Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1851-12-11


gust
I On receiving information of what had
occurred, Commodore Foxhall 4 Parker
was instructed to proceed in the steam
frigate Saranac To Havana and inqire In
TO the charges agaiuss the persons execu-
ted the circumstances under which they
were taken, and whatsoever referred to
their trial aud sentence Copies Of the
Instructions from the Department d State
20 him and Of his letters to that deuart-
nent are herewith submitted. According
TO the record of the examination. the per-
sons all admitted the ofreuce charged a
gainst them, of being hostile invaders of
the island at the time Of their trial and
execution
The main BODY Of the invaders were
still in the field making war upon the
Spanish authorities aud Spanish subjects
After the lapse Of some days, being over
come by the Spanish troops they dispers-
: ed on the 9th Of August Lopez. their
leader, was captured some DAYS after and
executed the lst Of Sept Many Of his
, remaining followers were killed or died Of
hunger and fatigue. and the rest were
made prisoners Of these many appear
to have been tried or executed Several
of them were pardon upon applcati II Of
their friends and others. and she rest.
bout 100 in number. were sent TO Spain
OF the final disposition made of them We
have no official information
Such IS the melancholy result Of this
Illegal and ill-lated expedition These
tboughtless youug men have been Undue
ed by false and fraudulent representations
TO violate the laws Of their country -
Their rash and unfounded expectations
Of assistance to accomplish revolutions in
other States have cost them their lives in
the undertaking. Too severe a Judgment
can hardly be passed BY the indignant
sense Of the community upon the commu-
nifty upon those who being better inform
ec themselves. have yet led away the ar
dor Of youth and an ill-directed love Of
political liberty. The corresp spoudence be-
tween this government aud that Of Spain
reiatIng to tins transaction IS herewith
submitted
Although these offenders against the
law have forfeited the protection Of their
country. vet the government may. so far
as is consistant with its obligations to 9th
er countries. and its fixed purpose to MAIN
tain and enforce the laws. entertain SYM
pathy for their unofending families and
friends. as well as a feeling of compassion
for themselves. Accordingly. no proper
effort las been spared. aud none viii be
spared. to procure the release Of such cit
izeus of the L. ). engaged in this uulaw-
f1i enterprise, IS are now IN confinement
ia Spain but i IS 10 lie hoped that such
juterpos tion with the government Of that
country may not be considered as afford
ing any grounds Of expectation that tLe
government Of the United States will
hereaiter feel itself under any obligations
Of duty to intercede for persons who are
hagrint offenders against the law # ma
tion> and the laws Of the United States.
The laws must be executed five desire
20 maintain OR responsibility among the
nations Of the Garth Il behoovss US to
enforce steadily and sternly the ueutrali-
ty acts passed by Congress. and 20 follow.
rs far as may be the violation Of those
acts, with condign punishment
But what gives a peculiar crimiDality
e. this invasion Of Cuba. is. that. under
the lead If Spanish subjects. and with the
aid IF citizens Of the United States. it had
its origin with many i'll motives of cup.di-
II. Money was advanced by individuals.
probably in considerable amounts to pur-
chase Cuban bonds. as thcr have been
called. issued BY Lopez. aud sold. doubt
less. ut very large discount. and for the
payment Of which the public lands aud
public property of Cuba. of whatever kind.
and the fiscal resources of the De5ule and
government of that Island. and from what
ever source to be derived. we're pledged.
as well as the good faith of the govern
meut expected TO be established All
these means of payment. 1t is evident.
were only TO be attained by a process Of
bloodshed. war and revolution
None viii deny that those Who set on
foot military expeditions against foreign
states hv means like these, are far more
culpa5.e than tile ignorant and necessi-
tous whom they induce 10 20 forth as the
oStenSible parties IN the proceeding. The
oriCinators Of the invasion Of Cuba seem
to have determined. with coolncss and svs-
tem- upon an undertaking which should
disgrace their country. violate It's laws
aud put at hazard the lives Of ll-informcd
and delu6ed men
You viii consider whether further leg
.siation Is deemed necessary to prevent
the perpetratjon Of such offences in e.
ture. No Individuals have Q right To dis
regard the peace of the country. or to Vi
o.ate Its laws. upon 4 vague notion Of al.
tering or reforming governments Of other
States This principle is not only reas-
enable n itself aud IN accordance with
b 81. f-- 4