New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1852-11-26
II 90HER.NJME.NT AND CAPTAIN
DAYEyNPORT.,'

This, 30 far as the facts are patent to the
public. We do not relish. We highly respect and
w largely sympathise with the hitherto emf
nently national and patriotic course of President
Fillmore's Administration, and its chief acts we
cordially approve. In our sectional spasm. its
conduct was SO wise, liberal, and judicious as IL
commend that portion of its career to the eulogy
Of the future historian and to secure for it pres
emit consideration and respect. 1t took high AMI
national ground, and periled its very existence
upon the triumph Of the series of compromise
measures. It's position was then taken with de
cision, frmness and dignity.
But we really cannot understand in what re-
spect it can justly condemn the sscourse Of
Capt. Davenport Of the Crescent City toward the
Cuban authorities. !" That course, so far as we
sre advised was singularly dignifed, jjudicous
and free from all unnecessary offence. It would
have added to the reputation Of even the most
distinguished and experienced naval officers.
It proved Capt Davenport intelligently informed
Of his duty, and, at the same time, prepared
to do it. It was honorable to him as citizen
properly appreciating the rights, dignity and
honor Of bis country. 1t was full of sound, dis
\ criminative judgment Wespeak of his course
as far as it is known to us, and we have no
reason to suppose we are in ignorance of any
i fact or act on which TO base action so weighty
as that our government is reported to have
taken
We do not speak thus with any special refer
ence to Or championship Of Capt. Davenport,
but solely because the rights of American citi-
senship are involved in the case because in the
honor Of nation, and when they are lost or
surrendered it takes to other nations the mere
position of horde Of serfs to Russian lords.
The protection of the citizen is the duty of
the nation and no matter how humble or dis
tnguished the citizen the obligation is the same,
without enlargement or restriction. If Henry
Clay or John G. Calhoun was the object of the
insults and petty persecution of the Cuban
authorities, instead of Capt Porter or Purser
Smith, what would be the indignant outcry of
the people, and what the strong and decisive
action Of our government And yet, whatright
Of American citizenship did John G. Calhoun or
Henry Clay possess, great, and distinguished,
and venerable as they were, which Capt. Por-
ter or Purser Smith does not possess
If the Spanish Cuban authorities or the
authorities Of any nation may arbitrarily and
without just cause exclude Capt Porter or
Purser Smith from their territory, they NAV,
at their pleasure, exclude any other American
citizen in like manner, practically establish nom
intercourse, and yet give no ground for complaint
i and no cause Of war! 1t were idle to complain
against any nation in its exercise of police pow
ers requisite to its peace and safety-as idle as
to argue against q mans right of self defence
But the Spanish Cuban authorities do not now,
as We are advised, in any way pretend that Capt.
Porter or Purser Smith, in any manner, invaded
or threatened the peace and safety Of the Island,
but they merely claim utter submission to q
novel and petty point Of punctilious pride which
they arbitrarily raise to like dignity and force
With the laws Of nations and the faith of treaties
II their right to act thus be conceded, they will,
tomorrow, dictate new DEGREES to American cit
liens, claim new concessions at the pleasure of
the Captain General, and render our CONNER
cial intercourse with the Island a constant
source Of vexation and embarrassment
This is the clear prophecy of common sense
but, outside Of the argument, Capt. Davenport
had no earthly right to make any concession
whatever. His simple business was to command
his ship. Had he done more-had he in any