Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1852-05-29
COMMUNICATION.
For the American.
CHARGE D'AFFAIRs AT ROME

CHARGE DAFFAIRs AT ROME
An American ariis, Of some merit residing
at Rome lately became involved in difficulty
with the authorities of that city. He was
standing in the vast crowd that had assem-
Died to witness and participate in one of
'he most imposing ceremonies of Holy
Week. Forgetting or not wishing TO uncover
MS head at the appearance of the Pope, a
french officer standing near took il as an in
suit aud knocked his hat off with sword.
Our coun,ryman returned the compliment
by blow Of his cane. This brought on
another thrust from the Frecnhmans sword
followed by severe blow OF the cane. The
result was, our artist was hurried off to pris-
son and left 10 muse on The uncertainty of
human affairs, and The rapidity with which
we are sometimes passed from one scene Ia
another. 1t would have been better had he
coniormed TO the habits and manners of the
people among whom he resided. simple
observance Of the good old adage--.do in
Rome as Romans do-would have prevented
the dire necessity Of breathing the unpleas-
ant atmosphere of a prison, and that TO with
in the sacred and classic shades of the
Eternal City.
The conduct OF Mr.. Cass, our Charge al
Rome, in his exerions to ibeIate his fellow
countryman, is worthy of the warmest and
most cordial appreciation. Every American
citizen will read an account Of his action on
this subject with the livelest feeling OF
pride and pleasure. An emergency arose,
that called for prompt, energetic, decisive
action. Many men have shrunk back ap-
palled at the form Of unexpected difficult
ties and nothing so shows off the true
character and tests lis strength as the sud
den appearance of emergencies. Mr.. Cass
throws himself into The breach with admi-
rable courage and determination, uniting
prudence with fortitude, decision with bra
very and evincing fixed resolve 10 protect
his countrymen, command respect for his
government and maintain the honor and in.
,egrily of his country. The first request OF
our Charge was perfectly fair and honorable
that Mr. Jones should be liberated forwilh
undergo fair uial, and that he (Mr Cass)
would be responsible for his appearance
This proposition was rejected on the ground
that the prisoner was in the hands of the
French authorizes and that application must
be made 10 them. Our Charge replied that
he recognised no authority th.n but ,ha, Of
Rome herself. What sad comment on the
fate Of Rome. Once-ihe pride and glory
Of the world-'the revel of the earth, The
mosque Of l,aly''-,he march of whose e-
gions was from conques, 10 conquesi-now
held in base subsection by the guering
baysne,s of a serviIe soldery.
Mr.. Cass very soon brought both sides to
the knowledge of the fact lha, he was not
TO be trined with. He declared war against
France on his own account, dared the
French officer to mortal combat ; and as il
he was in earnest drove his carriage 10 the
prison, and very seon returned with his lib
Grated countiyman seated by his side.
We congratulate Mr.. Cass on his good
fortune. The American people are won, TO
remember services of this kind. Let him
continue TO serve his country with fidelity
and devotion and he will lead useful, bril-
liant and glorious career. OBSERVER.