New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-10-05
RIGHTS OF Natl slLIzRD CITIZENS.


ito be seized by Prussia and compelled to
do the military service she requires Of
shim? and does the United States recog-
.gizs such right on the part of Prussia.
and refuse to protect her citizens ia such
.cnses ~
This is one of several similar inquiries
which we have received on this subject
since the publication of our article upon it
some time since, but which we have de-
lay ed answering in the hope Of receiving
some further definite information to lay
before the great number Of our German
citizens, who have so deep personal in
terest ia this question.
One question somewhat similar to this
is now considered decided, and that is, that
whatsoever is found on board an American
vessel is protected under the flag that
waves over him, until, in due process of
law, lie Is proven a fugitive of justice for
one or more of the crimes mentioned 9in
any treaty stipulations with foreign ma
tons.
The above question, it will be seen. Is
very different. The King of Prussia has
published paper, which he facetiously
call. Constitution, and 10 this paper ex-
pressly, ard under oath, declares that
emigration from his donations shall be un-
impeded, save for the one impeachment Of
military service. All the despotic and
morarchic Governments of Europe are
based upon the principle Of relation
between the ruler and the Tuled-the SOW
ereign and the subiect-which we do not
admit. Their doctrine is, that every per-
son owes allegiance to the Government
under which he Is born, and this alle-
glance can be cast off only with the con-
sent of the Governor-be he despot or
limited monarch. Our doctrine is that
any person may choose from the Govern
ments of the world, that to which he will
pay allegiance.
On the European principle, King Fred
erich can view every ablebodied man who
leaves his kingdom without having per
formed the legal three years of military
seIvitude. as fugitive, and, not recogniz-
Ing the American doctrine OF naturaliza-
ton, consequently claims the ri ht OF catch
ing every such fugitive and forcing him
into his armies and no case has vet been
brought before the Department Of State in
such a manner as 10 beconse a test question
whether the United States will or will not
positively and decisvely hold to their own
doctrine on this point. We think we have
seen it stated that Mr.. Wheaton, when
Minister to Prussia, refused 20 interfere In
such cases, and that Mr.. Barnard, the pre-
sent Minister, has aided certain naturalized
citizens, by obtaining their release from
military service a. a matter Of (aror and
comfy on the part OF the Prussian Gov
erpment' but not as a ri ght. The question
Is still involved in darkness, but it is one
that must be- met. In the case of actual
deserters from foreign army, the United
States is Bound by the law of nations as well
as by interest and necessity. In the case,
of those who have never been enrolled In
q foreign army the decision is vet to be
made, and there is no man living in whose
hands we would so soon place it, as in
those of that great man, VINO is known and
respected abroad as Is no other American.
apd who is by education and experience
better fitted to decide it than any other
who fought and bled for the American
doctrine on u similar question, and who.
when prisoner on the deck of a British
vessel, stood up solitary and alone and de-
tt nded that doctrine to the salvation Of the
lives of his Irish iellow-prisoners. Let
Gen. Scott be our next President and we
have no fears but that Ourcorresp ondent an
all of the class in whose behalf he inquiries,
will see full and exact justice done and re-
out,od