Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1851-05-06
THE PRESIDENTS PROCLAMATION

We publish below President Fillmore's
proclamation in reference to the Cuban affair
1t viii no doubt be read with interest " all The
Republic in speaking Of it, says it explains
itself and requires no present commentary. 1t
states the facts, lays down the law. and warns
offendars Of the consequences of violating it
in plain and explicit language. Cuba is pre-
pared to repel aggression. The Government
of the United States is determined to preserve
our neutrality, and to punish ITS violation.
We apprehend that, between the two Gov
ernments, pirates and plunderers will stand
but poor chance.
A PROCLAMATION. Whereas there is reason
to believe that Military Expedition is about
to be fitted out in the United States with in
tention to invade the Island Of Cuba, colony
Of Spain. with which this country is at peace
and whereas it is believed that this expedition
is instigated and set on foot chiefly by foreign
ers, who dare to make our shores the scene of
their guilty and hostile preparations against q
Friendly Power, and seek by falsehood and
Misrepresentation to seduce our own citizens.
especially the young and inconsiderate, into
their wicked schemes an ungrateful re-
turn for the benefits conferred upon them
by this people in permitting them to make our
country an asylum from oppression, and in
fragrant abuse of the hospitality thus extended
to them:
And whereas such expeditions can only be
regarded as adventures for plumber. and rob-
berry, and mast meet the condemnation of the
civilized world. whilst they are derogatory to
the character of our country, in violation of
the laws of nations, and expressly prohibited
by our own statues, which declare chat if
any persons shall, within the territory or
jurisprudence of the United States, begin or
set on foot, or provide or prepare the means
for any military expedition or enterprise, to
be carried on from thence against the terri
tory or dominions Of any Foreign Prince or
State, or of any colony, district, Or people,
with whom the United States are at peace,
every person so offending shall be deemed
guilty of high misdemeanor, and shall be
fined not exceeding three thousand dollars,
and imprisoned not more than three years :"
Now, therefore, | have issued this my
Proclamation warning all persons who shall
connect themselves with any such enterprise
or expedition, in violation of our laws and
national obligations, that they will thereby
subject themselves to the heavy penalties
denounced against such offences, and will
forfeit their claim to the protection of this
Government, or any interference on their be-
half, no matter to what extremities they may
be reduced in consequence Of Their Illegal
conduct And, therefore, exhort all good
citizens as they regard our national reputa-
ton, as they respect their own laws and the
laws OF :: .;cns &C they value the blessings
Of peace and the welfare of their country, to
discouutenauce, and by oil lawful means pre-
vent, any such enterprise; and call upon
every officer of this Government, civil or
military, to use all efforts in his power to ar
rest for trial and punishment every such often
der against the laws of the country.
Given under my hand the twenty fifth day
of April, in the year of our Lord one
thousand, eight hundred and fifty one,
and the seventy fifth oftbe independence
of the United States
WILLARD FILLMORE.
WIS. DERRICK, Acting Sec'ry of State.