Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1853-08-27


manly and patriotic language in relation to the gal-
liant conduct of Capt IngTaham in compelling the
Austrian Commander to release Koszta, at Smyrna ::
DEMocRATIe DocTRINE PRACTICALLY ENFoRcED
Captain Ingraham, whose gallant conduct at Smyrna
is the theme of universal praise not only In this
country but IN England has given practical effect to
the doctrine of President Pierces Inaugural address,
that it is the duty of the Government to protect A
erican citizens whithersoever they may wend their
way among the nations of the earth It is lament
able fact that at the close of Mr.. Flmores admins
trotion the American had lost caste in foreign
countries. True Mr.. Webster, Secretary of State
wrote the Hussean letter, and noble letter it
but practical effect was never given to its doctrines
and it was the only state paper emanating from any
department of the government during the whole four
years of wing rule that embodied American princi-
pies and ideas If the domestic administration of the
government was dishonest and corrupt the admins
tation of foreign affairs was imbecile and pusillan
NOUS Not an important negotiation was brought
to close and nearly every question touched suffered
by the handling. The Fishery and the Central A
merican questions standing monuments OF wing
neficiency, Ito use stronger term and the re-
lection of the profered cession of the Sandwich Is
lands was anti-American in principle, and contrary
to the overwhelming public sentiment of the people
of this country.
"The conduct of Capt. Ingraham did not lack dis
Greatness, while it prompt, bold and patriotic;
and will venture to say that nothing has occurred
for many year well calculated to command re-
spect for the American name. What would have
been Capt Ingraham's conduct, in the same circum-
stances under vacillating wing administration we
cannot say; he would have had assurance that his
conduct would be approved by his government, and
that consciousness might have deferred him from
acting as his Judgment dictated. But under demo-
cratic rule he doubtless felt positive of approval and
support at home. He had read the inaugural add
dress and given plain matteroffact Interpretation
to its doctrines; and though literally surrounded by
Austrian ships, he would have fought, had not the
prisoner been delivered up. When we remember
the gallantry and proves of American tars one al
action to take place. for of all the countries on
earth should like to see Austria chastised by the
United States
"Capt Ingraham's conduct will be approved by our
government as it already hasibeen by people. A
cotemporary remarks that the claims of our citi-
zens to immunity from outrage must be respected,
whether they natiVe-born only naturaliZed,
whether they are kidnapped here, or kidnapped in
Asia. The aegis of our protection must accompany
them around the globe. The naughty Austrian must
be resisted, when he undertakes such an outrage,
equally with the miserable Malay, the weak Cam
anche. The time when America not able to
sert the rights of her naturazed citizens she
could have wished has passed forever. God has
given us strength, and recreant if we do not
employ it, when justice and mercy demand its inter
cession In the case of Koszta, should he prove to
have claim on our aid, we ought to follow him even
to the dungeons of Vienna and drag him from under
the very hands of the executioner. Even should he
prove to have no claims Capt Ingraham will still
have acted rightly, for he impelled, alike by
national honor and by every consideration of hui
manity, to that KosZta not carried off till the
question of his citizenship decided"
This is democratic doctrine practically enforced"
1t is the doctrine of the Inaugural Address of Pres
ident Pierce, which met such warm response from
the American heart. Here it is-here is the lofty
and glowing language uttered that occasion, and
point to it with pride and qualification. It has
been repeated in foreign SEAS and Capt. Ingraham
stood ready to thunder it with his guns if neces-
sary, into the very ears of Austrian despotism:
''The rights which belong to a nation are not
alone to be regarded but those which pertain to
cry citizen in his individual capacity, at home and
abroad, must be sacredy maintained. So long as he
discern every star in its place upon that ensign
without wealth to purchase for him preferment or
title to secure for him place, it will be his privi-
lege, and must be his acknowledged right to stand
unabashed even in the presence of princes, with
proud consciousness that he is himself one of ma
ton of sovereigns and that he cannot in legitimate
pursuit. wander so far from home that the agent
whom he shall leave behind in the place which now
occupy will not that no rude hand of power or
tyrannical passion is laid upon him with IMMUNITY.
He must realise that upon every sea and on every
soil, where our enterprise may rghtfully seek the !
protection of flag, American citizenship in
volabe panopy for the security of American rights"