The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-01-29
In CONGRESS- OF THE U. STATES.
Thirty second Congress First Session.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY a8. 1852.
ExEcUrIvE COMMUNICATION.

SENATE.
ExEcUrIvE COMMUNICATIONS.
The PRESIDENT pro tenn laid before the Senate a
communication from the Secretary OF War. transmit
ting, in compliance with resolution Of the Senate OF
the 26th instant, copy OF letter from Brgae General
Tacott 10 Colonel b. Huger. dated November !, 1850
the purpon OF which was stated in the proceedings. but
ns lie nS aq
which read and referred to the Committee on Mill
tary Affairs.
MEMORIALS, PETITIONS, ETC.
Mr.. MANGUM presented the memorial OF William
Newbod assistant marshal Tor taking The seventh cen
sus in Pasquotank county, North Carolina, asking ad
donal compensation; which was referred 10 the Com
mittee on the Judiciary.
Mr.. HUNTER presented the petition of Ann Robinson
and the petition OF the legal representatives OF William
Beau, both praying compensation out OF the fund prov
ded by the treaty Of Client, for negroes carried OF by the
British troops the OF 1912; which referred
10 the Committee on Foreign Relations
Mr.. HAMLlN presented the petition OF assistant mar.
shas for taking the seventh census in Piscaaqus coun.
ty Maine. praying additional compensation, and moved
its reference TO the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr.. DOWNS said there were great many petitions Of
similar character which had been referred to the Ju-
consideration and thought claims Of this character should
not be sent 10 Them and that they properly belonged
TO the Committee OF Claims.
Mr.. HAMLIN then moved that il be laid upon the Ia
BILE which agreed to-
Mr.. SHIELDS presented the petition of the mayor
and members OF the board OF aldermen and the board OF
w
that city may be made port OF entry which was refer
red to the Committee ON Commerce.
Mr.. DODGE of Iowa. presented the petition Of Charles
Mason, Judge for Des Moines county. Iowa. praying the
aid Of the United States in the construction of
house and Jail for that county which referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary.
IRISH ExILEs.
MIR. CASS Mr.. President, hold in my hand copy
OF the resolutions adopted OF the most respectable
meetings assembled at Detroit, and at which the
governor OF the State presided, the subject OF the
luton pending before us for the ncrcession OF this gov
eminent with that OF England 10 obtain the release OF
Smith OBrien and the other exiled Irish patriots now
suffering tor political offences in British penal colony
in the Southern ocean
resolutions. which think have been prepared with good
feeling and good Judgment and in the measure is de-
sired the government should adopt For my part,
political objecons--no indelcacy even--in such
course, not OF interference, in my view, but OF mercu
suggestiona just tribute to the advancing opinions of
the age How much nobler is the friendly expression Of
interest and hope like this conceived and communicated
in proper spirit of Difference and respect for another
power than the angry remonstrances which crowd the
pages OF diplomatic history in every age of the world
Such proceeding is an intercourse OF good Offices, hon
oTable 10 the motives OF the country adopting il and
the country receiving IT, received as trust this would
be. with the feelings OF confidence and regard which die
tate our action. OF course it imposes no obligation upon
either OF the parties, though certainly Its favorable
could not fail TO strengthen the ties Of amy between
England and u.s.
The government of that country well knows that this
is not where application uncalled for or
which originates in unworthy motives II knows we'll
that very considerable portion OF our population is
nected with Ireland, either by birth descent and that
many OF them connected also by the ties OF blood
with these unfortunate exiies
They sympathIze deeply, do indeed the whole
American people, with the bard fate OF these banshed pa
tolsa feeling, have doubt, which prevails to a con
siderable extent in England. and which anmaes the
English people, and which they fail 10 display
when such take place in other countries
II is said, sir, that this proceeding will open the way
for similar applications, and that il is improper inter.
uith am nj nd has alSr haa.
feared that might be embarrassed hereafter by the
very precedent applied to ourselves which il is
sought TO establish
Mr. President, a great change has taken place in the
opinions of the world on the subject OF political offences
They nowhere carry with them reproach shame They
violate indeed existing laws, but they generally originate
in The praiseworhy motives, and are pursued al
the hazard OF every earthly good, as Washington and
host of other iilustrous ancient and in modern
days pursued their patriotic enterprises Nothing
distinctly marks the improved condition of public feeling
than the abolition IN ak constitutional governments OF
those atrocious and revolving punishmenis nexoa
bly, inflicted by power upon patriotism To feel and
press commiseraon for such victims is now acknowl-
edged 10 be consistent with every principle Of the most
rigid morality They are recognised being unfortunate
but not vicious Indeed, they are often noble men.
are those whose case engages our attention, and who
deserve the kind interest Of the WORLD both from their
motives and their character and also from the position,
once high but low, TO which they have fallen and
In consequences OF an effort made moi for themselves but
for their country IL cannot bethere is not the slightest
danger of ittha such national application will
De MADE IN any case III one ike tnlS, winch Is
far from moral guilt as innocence is from crime. Let
one fear that this example will ever be used or abused
for the purpose OF nlermeddng with the ordinary crm
nal proceedings OF other powers. The vicious will find
no commseration for their punishment, will any
friendly hand be stretched forth TO aid them And even
in this however much interests might have been
excited, it would have probably led 10 action had we
not found justification in the circumstances have
stated. There is, therefore, ground TO appTehend
that nations might become embarrassed by such appca
ton, that they would lead TO i'll will or misunder-
standing As 10 improper interference, appears to me
entire demonstration OF the term 10 apply
like this. IL is not interference at a ntercesson
II is simple request made from the best motives, in
the best spirit and presented in the unexceponable
act at It's pleasure, without giving us the slightest
offence should the result be unsuccessful How such
course be construed into improper interference il
passes my powers of comprehension 10 perceive as il did
years ago understand how the refusal TO make an
appropriation to maintain a minister at the court OF
Vienna could be unIus!ihable interference with the
Austrian government and after puzzlng myself upon
the subject time and again, am just much in the dark
II is best TO let little common sense into our
diplomatic questions and not be too sensitive as to the
expression oil sentiments under proper
Depend upon it. shall best preserve our own self.
respect by such course, and the respect OF the
world
II this request granted would be an act that would
produce most favorable effect upon the people of this
country and If refused have said there the matter
would end, unless indeed the British government should
so tar forget what il due to itself and 10 give
rude answer not justified by the circumstances nor the
manner of the application have belief, sir that
such gratuitous Jolly would be committed and even il
II were, should find OF not being left in
debt upon the occasion. National dignyis good thing
but let not be everastnglyaf that ours is in danger
Aa In thao nj h.tf