The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-12-30
A Cors,stent Statesman.


The case of Frederick Wiechel, q Saxon by
birth who came TO this country in 1851, and
declared his intention of becoming q citizen;
remained here some two years and then visited
Germany On business; was arrested at Leipsic,
suffered Imprisonment and other indignities AZ
the hands of the authorities at Dresden and
Bremen, and finally succeeded in making his
escape to this country; will be perused with
peculiar interest by the readers of this morn
ing's HERALD. Independently of the intrinsic
attraction OF the narrative of oppression and
suffering, Herr Wiechel's story will claim an
attentive hearing from all classes, on the
simple ground that it is striking paral-
lei to the notorious case of Martin Koszta
Wiechel and Koszta stood on precisely the
same ground. Both were born foreigners
Both came to this country, and declared
their intentions Both afterwards returned to
Europe, without establishing domicil there
Both were arrested in foreign countries, AMI
suffered hardship at the hand of European
despotsms Here however, the parallel ads.
In the one eese-that of Kvszta-the United
States interf red. and rescued the exile from
the hands Of his oppressors Ia the other
that Of Wiechel--thc United States declined to
interfere. In one instance Mr. Marcy declared
to the world that an exile who had declared his
intention Of becoming citizen Of the United
States was thcnceforth fully entitled to our
protection and support. In the other, the same
Mr.. Marcy gave il as his deliberate opinion
that the United States could not interfere on
behalf of individuals who had not fulfilled all
the formslities essential to complete naturali-
cation.
We have no wish to throw vexatious OBJ
stacles in the way Of the United States govern
ment. Whatever opposition we may feel bound
to offer to their political course viii always.
We trust, be characterized by fairness and
honesty. We have already proved that where
they deserved praise, from no quarter were
they more sure Of it than from ourselves. In
questions involving abstruse principles Of in
ternational law we are peculiarly DESTROYS OF
dealing generously with the administration.
Embarrassments springng from Legitimate
causes we shall be the last to aggrava,e But
in view Of so glaring contradiction as that ia
volved in the cases Of Koszta and Wiechel we
cannot possibly remain silent The policy of
the United States government was sent forth to
the world in the Koszta letter. That policy
may or may not have been correct We have
our opinions on the point, and when fitting
opportunity occurs shall not be backw ard in
expressing them. But whether juatiiable or
no. the Marcy policy was asserted and main.
tanned with all the authority ofthe President AMI
the Cabinet Austria was bullied, and England
was silenced when SIZE attempted to ex-
postulale. Europe was formally notified that
this country would interpose its whole strength
to protect any refugee who having declared his
intention Of becoming United States citizen
claimed our protection in any quarter Of tha
globe soever. The position was not assumed in
haste. Secretary Marcy took days and weeks
to deliberate. lie had time to consult libraries
Of authorities, and examine digests Of prece-
dents. Ample leisure was afforded him to weigh
The whole consequences of the Inauguration OF
his policy. After due deliheration, and careful
thought, he resolved to write the Koszta letter
The world was astounded, but no resistance
was offered and The first man who openly comes
forward to deny the troth Of the principles
therein propounded, and to controyert the i'm
portant inference draw from them is Secretary
Marcy himself He is the only statesman who
has publicly and au.horitatively stated that The
doctrine ON which his own letter was based is
untenable and unsound
We leave to the Cabinet organs the task a
explaining SO anomalous proceeding. The
Union we doubt not, will End hfgh flown cx
cuses for the Inconsistency. While The subject
is before it we beg to draw us attention am
that Of its masters to the case Of Williams aid
Miller, likewise detailed in another colIma
They are both American citizens end - wol,
appear from the alidayits published eisew'ert
have been wantoDly dcfrauded and Injured W
the authorities Of State which owes il cb.eI
revenue to American enterprise. III. illtr
lac, L-vi so,ei, vven inpi,soAvu " ,Ae "ltA.iI-