Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-01-09
Thn E1trndItlon Question.

For once we have a chance to discuss, rather
contemplate question of the rendition of fugives,
having connection with the slavery agitation
present it would appear to be the desire and aim
of the absolutst governments of Europe to restore
not simply the system founded upon the treaties of
1915 but even to return to the state of things which
prevailed prior to the first French Revolution. The
various continental powers of Europe may now be re-
gdrded as q monarchica confederation, of which the
Emperor of Russia is President They have just
succeeded in re-annexing France and notice that
as further evidence of the federation, the extrad-
lion return of political fugitives is claimed
part of the European system thus it is that the
French refugees who had fed to Belgium have been
ordered out of that kingdom, on the demand of Lou
IS Napoleon; and that similar demands have been
made upon Switzerland and some other of the minor
powers, who are still republican constitutional
While the matter stopped there it amounted to little.
1t was simply @ bullying game where might made
right, but the demand or request of the Frankfort
Diet, upon England is very different thing. Eng
land is still power of the first class, of the very
first class, and if the Germanic powers support the
demand made upon her by their Federal Dict, it will
show determination to carry out the continental
policy at all hazards.
This may perhaps be the turning point, the very
crisis in European and American affairs so far, at
least, our foreign policy is concerned We need
not say that were such demand made upon us it
would be treated with indignant scorn. 1t will be
so by England even if should be the conse-
quence of her refusal Our country, above all Others
is The asylum of the oppressed of all nations and
perhaps mi ht not be free from a visitation were
England once crashed. of which, however, there is
not the most remote possibility. The vast war es-
adjustments of Europe all needed for the repres
sion of their people, and not disposable for
invasion of the British Islands The current ex-
penses of every continental State far outruns it's
venue and bankruptcy and revolution must be the
result were it to be swelled by the enormous sums
requisite for the fitting out of expedition of suf-
cient magnitude for the purpose Were France to
undertake what she contemplated under Napoleon.
it would remove full one half of her army that
weight taken away the people would rise Perhaps
Austria and Prussia would wish to come to the as
sstance of the French Despotism. but they dare not
for if they did their own people would be in arms
against them. Russia alone has dispOsable force
Of any magnitude but opposed to English interests
she could not place $4,000 the Rhine and
keep them there, nor could she even in Germany
She has not the money. twill be remembered thai
in the efforts Russia made against Napoleon out Of
her own territory mean, Great Britain the
paymaster.
There are two ways in which, even in accordance
with the universally recognized policy of this govern
ment we might be brought into collision with the
despotic movement The first by our refusal to give
up fagitives to close doors against them. ant
the second by determination to admit of no re
r a.
of reducing them to the position of European colo
MES; for. in the rampancy of power. we know no
but that the European confederacy may attempt thu
resusctaton of Spain by restoring to her her revolt
ed American Colonies, which was the project, tht
supposed contemplation of which drew forth thu
much talked of declaration Of MIR. Monroe, which
sofar has been received the genuine expression
American sentiment upon that subject.