The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-01-07

MEsSES. CONSUL OWEN, THRASHER,
AND WEBSTER, AND THE AMERl-
CANS RESIDENT ABROAD.
The Washington Telegraph under the
above head. devotes over two columns 10
an apology of Ex-Consul OWEN. as 10 his
official conduct in the late Cuban troubles.
This article comes into the category OF
queer developments. The Telegraph is
understood to be indirectly under the pat
ronage of member of Mr.. FILMoRE's
Cabnet-and that member is not DANIEL
WEBSTER. Its givings out, when bearing
the impress of Cabinet on dts. are reputed
TO originate confdentially from the Treas.
ury Chief.
The character of the article in question,
as we said, is apologize of the conduct Of
Mr.. OWEN. 1t does not justify Mr.. OWENS
action as intrinsically right, but claims
that he "obeyed instructions" from the
Cabinet. or from the President. The &C.
lion of the Ex. Consul, then, urges the TEL
egraph. is not to be considered as indca-
tive of his own personal views or feelings.
1t was lar from such as the political rela-
tions of Mr.. THRAsHER and the CRITTEN.
DEN party, or the rights of the nation de.
manded But for that, the Telegraph holds
that Mr. OWEN is not personally or NOR
ally accountable. His conduct was wrong.
1t was at war with American feeling, with
Justice. or with sound law, and with the
plain suggestions of common humanity.
But as MIR. OWEN was instructed in the
course he pursued, the Telegraph throws
the responsibility upon Mr.. FILLMORE and
Mr.. WEBSTER!
The indignant denunciation which the
whole impartial voice of the country has
poured out upon Mr.. OWEN, the Telegraph
holds has been misapplied. 1t does not
Justly attach. according to this journal, to
Mr.. OWEN, but TO the quarters whence he
received his orders.
The Telegraph reviews the Proclama-
ton of the President, and shows that doc
unent warranted the Cuban authorities
with all its force, TO treat the Liberators
and Mr.. THRAsHER as pirates and outlaws.
1t shows that not only Mr.. OWEN so re-
garded the Presidents instructions, but
that he was borne out in that construction
by the British, the French, and the Span
lsh Governments. Such was the meaning
of that Proclamation So he had to view
it. or violate the spirit and meaning Of the
President own declarations; and in aban-
ioning the ardent and high.hearted young
men to be shot without due trial. he only
acted AS Mr.. FlLLMonE meant he should
act. If by his refusal to interfere for their
preservation they became the victims oil
an unwarrantable murder, so would Mr..
FILLMoRE have acted under similar cir
cumstances.
The Telegraph speaks for Mr.. OWEN
1t virtually promises that Mr.. OWEN will
make an erpoSe-a defence Of his conduct
upon these grounds. The responsibility
for the contumely which Cuba has heaped
upon our national honor, for the insult o
our flag, for the violation of our treaty and
legal rights. and for the cold-blooded and
heartless slaughter OF unarmed and de.
fenceless citizens Of the country. Mr.. OWEN
will undertake to fix upon his superiors al
Washington. This brings the issue up
fairly as between the Administration and
Mr.. OWEN, acting by its express authority
So will the country be called upon finally
to view it. What Mr.. OWEN is to blame
for. was his obedience of such instruo.
tons. lie should have reflected that his
accountability was to be rendered to the
great bar OF Public Opinion. Tha! to
that bar he owed regard, in common with
his superiors at Washington. lie is cul
pable tor not having respected the impul
ses of humanity, and the reason and jus.
,ice of enlightened mankind were. aitel
all. the elements OF which all laws are
composed. and into which they will evel
be resolved. in great case involving the
lives, fortunes and destiny of citizens o
: civilized nations. Mr.. OWEN forgot tn.
innate and sure justice, as well as the pow
or of tho American people. He showed
himself unfit 10 represent that people ir
any capacity, if he could forget these grea
and fundamental facts in American char
= actor. There is little or no excuse fo
him as public officer. At least, his &C
countabili.y can only bc abated upon thu
plea of great weakness Of character
But he justly apprehends his case, il
calling Mr.. Fillmore TO appear before th'
people and be tried as participating in hi
own criminal behaviour, by directing hin
in his action. While he may be fount
blameable for want merely of nerve Il
stake tho responsibility" the Administra
: ton from which he received orders, viii
be consigned to an accumulatng infamy
= that will endure as long as 4 kpllec
: ton of their inhuman conni ~
Havana Massacre. e.--Statesmi
a $4,000 have been comfy