The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-06-29

a
becoming citizens Of the republic But surely here, as
in the Roman republic, whose citizenship so honor
able, there may be other peculiar in their nature,
and affecting of such high and exalted character.
that if made exceptions the general rule, they will
rather to mpart dignity and strength than to i'm.
pair its force. refer to those men who, having, like
Emmett hall century since, and Meagher of late, stood
forth in their native land the acknowledged champions
OF liberty have for that cause been compelled to expa-
riate themselves and to seek an asylum here Such
men need not 10 declare their love of republican nsu
tons and their nbjuralon Of tyranny 10 any form OF
words, wait in probation for any fixed period Their
noble Deeds perng their lives in the cause OF freedom,
Should you be of opinion, upon examination, that such
law as that above indicated would be constitutional,
shall be happy at early day TO present. and have refer
red TO your committee, a bill for that purpose.
Yours, respectfully,
DAVID l.. SEYMOUR
Hon JAMES X. McLANAHAS,
Chairman OF the Committee on the Judiciary
in the House OF Representatives OF the U. s.
WAsHNGroN Cry June "a, 1852.
MY DEAR SIR have received your esteemed favor OF
the 2st instant, and would have acknowledged il al
once but for my public duties
The Committee the judiciary has recently decided
case which embraces in principle the presented by
the friends OF Thomas +. Meagher Under the terms Of
the treaty of Guadalupe Hidago establishing peace be-
the United States and The republic of Mexico, the
inhabitants OF the territory ceded under that treaty-ac
cOrdng TO the form established when Louisiana was pur
chased from Spainwere admitted TO the rights
nalive-b born and adopted citizens Certain persons
in New Mexico who did not elect TO become citizens OF
the United States within the prescribed time after the
ratification OF the treaty OF Guadalupe made applica-
lion the present Congress TO be admitted to the
privileges granted TO those who availed themselves OF
the provisions OF the treaty and thereby became citizens
Of this government The subject was referred 10 the
committee OF which have the honor to be chairman
and closely investigated 1t became apparent
that there power in Congress TO grant the prayer
is that Congress shall adopt uniform rule of natural.
zaon." The practice Of The government from the be-
ginning has been consistently in obedience to this clause
Not single instance can be found upon our statute
books at variance with this constitutional provision The
States delegated the power to to pass natura
aaon LAWS y oiasr .na .ne M sns' 2.
desiring TO enjoy the advantages OF republican form OF
government, without distinction OF persons, by "uni-
form rule" Consequently, no Legislation has taken
place bes,owing the rights OF citizen upon any ind
vdual who has resided in this country the prescribed
period OF time and complied with the requirements OF the
which have been passed 10 carry out the njunc
tons OF the fundamental law.
The character Of Mr. Meagber, his services TO his
try his inspiring and elevated eloquence, his modest and
unpreending department his trial. his captivity, and his
escape all emnenuy calculated 10 awaken IN his be-
half the sympahies OF great generous, and pro-
gressve people Landing upon our shores. ms FIRST act
enroll himself under flag, and 10 decline every
preferred honor 10 himself while his country enslaved
and his companions were in exile. do not wonder at
The tribute everywhere paid TO his genius and to his
patriosm and is in accordance with the spnt oil our
countrymen that there should be strong and earnest
desire 10 clohe him at once with the rights which he
knows well how to value, and which bis example and
his intellect would so emnenty adorn. He himself
will readily perceive the necessity which has prevented
all individual exceptions in the policy of this
the subject OF natu ralzatlon His cultivated and ex.
pansive mind will not fail to trace the workings Of our
institutions and the wisdom OF those who founded them,
in the results which have followed their glorious develop
To OF his genius, OF his devotion TO free
dom, of his mpassioped ambition for his own and OF his
enthusiastic devotion TO our country, the system OF
laws here erected will constitute object of ennoblng
admiration and earnest reflection Welcome TO the noble
young tribune Of the Irish people Welcome TO The heroic
defender of lrsh rights Welcome thrice welcome, to
these shores the brave and unyieldlng opponent OF
British aggressions
In this age OF The world, man like Thomas +. Mea-
gbe-resoule in principle, bold in execution, and sincere
In sc nmentis the ensaved masses OF the Old World
what armies in the past have been to despotism More
potent than enbated egons his eoquence be conquers
by his example, and sweeps away dynates by the power
Of triumphant truth Embodied IN bis ress'es- thoughts
Public opinion il more powerful than The sword and
men like Meagher create, CONTROL and direct public opn-
ion Let them bu, sound their bug notes and nnu the
bright banners OF truth and legions of mighty minds
marshaed the field OF action, before whose power the
Belsbazzars Of the earth made to trcmble Why all
this So the advance of the human understanding must
But SO II is thank God!
Aided by Divine Providence by the light OF reason the
history Of the past and the experience OF The present.
are busily engaged in finding out the true origin OF
government, and the wscs and the best OF be-
gin 10 admit thai the only Legitimate source Of power is
to smite these bold nqurers The fate OF Ireland is
sad proof of this and is but on. OF many and the ex
lied Meagher heaven appointed instrumental illustrate
this high and ennoblng work Of reform-a work that is
destined al last prove that the vulgar herd Of kings and
queens are useless APPENDICES 10 government and that
men are capable of self-me is well known that The
struggle for a practical realization OF this truth has al.
ready inspired iortiiudc OF soul and heroism OF &C.
ton which, however disasters may delay defeat only
serve 10 render more intense and invncble the
original faith, and to prove that
Even in its ashes live It. wontcd hresin
Amid this worldwide conflict for the rights OF the
my against the might of the ew-amid this universal
painting of the hearts OF brotherhood for the
elevation Of mankind--has the light OF life and hope
gone out in Ireland y
Change the harp still mute Tsra's walls,
Az II its soul were deadV
Mol While such man az Meagher lives-while
Mitchell and OBfen survive even m chalns-the
spirit that reused the noble spirit OF Emmet, of Tone
and OF Fitzgerald is still the pulse OF lreland's heart !;
and though IL now TO beat family, the day ia not
far distant when, terminated by the sympathes OF
worlds humanity. tina, spirit viii send the generous
blood cousing through every vein and artery of Ern
until she arises in all the grandeur OF her might and
stands before the world redeemed,
This letter ~ already much TOO long. have been
betrayed into these expressions OF my honest sentiments
by the deep interest take now, as have always taken
in the fate and fortune of the Green Isle OF the Ocean
The country Of my ancestors am sure, however they
will not be offensive TO you.
Very truly, your friend, -
JAMES X MeLANAHAN.
Han D.vtp T. Sryuoyp