The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1855-04-03
Narrow Escape.

A curious incident occurred to o young
American at Leghorn, two weeks ago. The
young man, who was travelling, entered a
cafe in the evening, in that city, to dine ;
at table, he found himself in company with
two soldiers, or nOn-commissioned officers,
of the Austrian army, with whom he enter
ed into conversation in the German Ian
guage. Full Of republicanism and of pat
riotic admiration of his own country, he for
got the presence he was in; and, after ex.
alting the United States and its republican
institutions to the eliminating point Of per.
lection, he drew comparison between its
political freedom and prosperity, and tie
despotism and misery of Austria, md ter
minated in warmly counselling the young
men to leave the Austrian army and 20 to
the land of freedom, where they would re.
ceive much higher wages and better treat
ment, either in the Army of the United
States, or in other pursuits.
This conversation, which seemed to be
confidential and unObserved, proved not to
be 80. Whether the soldiers themselves
turned infOrmers, or whether the &C nversa.
ton was overheard | y one of the numerous
spies that abound in the Austrian posses
sions, is not known but the next morning
the American was arrested, thrown into
prison, and soon after carried before court
martial, where lie was confronted with the
grave charge Of attempting to seduce two
soldiers Of his Imperial Majesty's army to
forsake their duty. In many despotic or
military governments like that of Austria,
this is crime Of the highest magnitude,
and Young America, after short and sun.
mary trial, was condemned to lie shot.
The extraordinary event was soon known
throughout the city, and come to tie ears
Of the American consul. This gentleman
repaired at once to the chief civil officer OF
the city, to demand stay Of proceedings
but he was referred to the military com
mandant of the place, as the person who
had eutire power in the matter. Here he
was told proceedings could not he stayed
that the prisoner was dangerous person,
who had been attempting to SOW discord
in the Austrian domniOns that he had
been watched, and his movements noted
down for some time, that they had at last
caught him in the open act, and they were
determined to make an example of him.
All remOnstrances seemed in vain, till at
last, asking the question, "what end the
consul had in view in desiring stay Of pro-
ceedings," and receiving for reply that che
anticipated the arrival OF Commodore String
ham and Capt. Ingraham, with their vessels
in day or two, and he would be glad to
have those officers present at the execution,
the commandment changed cOuntenance, and
dismissed the consul, saying he would think
of it,
The consul was astonished the next NOR.
ming to see the young man step into his OF.
flee free man. He had been liberated
with reprimand, and notice to leave the
Austrian dominions, given him 10y the com
mandant in person, who was careful to i'm
press upon Linn at the same time, that his
liberation was not due to any threats which
might have been made concerning the Am,
erican he3t, but entirely on account Of his
extreme youth and consequent indiscretion.
~. Y. Tribune.