The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-02-18
From The AIGany (N. ~ Register.

particularly those parlaking of partisan polt-
lcal cfaracter-lnay not receive the approba-
ton OF all but its general policy is such as to
commend IT TO the favorable consideration of
the American people. 1t has been eminently
successful In continuing and strengthening our
pacific relations with foreign governments-in
settling difficulties which, at various times,
have threatened to involve us in serious elm
barrassment, If not actual conflict. A firm,
prudent, and conciiatory line of action has
been pursued-insstng upon our own rights,
but at the same time recognising the rights of
others-dong justice to all, submitting to nju-
ny from none.
The present Administration came into
power at Il time of great excitement in all
parts of the Union. The acquisition of the
territorial possessions consequent upon the Mexi-
can war, brought with il renewal of agitation up
| on question Of great interest. which has divided
tho country into sectional parties ever since the
formation Of the Government. But this has been
settled ii not to the satisfaction Of ALL yet in such
manner as to command tho acquescence of every
good and patriotic citizen Agitation has ceased,
and fraternal relations have been re-cstablished,
and have taken the place of embittered hatred and
angry strife. This result has been secured through
the patriotism and consummate ability with which
the ship OF State has been navigatcd by her able
md experienced officers weak or vaciatip q
administration would have plunged the country
into difficulties almost inextrica ble-would have
increased the enlargement and widened tho breach
between the antagonistic sections. But, fortu-
nately for the country, il had President at the
head OF its affairs equal to the emergency and sur
rounded by one of the strongest and ablest Cabi-
nets that have filled the chairs of State since the
organization Of the Government
Our attention has again been called to the emf
nent success which has marked the policy of the
present Administration, by the announcement of
the release of Mr.. Thrasher by tho Spanish eo
vcrnmont. The Lopez expedition, fitted out upon
our shores, and making doscen. upon the terri
tory OF friendly power, had wellnigh compro-
missed our neutrality. The Spanish government
was disposed to look upon the invasion as N out
rage which We might and should have prevented
Its disastrous results involved large number Of
our citizens, who were captured and condemned
for the piracy. Some underwent summary exc
cution. Others were sentenced to a long imprison
Inentin the deadly mines of Spain The summa nv and
sanguinary proceedings of the Cuban authorities
created much angry excitement among portion of
our people, who were loud in their demands for ven
geance They seemed TO forget that the first wrong
came from our shores-that from those protesting
to be American citizens had proceeded the fl st vio
laton OF international law and the treaties exist
ing between ths-two countries. Our Government
was called upon to inerpose force for the protec-
ton OF those who had thus forfeited their rights of
citizenship by acts of murder and piracy upon the
territory of q nation with which we were at peace
The President and his advisers were thus placed in
a delicate position. Less prudence and considera.
ton in the management of the affair might have
involved US in and have scaled the fate of the
unfortunate prisoners as pronounced by the Cuban
courts. But looking upon the case in all it's
phases-recognising the rights OF Spain we'll as
those OF our own citizens-a line OF policy was
adopted that has produced the most happy results.
The prisoners were liberated, and friendly rela-
none restored between the two countries.
The case Of Mr.. Tbrasher involved the same
principles; but more general sympathy was
awakened in his behalf; many were camorous
and insisted that our Government should assume a
hostile attitude, and demand his release, even at
the lannon's mouth. But the same wise and CON
course was pursued; and whatever may
have been the merits Of the Gaze originally, Mr..
Thrasher, through the efforts of the President and
Secretary Of State has been pardoned and restored
TO liberty. Partisan journals opposed TO the Adj
mnstration, and these in the interest of the fiji.
busters, had made Mr.. Thra-hcr's case an especial
point Of attack upon the Administration. But
D
complete it's vndcation from all the charged which
have been urged against il in this behalf In what
a comma aiding position has it been placed, before
the American people and before the world by the
results Which its amicable diplomacy has accom-
plished.
The Prometheus affair, too, has been satisfacto-
ry adjusted by full and ample explanation and
apology, and the dsavowal Of the act Of outrage
by the British government. The promptness with
which the demands for explanation wero met
shows the high estimation in which the Admins.
tration lie held abroad.
The question Of intervention, under the cir.
cumstances in which it has been presented, is ono
Of no little embarrassment Deeply, cordially and
sympaihizing with the down 1t roddcn Of
every cline, as do all American citizens, il was
but natural that the advent upon shores of one
so gifted in eioqucnco as Kossutb should create n
and produce an excitement scarcely ever
cqualled. 1t was also natural that in the heat of
the excitement our Government should be. called
upon to take a position in unison with the popular
impulse. But this too wns met with the same firm
ness and Weldon that has characterized all the acts
OF the present Administration. While entering
fully into the popular feeling and partaking of the
universal sympathy for the man and his cause, the
President and Secretary Of State assumed that the
policy OF the Government scttlcd, and that the
principles Of the Father Of his Country in thi, be.
hall could not be departed from. They had been
our chart thus far, and by observing them We had
been able to steer clear Of shos's and dangerous
rocks. and at the same time exert great mornl
influence upon the Of freedom throughout
the wosid. Calm reflection. we'll as the jude-
ment Of pOsterity, will approve the decision.
Every department of the Government has been
most efficiently and successfully administered
In tho future history Of country il will stand
prominent as one distinguished for successful nc
gotiaton-ior lie triumpbs Of pcacs-for the inn
measurable prosperity it hss given TO the country
at bome-so far as the influence Of the Govern
mcnt extonds-and for the exalted consideration
in which il is held abroad-for tho wisdom, energy
and complete success which has crowned its for
eign and domestic policy. II is true, il may not
possess the brilliaucy aud cclnt which war OF for
eign invasion md conquest give to its immodinto
predecessor But it will be regarded with respect
honor, and gratitude, for services far moro valu
eble-far more important 10 the true glory Of our
country, and the stability and psrmancnce Of lie
institutions Of freedom.
From The NCc ORLEANS Bee