Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-01-31
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY %, 1851.
IN SENATE

Mr. CASS rose and addressed the Senate as follows:
Mr. President hold in my hand copy of the resolu-
tons adopted ut of the respectable meetings
assembled at Detroit and which the Governor of the
State presided the subject of the resolution pending
before us for the nterceson of this Government with
that of England to obtain the release Smith OBren and
the other exied Irish PATRIOTS suffering for political
ohences In British penal colony in the Southern ocean
fully with the sentiments expressed in these re-
solutions which think have been prepared with good feel
ing and good judgment, and in the it is desired
the Government should adopt. For my own part | see
political objection, indecacy eyen in such course
not of interference, in my vew but of mercfu sugges-
ton Just tribute 10 the advancing opinions of the age
How much nober is the friendly expression Of interest
and hope like this conceived and communicated in pro-
per spirit Of Difference and respect for another Power
than the angry remonsrances which crowd the pages of
diplomatic history IN every age Of the world Such
proceeding intercourse of good Offices honorable to
the motives Of the country adopting it, and the country
receiving IT. received trust this would be- with the
feelings Of confidence and regard which dictate &C
ton OF course, It imposes obligation upon either of
the parties though certainly its favorable issue could
fail 10 strengthen the ties Of amty between England and
The Government Of that country well knows that this
is not case where application is uncaled for or
which originates in unworthy motives. 1t knows well
that very considerable portion of population
nected with Ireland either by birth descent and that
many Of them connected also by the ties Of blood with
these unfortunate exes. They sympatze deeply do
indeed the whole American people with the hard fate of
these banshed patriots feeling have no doubt which
prevails to considerable extent in England and one
which anmates the English people, and which they never
fail TO display when such take place in other
countries.
1t is sad sir that this proceeding will open the way
for similar applications and that il is improper inter-
ference with another Government and it has also been
feared that might be embarrassed hereafter by the
very precedent, applied to ourselves which it is
sought to establish.
Mr.. President, great change has taken place in the
opinions Of the world the subject of political offences.
They nowhere carry with them reproach shame. They
violate indeed existing laws but they generally originate
in the most praeworhy motives and pursued at the
hazard Of every earthly good-as Washington and host
of other ustrous men, in ancient and in modern days.
pursued their patriotic enterprises Nothing more dis
tncy marks the improved condition Of public feeling than
the abolition in all constitutional Governments Of those
atrocious horrible punishments onceinexoraby nct
cd by power upon patriotism. To feel and express
miscration for such victims is acknowledged be
consistent with every principle Of the rigid morality.
They are recognised being unfortunate but vicious.
Indeed they often noble men, those whose case
engages attention. and who deserve the kind interest
of the world both from their motives and their charac
ter, and also from the position high but low,
to which they have fallen and in consequence Of effort
made not for themselves but for their country Ii
not be- there is not the slightest danger of it, that such
national application win be made in any but in
like this which is far from moral gutas innocence
is from crime. Let fear that this example will
be used abused for the purpose Of intermcddng
with the ordinary criminal proceedings Of other Powers
The vicious will find COMMUNICATION for their punish
ment will any friendly hand be stretched forth to
interest might have been excited it would have probably
led to no action had not found justification in the
circumstances have stated.
There is therefore, ground to apprehend that ma
tons might become embarrassed by such applications or
that they would lead to i'll viii misunderstanding As
improper interference il appears me an entire mis-
construction Of the term to apply il to like this 1t is
not Interference at all it is ntercesson 1t is simple re-
quest made from the best motives in the best spirit and
presented in the most unexceptonabe language and it
leaves the British Government free to act its pleasure,
without giving the slightest offence should the result
be unsuccessful How such course be construed
into improper interference passes my power Of
prehenson to perceive it did two years ago to under
stand how the refusal tomake appropriation maintain
Minister at the Court of Vienna could be unjust6a
bic interference with the Austrian Government and af-
ter pulling myself upon the subject time and again. am
Just as much in the dark 1t is best let little
common sense enter diplomatic questions and be
too sensitive as to the expression Of sentiments under
proper circumstances. Depend upon it. sir shall best
preserve selrespec by such course and
the respect Of the world If this request is granted it
would be act that would produce . most favorable
effect upon the people Of this country and if refused