The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-01-23

against which he mad committed alleged offences.
The represent aiion Of this Government was made
to Turkey, and not 10 Austria.
'In regard to our own citizens the would be
different The paternal which exercise
for the welfare Of citizens would justify such
intercession for one of them. This has been done
by myself. and by my predecessors, in several in
stances. But we have never intcrfered between q
Government and its subjects or ctizens,
"Be assured, sir, that it would give me sincere
pleasure TO gee the prisoners to whom your memo
rial refers set at liberty. Whenever that happens
which l hope may be soon-should they see fit to
come to this country, they will find safe asylum,
and full protection under its laws.
"Accept, sir, for yourself and your friends, my
respects and good wishes"
Mr.. McGEE-who had, after the arrival of tho
procession, delivered to The Hon. DAsIEL WE
sTKR, Secretary OF State, petition from the citi-
zens OF Boston upon The subject. under special in
structions-was next introduced, and addressed the
President as follows:
"MR. President: | have the honor to present
you-being to. day introduced by the Secretary Of
Statc-in Connexion with this movement, with the
certified minutes Of the Massachusett meeting in
favor Of the Irieh exiles, held the Goth of Octo-
Der last in Faneuil Hall, and presided by the
Governor of that State. Also, with petition
signed by over five thousand citizens, native and
naturalized, Of Boston also, with a numerously-
signed memorial to the same effect, signed by
citisens OF Lawrence, in Massachusetts also, with
similar petition, signed by the mayor and prin
cipal citizens OF Bangor. in Maine
'In doing 30, l wish to add that these documents
represent fully and fairly, without distinction of
clnss creed the sentiment of the citizens of the
northern States in this behalf.
CATER what you have said, sir, feel bound to
add-and in doing go do not wish to impose
any additional reply on your excellency--I feel
bound to add, as the universal sentiment of the
signers OF these documents, that if they believed
this request involved any departure from the fixed
foreign policy OF the Government, 1t would not be
made. ! declare, and put record. in the pre-
sence of your excclloncy, that if those represent
supposed this request would be mistakingly iden-
titled with the current projects Of intervention,
their names and their delegate would never have
boon here.
"We did, however, suppose and expect that
what has been often done since the foundation Of
guvernments-whatE Elisabeth did for the Hugucnots
and King Philip for our Irish Catholic rebel an
cestors what the French king did for Mary Queen
| of Scots, and Queen Christina for the German Pro
tcstant followers of her father Gustavus that that
ancient, established, and recognised mode of me-
diation would be used by the Federal Government
for six brave, educated, distinguished, suffering
| Irish gentlemen.
"That portion of the memorialists born in Ire
| land may, sir, have some claims, both from their
ancestors and their own labors, this Govern
ment. But whenever our peculiar aspirations
seem to conflict with the unity, peace, prosper
| ity Of our adopted country-this country which
gives US homes, protection, and equal rights with
its native children-we stiie our aspirations for
| the good Of the great Conlederacy. In this case
| all ask is, that the Government will do all il
can do for our dear friends in exile, and that it
will give us definite answer favorable we hope,
| but final. at all events, to our request.
GAS favor to committees which Will c.
tain their organization till the Issue is known, in
mercy to the anxious friends and families of the
gentlemen interested, ask final answer within
a reasonable time.
without more words, have the honor to pre-
| sent these papers, with full confidence that your
preside. will do all that be done in this matter
SO interesting to q may say) millions of men,"
| President FILLMORE, in response, expressed him
| self gratifsd with the tono, temper, and senti-
ments uttered by Mr.. Niece. as mnnifesting no
| disposition to involve the Government in any
course inconsistent with its long established prin.
ciplcs and policy and, entertaining personal feel
ngs of sympathy for the parties interested he said
every thing would be done that could be done with
propriety TO further the main object Of the petit
| TONERS.
| The speeches were frequently interrupted by
cheers and the interview seemed to be satisfactory
TO all.