Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1852-02-02
Tnc Prc..deue ANA The lr,sh Exilcs

IRISH exiles, ~ brien. MeaSher ana MICH
ell. chiefly in Baltimore. to induce our
government TO intercede with that of
Great Britain, for their pardon and release
from captivity. In pursuance of this OBJ
ject, large deputation has visited Wash
ington and made known their desires 10
President Fillmore. The National intel
ligencer of the 23d, says the delegation
from Baltimore was quite large one,
numbering, as we have been inlormed,up
wards oftwo hundred. They were met
at the cars by committee, and conduct
ed to the National Hotel, whence, soon af-
ter three o'clock, attended by a large &C
cesson Of sympathizing friends of our own
city, they walked in procession TO the Pre-
sident's House.
The East Room being the only one in
the Presidential Mansion any thing like
capable Accommodating so large depu-
taton, the PRESIDENT met them there
On entering the room, and the preimina-
ry introduc,ions over, DR.. Chaisty, of Bal
timore, onthe part of the delegation from that
city. addressed the President at length on
the subject of their visit, and presented a
petition, very numerously signed, praying
the microscopy Intervention Of this Gov
eminent with that Of Great Britain, TO re-
NIT the further execution Of the senten-
ces of the exiles, and TO grant them their
liberty. Mr.. McGhee, editor of the Bos.
ton "Celt," also presented petition from
Boston and the neighboring towns, and
villages, TO which over FIVE thousand sig
natures were appended. He also address.
ed the President with much fcrvor, elo
quencc, and ability.
To these addresses the PRESIDENT re
Piled as follows:
"SIR: 1t is quite natural that natives Of
ireland residing inthe United States should
feel deep sympathy and commlscra,ion
for those of their countrymen who have
been condemned to a long Imprisonment
in distant lane. Indeed, all the humane
and benevolent lament severe suffering
wherever it exists, and by whatever cause
occasioned
Il have become acquainted with the
memorial which you have pr ented. II
is ably written, and contains suggestion.
which are entitled to weight with all Just
minds, and cannot fail to awaken in ever,
DO n a strong desire for the accomplish
ment Of its humane object. frankie, s.
however, compels me 10 say that the re
quest which it contains cannot be made
the ground of any official proceedings; We,
any personal good Offices in aid Of your
wishes so far as may be compatible will
duty and obligation, will be most cheer.
fully rendered.
1t is a principle well settled. and
which is absolutely necessary to all ma
tional independence, that one nation can
not claim a right to interfere with The in
;crnal concerns of another. The United
States Government would be the last {,
yield TO any such claim by foreign State
and, therefore, from its very origin, it has
cautiously abstained from setting up OF
exercising any such claim or right itself
1t has never, in any instance, intcrtcrcd il
such a case as you present.
When the great Father of his Coun
try was President Of the United States, hi.
Companion in arms, Gen. LAFAYETTE
beloved by him like a brother, became d
prisoner at Omutz, in Austria. The Pre-
sident was most earnestly and imporru
nately solicited to Interfere officially fol
his release. But this he steadily declined
although at the same time lie made ever,
private and personal effort TO accomplish
purpose so dear TO his own heart. |
shall regard the principle Of this prcce-
consult on important questions, shall consi
der what can be done in aid Of your Obj CT
Consist, ntly with such principles.
You and your friends, sir. will pr ba-
bly, see, on reflection, that nothing could
be more likely to defeat the desired object
t'lan any Interference, which might be
Justly deemed offensive, according to the
usages OF nations and the well-sc,led
principles Of public law. Nor can 50
far disregard what is due TO the dignity Of
this Government as TO make any applica-
ton, as It's head, to another Government,
which such Government might treat with
disrespect, and be justified in so doing by
the rules OF international law. You refer
TO what has lccn done in regard 10 NJ
Kossuth. But in his case this Govern
ment made no representation or apphca-
non TO the Government against which he
had committed alleged offences. The
representation of this Government was
made to Turkey, and not to Austria
In regard TO our own citizens, the
case would be different. The paternal
care which we exercise for the welfare Of
our citizens would Justify such iniercession
for one Of them. This has been done by
myself, and by my predecessors, in several
instances. But we have never interiered
between Government and its subjects or
citizens.
BE assured, sir, that it would give me
sincere pleasure to see the prisoners 10
whom your memorial refers, set at liberty.
Whenever that happens-which | hope
may be soon-shoulj they see fit to come
to this country, they will find a safe asy-
lam, ard full protection under its laws.
Accept, sir. for yourself and your
friends, my respects and good wishes
MIssIssIPrI.-Gov. Foote was inausuroted at
jackson the 10th inst. His speech on the occa-
sion refers almost wholly 10 the Compromise and TO
he position assumed by him since the adoption of
hat mesurc. He reviews the various acts conipos-
ag the adjustment and defends them ably and elo-
luetly. Speaking Of public sentiment the Com
promise, be says:
Happily for the country, though, in spite of all
opposition, it has been able to command the hearty
approval ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ofour whole people,
md in almost every State ofthe Union, the enemies