The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-03-02

IL Is obvious that this hospitality could mol
be so freely given, If it were not SO widely ex,
tended III discretionary power Of removing
foreigners were vested in the crown, appeals
would be constantly made by the dominant
party in foreign countries for the expulsion OF
their political opponents, who might have taken
refuge in Great Britain. Monarchical govern
ments might object to republican refugees,
and republican governments might object to
royaist refugees; and it would be difficult to
defend such hospitality, which would then be
founded on favor, and not on equal laws.
II is the earnest wish of Her Majesty's gov.
eminent to promote, as far as is in their power,
the peace, order, and prosperity of every coun-
try with which they are in friendly alliance
but they do not think that any ground exists
which would justify them, on the present occa-
sion, in applying TO the legislature for any ex-
traordinary or further powers in reference to
foreigners resident in England, and they have
no occasion to doubt that this opinion is shared
both by the Parliament and the public of this
country.
With reference to the intimation that excep-
tional measures of precaution may be taken
against British subjects travelling abroad, Her
Majesty's government cannot complain II, while
insurrection is raging, or its flame is scarcely
extinguished, foreign governments should take
precaution against suspected English travellers.
Her Majesty's government adhere to the
principle laid down by Viscount Palmerston in
his note Of the Both of September, l848, to the
United States envoy at this court, in relation to
certain citizens of the United States, who had
come direct thence 10 Ireland, then in state of
partial instruction.
Lord Palmerston did not in that note ask for
any change in the American laws, and he ex
pressly forbore to press the President Of the
United States with representations against the
offenders, but merely said that those who visit
ed a country in state of Instruction, must take
their chance like persons whom curiosity would
lead into a field Of battle; and that the Ameri-
can government must not take il amiss If citi.
Gems Of the United States who visited Ireland
of measures aimed at men of different descrip
ton. 80
The measures, however, to which he alluded,
were taken with reference only to persons to
whom, under the peculiar circumstances Of the
moment, suspicion attached. But it would be
in the highest degree unjust and unworthy OF
the enlightened character ofany European gov
eminent, and wholly unwarranted by the course
pursued by the British government on that oc
casion, to put vexatious impedments in the way
Of unoffending English travellers by way Of re-
taliation for the acts Of foreign refugees in Eng
land.
While, however, Her Majesty's government
cannot consent, at the request of foreign gov.
ernments, to propose change in the laws oil
England, they would not only regret, but would
highly condemn, any attempt on the part of for.
eign refugees in England to excite instruction
against the governments of their respective
countries. Such conduct would be considered
by Her Maiesty's government as fragrant
breach of the hospitality which those persons
enjoy.
The attention of Her Majesty's government
will continue to be directed to the proceedings
of suspected foreign refugees in this country
and they will endeavor by every legal means to
prevent them from abusing the hospitality, SC
literally accorded to them by the British laws
to the prejudice of countries and governments
in amity and alliance with Great Britain.
You will communicate copy of this despatch
to the Secretary of State lam, &c,
GRANVILLE.