 10 De taxed for their support, began to cool
uowh' ana often 10 change into indignation Be-
sues, instead oil enjoying quietly the hospitality
a"oroea 10 them, they plotted all the time, and
prepared new expeditions unmindful of the troubles
.ney might bring upon their hosts. Switzerland
of 'heir sake, had TO draw upon her the i'll. will
ana suspicion OF all her neighbors. and sea her
trade affected by it, 'o' N''
Finally, large proportion of ,hass ,.s,.o.,- :.
imbued with socialist principles ,hsy nf,,c, a.