The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-09

terprses. and favored, in tue execution Of such
enteTpscH by the cpnlieui;y Of The possessions Of
the t0o Governments. The Spanish islands lie
near the coast 81 america, and the use OF steam
has rendered thc passage rom one TO the other
short; but while this facilitates The accomplish
ment cf The purpca, Of wrong Deere on the other
hand u augmcnis the means u Government to
pursue, overtake aud dispersc them, or bring them
TO proper trial and punishment In truth, steam
has greatly increased The proximity between Cuba
and The United States. We have become much
lie rer ncighbors than formerly, and the duty
which this state of things deyolyes ON both
Governments y u keep closer and stricter watch
their subj cts and CIzens respectively in order
that no violation OF treaty obligations, and in
tertupton OF the peace and amity existing be-
tween the two Governments, may take place. And
this duty will be performed the part of the
United States diligently and faithfully in the true
spirit OF treaties, al wei as in the proper execu
ton of the laws. You are at liberty TO communi-
cate these observations to the government of her
Catholic majesty
have now 20 call your attention 10 another sub
ject OF much interest We have learned that
hundred and sixty two of the persons captured on
the Island of Cuba, having constituted part Of
Lopez's forces, have been sent to Spain. We have
no official information respecting their trial or
tcnce, Of their subsequent destination, but IL 10
generally reported that they have been are to be
sent To the mines. The Government of the United
States has admitted that these violators both OF the
law Of nations and or the laws of their own coun-
try, have no legal claim for its protection Yet
they are men, and most of them ignorant or de-
luded Inen IL cannot be denied that they are, as
such, objects of compassion; and think may
say that severe punishment Inflicted on many
persons Tor an attempt which has ended in fai ure
signal and for offence which, however grave
has already been e2piated by the lives of MAORI
ty OF those who participated in it, mig ht be regard
ed as inconsistent with feelings Of humanity and
that generosity Of sentiment which may not un-
reasonably be looked for from the sovereign of
great nation This seems 10 have been the
sentiment entertained by the Captain General If
-, flsa.s
eral of the captiyes; and her majesty govern
ment may be assured that this wise and well-con-
sidered exercise OF clemency and mercy has pro-
duced the best effects in this country He has said
that in the executions ordered by him be acted UNI
der conviction of the absolute necessity OF Getting
an example which might deter others from the
performance of acts OF similar criminality. That
example has been set by the infliction Of punish
ment as prompt as il awful by the execution
of fifty persons. The knowledge OF their miserable
fate has been carried to every man III this countrY
and spread all over the world,
Ia not this enough? Can example be made more
terrific? Certainly act of clemency the part of
the Spanish government could not now be thoughta
symptom of weakness. May not the sword of jus.
tce be now sheathed without danger, and the voice
of Christian humanity be allowed to be heard?
And even if the Spanish government can entertain
no great feeling OF compassion for these deluded
and offending men themselves, 10 it not highly just
and proper to consider that they have friends and
families, distressed fathers and mothers, weeping
brothers and sisters, all OF them unofiending, and
some of them most respectable persons? Applica-
ton has been made for the nterpostion Of the kind
Offices OF this Government from fathers whose
sons thoughtless young men, seduced by the ef-
forts OF Lopez and his associaes-eopcd from their
own homes and joined the expedition without the
kno Wedge OF their frenda. ! am aware that,
in regard e tue feaulss Of the Cuban invasion,
all cause for sympathy and compassion ia not
on one side. am aware that a general Off
| Ger In her majesty's service was slain, and
that many Spanish soldiers and Spanish sub
H, anfb
and Of their own homes. But the President think q
that it is wise to suffer oblivion to the past.
He Is ANXIOUS lor the removal of every cause which
might tend to keep alive i'll will between the cii-
zens and subjects of the two countries. So long as
these prisoners shall continue 10 be suffering
| we're and lingering punishment in foreign land
/ so long will efforts be constantly made by their
friends TO procure their release by appeals to the
! good offices of their Government The tendency
OF these applications onn only be to keep alive a
very considerable irritation. IL is in consideration
| of this, and from strong wish for the extinguish-
nen OF all feelings OF that kind, that, in the judg
ment OF the President, nothing would be more use
fui than the granting OF her Inajesty's pardon to
the residue Of these prisoners and suffering them
| to return to their own homes.
! Those who were pardoncd by the Captain Gen.
eral of Cuba appear to have been among the most
prominent and well-iniormed members of the ex-
petition. The triendess left to their fate, al
| though less culpable, as being les9 informed OF
their duties and obligations. II seems invidious
and unjust 10 make distinctions of this kind. You
say that the exiting belief in Spain is, that The re-
suit OF the expedition has strengthened the hand
OF Vhe Spah'"'. government, ana given new secu
rity to its possession of the island. similar sensi
p1ent PREVAILS to some extent, here.
We not apprized of the disposition which
may have been made OF the prisoners who, yol
state, in your No. o. had arrived at Vigo. In an
swer to your inquiry to whether, in any event
and to what extent, assistance in clothing, othe
necessaries, might be furnished TO ouch as might
need and apply for the same oh account OF tho
United States, have to remark, that it is expected
that none of the needy among the prisoners will
be allowed to suffer for want of the accessories Of
! life. You will accordingly take care that their
wants provided for.
An application ill be made to Congress for an
appropriation towards deiraying any expense.
which may thereby be accustomed.
am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient SER
want, >.t DANIEL WEBSTER.
| To ID. NJ. BARRINeER, Esq, sc.
MARRIED.,
| in Georgetown, on Thursday, the 4th instant, by