The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-11-17

peace-should have restrained the Captain |
General from the unfriendly manifestation in
volved in the refusal to permit the landing of
the mails and passengers. That was an act
which admits of no justification. twas often
sve to the Government Of this country, and
calculated only to excite retaliatory temper
on the part Of the American people. AS
matter of policy, it was absurd. AS blow
aimed at our ordinary commercial intercourse,
it was singularly indiscreet
But the Captain General has not played the
only absurd and indiscreet part that figures in
| this connection. MIR. GEORGE Law, OF the
steamship company of which he is the head,
excels the Captain General in both particulars.
la attempting to force Purser SMITH into Cuba.
Mr.. LAW has done what admits Of no excuse.
He has arrogated to himself right from which
any upright Government would shrink and if
he persist in pressing his position, he will be
permitted TO extricate himself from the diem
ma that may result as best he can.
Suppose the United States to be threatened
with insurrection, or war, and Spanish steam
or plying to New York had Oh board an
officer whom the Mayor Of New York, or the
| President of the United States, suspected
Of oeing spy, we want to know how often the
steamer would be permitted to enter dock with
that officer on board. Would more than sin
gle waning be given to her commander We
think not. Or suppose that the British Anti
Slavery Society were to send steamer to
Charleston, with GEORGE THOMPSON as its
purser. would the citizens permit him to land;
or would the steamer be permitted to repeat the
visit with the same incendiary as its ofhcerl
Or suppose that the Boston Anti-Slavery So
ciety were to make FRED. DOUGLAS captain of
a schooner, freighted for New Orleans, would
he be allowed to anchor alongside of the wharf
where Purser SMITH is to be welcomed to a
public dinner2 Still we answer, No. And it,,
not being allowed to land, GEORGE THOMPSON
or his black ally were to attempt to force him
self into Charleston or New Orleans, we i'm
agine that the authorities or the people Of the
city would resent the impertinence summarily
and effectually.
We dare say that in each case Mr.. GEORGE
LAW would call as loudly anybody for ven
geance. And yet Mr.. LAWS proceeding has
been as offensive that Of any of these imagi
nary instances. Purser SMITH was told that
he could not enter Havana; still Mr.. Law
sent him, with instructions not to deny the
charge pending against him. He sent him a
second time-a third time-and, for aught We
know, fourth time yet awaits him. What ia
this but sheer bravado? What but discredt-
able attempt to bully the Captain General into
the surrender of a position righttully held?
What but filibustering device to fan the
flame of public excitement, and if possible to
involve the two countries in the horrors of
war2
OF Mr.. SMIrH's title to the honors promised
him by the Delta, it is difficult to speak with
grave countenance. He may be an efficient
purser and a most estimable man; though the
public dinner is not intended as recognition
of him in either capacity. He is to be elevated
into martyrdom, and to be fsted as one who has
struggled to emancipate Havana! We shall
be curious to learn who and how many consent
to compromise themselves by participating in a
display which would be ridiculous if it were
not so obviously designed for mischief.
While, then, the Administration is prepared
TO uphold the rights of commerce, and to vim
dictate all the proper privileges of our citizens,
il is neither prepared nor disposed to call in
question the prerogative claimed by Cuba with
regard to the exclusion of Purser SMITH. The
Administration will maintain to the fullest extent
the right Of American vessels to trade with Ha-
vana; and will guard unflinchingy the personal
rights of American citizens visiting Cuba who
do not compromise themselves by an nfraction
Of the local laws. Further than this it will
not-cannot-go. 1t will not enter into war
to crafty the caprices of an individual or a
company-to subserve the purposes of desper-
ate adventures-or to punish Spain for an act
in which she is sustained by the common law
Of nations. 1t stands where it stood fifteen
months ago-uninfuenced by clamor at home,
unawed by threats abroad. 1t will adhere to
the princi pies of honor and honesty, and will
carry them out at sea or on land, without ref
erence to consequences Such policy may
not receive the appreciation of those who cheer
Mr.. LAW or fete Mr.. SMITH but it will be
sustained by the country as that most likely to
advance its interests, and to maintain its influ-
ence in the councils of the world.
Among the passengers in the steamship At
lantic, which arrived at New York on Monday
from Liverpool, were the Hon. }. Dixon Ro-
MAN and lady. of Hagerstown, Nd.
The Florida Congregational Election.
The Tallahassee Fioridian claims the cleo
ton of MAXWELL to Congress from the State
of Florida by some forty majority; but the
Jacksonville Republican of the llth instant
says:
1--WE have yet nothing official Of the State Yaic
from Tallahassee; the returns, q correspon dent
in Tallahassee who writes the 9Th informs US,
not being all In at that date. The vote Of Putnam
county had not been received. The time within
which the returns to be in will expire the
18th instant, when the vote of counties not 70
turned will not be counted. A letter from Jeffer-
son county, dated the 9Th, states that the Nassau
vote had not been sent up, but nothing is said Of
it in letter from Tallahassee. The judges oil