The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-11-10
From the NelS York Eesning Post
The Case OF MFR. Thrasher.

From the NelD YORK k1ctntHB FoSts
The Case OF MIR. Thrasller.
Our countryman, MIR. Thrnsher, editor Of the
Faro Industrial, in Havana. is to be tried, as APP
pears from the intelligence just brought from Cuba
in the Prometheus, by military commission
These military commissions make short work with
those who are SO unfortunatea to be drawn within
their Jurisdiction In Cuba, it is well known, they
are the mere instruments OF the government; the
obedient ministers of its despotic Intentions exc
cutting them with somewhat more despatch and
precision than the civil tribunals.
There is no occasion for military commission
in this case, unless it 10 meant TO commit some IN
justice. If MIR. Thrasher has been guilty OF any
act violating the laws of the country In which he
residesif he has done any thing reasonable or Sc
ditious-the civil courts competent TO try him,
The revolt has been fully put down; the island is
in a state of perfect tranquility; such ID the ac-
count of the Cuban Journals which speak only what
the government allows them; there Is no emergen-
cy, no public danger, no Urgent cause of any sort
demanding extraordinary mode of trial or
traordinary punishment To place MIR. Thrasher
on trial before military tribunal, 10 as absurd
proceeding az If here in New York were TO try
by court martial the chairman of the Union Safety
Committee.
Meantime according to the accounts which we
receive from Havana, Mr.. Tbrasher is treated If
ne we're already convicted OF the offences OF which
the government has chosen to suspect him. de Id
thrown into damp, unwholesoIne dungeon, under
the fort called La Punta, with no furniture but
bare board, Just raised from the slime OF the hoor,
which il on a level with the adjacent sea, and all
access The part of those who might assist in pre-
pairing his defence ia denied him. Mr. Owen, the
American consu-the same who dcccAd interior
ing in behalf OF the American piisop~~S taken in
the late invasion OF the island-has, II seems,
thought this case worthy OF his attention, and
has applied to the government Tor leave to zee MIR.
Thraeher. The application was vigorously denied.
Il is the practice ui the government OF Cuba to
its proceedings against men accused OF poli-
tcal offences with the strictest secresy; no publici
| ty is given to the trial, and the punishment is
public only in those cases in which II may
an example and strike terror into others MIR.
Thrasher, according to the usages of the country,
will have private examination and trial, with DO
opportunity OF preparation on his part; and if he
is not liberated, which there 10 probably no inten-
ton Of doing, he will be silently despatched to the
mnes to toll for the rest of his life 1t ia not
| of those il which the government will per-
ceve that any thing ia TO be gained by publicity,
and the public WILL therefore, if the government ID
I allowed TO have its way, never know what has be-
| come of him.
This is one of those cases in which the Govern
| ment of the United States is bound, by every obi
| CATION of regard for the rights OF lite citizens and
| It's own honor, 10 lnterpose. American citizens
have right under treaties, TO reside and pursue
| their vacations unrnolested in the Spanish domin
ions. The subjects of Spain allowed the same
right here. AS long as they conform to the laws
of the country, the citizens OF the United States
should be fully protected by their own Govern
| ment in the exercise of this right. IL chargc ia
brought against them that they have transgressed
| the laws of the country, we should see that they
are fairly tried that they allowed the means
Of proving their innocence and that they are
| condemned only clear evidence. The letter
and spirit of all treaties OF amity with foreign
nations demand this, and with less than this
| own Government should in no instance be content
When an American citizen falls into the hands of
a foreign power, when it takes upon itself to deal
! with him personally, the government OF the
| Island of Cuba is dealing with Mr.. Thrasher,
il should be made accountable for every hair Of his
head. Our Republic is strong and great, but 1t Is
strong and great in vain, If the name Of an Ameri-
can citizen not made in the four quarters OF the
| gIobe-in every nation with which we are at
peace-a title to just and equitable treatment from
| the public authorities.
We are strongly inclined to believe that Mr.
Thrasher has committed no offence against the gov
ernment of Cuba, beyond the interest he took in
the condition of his unfortunate and deluded coun-
trymen who were taken prisoners in the Cube
invasion, the activity and generosity he showed IN
relieving their necessities, and the interest he
naturally expressed for their Liberation. II is this,
we presume. which has brought him under the
suspicions of the Cuban government, and with that
government, jealous and cruel III proportion as ID
is tyranncal suspicion supplies the place of proof
In the case of American citizens this cannot be
allowed Those who WELD the power of absolute
| governments may mark and strike down whom
| ever they please among their own subjects, and
| we claim right to interfere. But when they
deal with the citizens of the United States, they
| must be held to a rigorous respect OF the rights
which state OF peace implies. They must be
! taught that, when they come TO substitute their
suspicons for evidence they do it at their peril.