Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1851-12-20

with its obligations to other countries, and its
fixed purpose 10 maintain and enforce the laws
entertain sympathy for their unoffending fami-
lies and friends, as well rs feeling of compass
sion for themselves. Accordingly no proper
effort has been spared, and none will be spared
to procure the release of such citizens Of the
United States, engaged in the unlawful enter
prise, us are now in confinement in Spain but
is to be hoped that such interposition with the
Goyernment of that country may not be con-
sIdered as atfordng any ground of expectation
that the Government Of the United States will,
hereafter, feel itself under any obligations Of
duty to intercede for the liberation or pardon
of such persons as are fragrant offenders
against the law of nations and the laws of the
United States. These laws must be executed
Ii we desire to maintain our respectablity
among the nations of the earth, it behooves US
to enforce steadily and sternly the neutrality
acts passed by Congress, and to follow, as far
as may be, the violation of those acts with con-
dign punishment.
But what gives peculiar criminality to the
invasion of Cuba is, that under the lead of Span
ish subjects and with the aid of citizens of the
United States, it has its origin, with many, in
motives of cupdty. Money was advanced by
individuals, probably in considerable amounts,
topurchase Cuban bonds, as they have been
called, issued by Lopez, sold, doubtless, at
very large discount, and for the payment of
which the public lands and public property of
Cuba, of whatever kind and the fiscal resources
of the people and government of that Island,
from whatever source to be derived, were
pledged, as we'll as the good faith of the gov
ernment expected to be established. All these
means o. payment, it is evident, were only to
be obtained by process of bloodshed, war and
revolution. None will deny that those who
set on foot military expeditions against foreign
States by means like these, are far more culpa-
BILE than the ignorent and the necessitous
whom they induce to go forth as the ostensible
parties in the proceeding. These originators Of
the invasions Of Cuba seem to have determined
with GOODNESS and system upon an undertaking
which should disgrace their country, violate its
laws, andput to hazard the lives of ill-informed
and deluded men. You will consider whether
further legislation be necessary to prevent the
preparation of such offences in future.
No individuals have right tc hazard the
peace of the country or to violate its laws upon
vague notions of altering or reforming govern.
ments in other States. This principle is not
only reasonable in Itself and in accordance
with public law, but is engrafted into the codes
of other nations as we'll as our own. But
while such are the sentiments of this Govern
ment, it may be added that every independent
nation must be presumed to be able to defend
its possessions against unauthorized individuals
banded together to attack them. Tho Gov
ernment ofthe United States at all times since
its establishment, has abstained and has sought
to restrain the citizens Of the country, from
entering into controversies between other pow
ers and to observe all the duties OF neutrality.
At an early period of the Government, in the
administration Of Washington, several laws
were passed for this purpose. The main pro-
visions of these laws were rc-enacted by the
act of April, 1878, by WHICH, amongst other
things, it was declared that If any person shall
within the territory or jurisdiction Of the United
States, begin, or set on foot or provide, or pre-.
pare the means for any military expedition oren-
terprise to be carried on from thence against
the territory Or dominion Of any colony, dis
arict, or people with whoI, the United States
are at peace, every person so offending shall
be fined, not exceeding three thousand dollars,
and imprisoned not more than three years; and
this law has been executed and enforced, to
the full extent of the power Of the Govern
ment, from that cay to this. ~
In proclaiming and adhereing TO the doctrines
Of neutrality and non-interyention, the United
States have not followed the lead of other ci-
vilized nations; that have taken the lead them
selves, and have been followed BY others. This
was admitted by one Of the most eminent Of
modern British statesmen, who said in PaTlia.
ment, while minister of the crown, THAT, if
he wished fer aguide in system of neutrality
he should take that laid down by America in
the days of Washington and the secretaryship
of Jefferson" and we see, in fact, that the act
Of Congress of 1918 was followed, the succeed
ing year, by an act Of the Parliament Of Eng
land, substantially the same in its gene
raj provisions Up to that time there had
been no similar law in England. except certain
highly penal statutes passed in the reign Of
George II, prohibiting English subjects from
cnlisting in foreign service, the ayowed object
Of which statute was, that foreign armies, rails
ed for the purpose Of restorming the house Of
Stuart to the throne, should not be strengthen
ed by recruits from England herself 3
All must see that difficulties may arise in
carving the laws referred to into execution in
country now having three or four thousand
miles Of seacoast, with an infinite number Of
ports and harbors and small inlets, from some
Of which unlawful expeditions may suddenly
set forth, without the knowledge Of Govern
ment, against the possessions Of Foreign
States.
Friendly relations with all, but entangling
alliances with none, has long been maxim
with us Our true mission is not to propagate
our opinions, and impose upon other countries
our form Of Government BY artifee OF force;
but to teach BY example and show BY our sue.
cess. moderation and justice, the blessings of
selfgovernment, and the advantages Of mes
Institutions. Let every people choose Tor It.
self, and make and alter its political institutions
to suit its own condition and convenience:
But, while we ayow and maintain this neutral
policy ourselves, we are anxious g zee the
same forbearance on the part Of other nations