The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-01-07
Abbott Lawrence.

Some time since. we took occasion 10
comment, disapprobatingly. upon the
course pursued by Abbott Lawrence at the
Court of St. James, and because we did
this we excited the ire OF the then Wing,
but now Transcript.
Hon. David Tod arrived at Southamp-
ton on the evening previous to the day on
which tho great Worlds Exhibition closed.
A number being in his company who were
anxious to get glimpse of the Exhibition,
he assured them that he could undoubted.
ly have their wishes gratied, through the
Intervention of Mr.. Lawrence, the Ameri-
can Minister, as persons could only gain
admittance the next day through some
such Intervention. Immediately upon
landing he took cab and posted off TO
the residence of Mr.. Lawrence. There
he encountered a servant bedizened with
all the Aummery that is generally worn by
servants of the English nobility. lie told
thsseryapt he wished to see Mr.. Law
renee; the answer was that he could not
be admitted. He then requested him to
take to Mr.. Lawrence his card. The
servant declined doing this. Said MIR.
Tod:
"You see that am equal in rank with
him. and it is Of the utmost importance
that should see him."
"Iti impossible; my orders are peremP-
tory. am forbidden admitting any one
or receiving a card, save between the
hours OF twelve and two o'clock P. NJ,
on pain of losing my situation. which
would be sore deprivation, as | have a
large family to support" was the response
"But if he discharges you, | shall take
you into my SERVICE" answered Mr.. Tod
The servant was obdurate, and Mr.
Tod was necessitated to turn upon his
heel. lie then went to the Brazilian min
lster. with whom he was acquainted. and
had the favor he sought cheerfully granted
A day or two after. Mr.. Lawrence and
Mr.. Tod meeting, the former was very
proluse in his proffers of attention, and
professed to be exceedingly sorry that he
could do nothing for him. Mr. Tod gave
him his views as to his conduct. in his
proverbial blunt manner, winding up with
the declaration that he should, at least
have sense enough TO receive cards at al
hours. and appoint some time at which ar
audience could be had.
Such is the conduct that characterize!
the American minister at the court Of Grea
Britain. So far as Mr.. Lawrence wa'
concerned, Mr. Tod might have been il
legally arrested and thrown into prison
and he remained ignorant Of the fact unit
after twelve the next day; or, to present th'
matter in stronger light, a body of Ameri
can citizens might have been taken up OF
some fiimsey pretext, la Cuba. and con
demned to be shot at l2 o'clock the mex
day; hut no intelligence Of the fact coul'
be got to our Minister until an hour sub
sequent to the execution. 1t will not d'
to allege that this is all balderdash. for
an American Minister to the Brazilian gov
ernmen;, occupying IA high place in the re
gard of his government. cannot have eithe
an audience or card presented before tha
hour, does it come within the range of hu
man probability, to suppose that Ameri
cans in the common walks OF life, with al
unjust and inevitable execution starin
them in the face. could have either an au
dience with, or information OF tho fac
conveyed to the American Minister be
fore that hour!
II ever this government, the feelings AM
sentiments of the people, were misrepre
sented at foreign court, it is now bein
efl'ectually done by Abbott Lawrence, an
the sooner he is recalled the better for tn
honor Of the United States. In the wa
of living, he is setting precedent that n
future American Minister can follow, un
less he is millionaire. We shall Sc
whether the Transcript or any other Whi
print, will have the nerve to pallate sue
disreputable and anti-American condu'
in Mr.. Lawrence TrumbuU Democra