The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-10-03
The Koszta Affair.

A. Ia. ,r Government and that of Aus
.-,a .ra fa,r,v at issue Something viii now
no dane. and mere talking viii cease. Our
readers viii remember that Immediately after
sha occurrence of the koszta affair in the
barbor of Smyrna, the Austrian government
addressed circular letters to all the Courts of
Europe, protesting against the course pur-
sued by the American authorities. This was
done before one word had been uttered to
our Government by way of complaint or re-
,nonstrance--a course unheard of before in
diplomatic intercourse. The Cabinets of st.
Petersburg and Berlin, true to their instincts
ss well as interests, instructed their agents at
Washington to intimate to the President their
general concurrence with the views taken by
Austria upon the subject. France has made
known its displeasure at the Austrian pro-
ceedings in Koszta's case, and England,
though committing herself in no respect ac-
knowledges that her attention has been called
to the question at issue.
The following statements will show def
nitely the grounds taken by the United States
and Austria:
The CLAIMS OF AUSTRIA are
l. That Koszta never had lost his national
ity, and was therefore liable to arrest by the
Austrian authorities.
.. That the attack, or threatened attack of
the st. Louis under Capt. Ingraham, in the
harbor of Smyrna, was an act of war, which
can only be authorized by the Government
itself
3. That since Koszta was still a subject of
Austria, the agents of that power had right
to arrest him when and how they pleased.
4. That by force of treaty with Turkey,
Austria has the right to arrest her own citi-
zens within the bounds of the Turkish do
minions.
These points contain the essence of Mr..
Hulsemann's letter.
In reply, Mr.. Marcy takes the following
positions
1st That there is no treaty in existence,
giving Austria right to assume the control
of her subjects in Turkish territory. If Tur-
key ever made such treaty, she thereby
parted with her nationality, and gave Austria
the supreme control of her affairs. If any
such right existed, why was it not enforced
in case of the Hungarian refugees! All the
treaties in force between Austria and Turkey
were then overhauled, and no authority dis
covered for Austrian interference in Turkish
affairs Smyrna was, therefore to all intents'
a neutral port, in which all nations were emit
tied to equal protection.
3D. That Martin Koszta, by virtue of his
declaration of intention to become an Ameri-
can citizen was entitled to American protec-
ton.
Sd. That he owed no farther allegiance to
Austria, having become an outlaw so far as
that power is concerned He was an Gun
lawful emigrant,' and had paid the penalty
of his offence by the forfeiture of all his civil
and political rights as a subject of Austria
4th. That il view ofthese facts koszta wa!
to be considered as an American citizen-st
far as Austria was concerned, and entitled
not only to the protection of America, bu
Turkey also. The Porte has already pro
nounced the seizure of Koszta unlawful, ant
it remains only for the United States to vim
dictate their own rights.
What this issue may produce, is for the fu
ture to decide The United States have
pleaded the general ISSUE denying ever.
ground taken by Austria. 1t is one of thos,
cases where the question must be decided b,
an appeal to umpires, or to the " ultima rati'
regum.'
We have not the remotest doubt that on
Government will maintain the ground which
they have assumed. These are so reasonabl,
and just, that the whole force of the nation
would voluntarily offer itself to maintain
them