The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-08

net in pursuance of any predetermined plan
pur pose of injury or insult
The people OF the United States are accustomed,
in all asses of alleged crime 10 slow and cautious
investigation and deliberate trial before sentence
of condemnation ia passed, however apparent or
however enormous the imputed offence may be.
No wonder, therefore, that the information OF the
execution, soon after their arrest, OF the persons
above referred 10, most Of whom were known in
New Orleans, and who were taken, not in Cuba,
but at endeavorlng TO escape from the island,
should have produced belief, however erroneous,
that they had been executed without any trial
whatever aud caused an excitement in the city the
outbreak of which the public authorities were un-
able for the moment to prevent or control
Mr.. Calderon expresses the opinion that, not
only ought decentralization 10 be made to Mr. La
borde, her Catholic majesty's Consul, for injury
and loss of property but that reparaon is due also
from the Government of the United States 10 those
Spaniards residing in New Orleans whose property
was injured or destroyed by the mob, and init
mates that such PREPARATION had been verbally pro-
miscd TO him. The undersigned sincerely re-
gTcis that any Misrepresentation should have
grown up out Of any conversation between Mr.
Calderon and officers Of this Government on this
unfortunate and unpleasant affair; but, while
this Government has manifested willingness
and determination to perform every duty which
which one friendly nation has right 10 expect
from another in of this kind, il eupposes that
the rights of the Spanish Consul, public officer
residing here under the protection OF the United
States Government, quite different from those
OF the Spanish subjects who have come into the
country to miugle with our own citizens, and
here to pursue their private business md objects
The former may claim special indemnity; the
latter entitled to such protection as is afforded
TO our own citizens. While, therefore, the losses
OF individuals, private Spanish subjects, arc
greatly to be regretted, yet il is understood TINT
many American citizens suffered equal losses from
the same cause; and these private individuals sub
Jects OF her Catholic ma esty, coming Voluntarily
TO reside in the United States, have certainly no
cause of complaint, if they are protected by' the
same laws and the same administration of law as
native born citizens of this country. They EAye
In fact, some advantages citizens of the State
In which they happen to be, inasmuch they are
enabled, until they become citizens themselves 10
prosecute Tor any injuries done 10 their persons or
property IN the courts of the United States or the
state courts, at their election. The President is of
opinion, MS already stated, that for obyiona rem
sons, the case OF the Consul is different and thar
the Government of the United States should pro
vide for MIR. Laborde just indemnity; and n re-
commentator to that effect will be laid before
Congress at an early period OF its approaching
session. This Is all which it ia in his power to do
The case may be new one; but the President
being OF opinion that Mr.. Laborde DUG lit to be in
Identified, has not thought it n necessary to search
for precedents.
In conclusion, the undersigned has to say that IL
Mr.. Laborde shall return to his post, or any other
Consul for New Orleans shall be appointed by her
Catholic majesy's government, the officers OF this
Government, residentin that city, will be instruct
ed to receive and treat him with courtesy, and
with national salute to the flag of his ship if ho
stlull arrive IN spanish vessel, as demonstration
oil respect, such as may signify to him and to his
government the sense entertained by the Govern
ment of the United States Of the gross injustice
done TO his predecessor by a lawless mob, as well
as the lndlgnity and insult offered by il to FOREIGN
State with which the United States are, and wish
ever to remain, on terms of the respectful ane
pacific intercourse.
The undersigned avails himself of this occasion
to offer to Mr. Calderon renewed assurances of his
consideration.
DANIEL WEBSTER