Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-07-21

wASHIhUrOp OIThy ~. W., noy AcVA'y Aooos
Colonel Frcment's Defence.
It being undeniable that Colonel Fremont
was married, in the city Of Washington, by
Rev. Mr.. Van Horseigh, Catholic priest, ON
the 10th day Of October, 1871, and this circum-
stance being prima faeie proof that he was
then a Catholic, (his bride being Presbyte-
rian,) the friends of Colonel Fremont have
made a publication, within the last few days,
with view to crplair aaody and get rid Of
this primo facis proof Of his Catholicism. A
gentleman Of Indiana, now member Of Con-
gress, it is understood, 1--WE do not vouch for
it) is the author of the publication referred to,
and to that publication we propose now to do
vote few remarks. 1t processes to respond,
in four divisions or sections, to the various
specifications touching Colonel Fremont's Ca
tholicism, which the writer sage have been
preferred against him.
The first section of the defence has reference
to the father and mother of Col. Fremont, and
to his own youthful impressions and oduca-
ton All this we pass over as being Of but little
Importance, and especially as we would hold
no man responsible for his early impressions,
arising from his associations and education.
Tho second section Of the defence has rela-
ton to his marriage by the Catholic priest,
and we here copy what the defence alleges to
be the facts Of the case. It says:
"The facts Of the marriage are follows:
elm tho District Of Columbia license is re-
CURED before marriage can be performed; and lift
is consummated without it, tho officiating clergy
man is liable TO heavy penalties. As is well known,
COL Benton was warmly opposed to the marriage.
Miss Benton was also under age. Col. Fremont
unsuccessfuly applied to several Protestant cler-
gymen to marry them. Meeting refnsals on every
hand, unless he could produce the license, which
was utterly unattainable, no was at last informed
by lady friend that if he was willing to be married
by Catholic priest, abe could find him one that
would do it without asking any questions, n'he
was only satisfied that tho parties were old enough
to Judge ntclligently of the Importance of the ties
they were about assuming. The Rev. Mr.Van Hor-
sleigh, German priest, who was rather more indie
pendent Of the strict rules Of the Church than the
most of his brethren, quickly tied the knot, per-
forming the ceremony in rapid style and, know
ing the circumstances under which his aid was
asked, waived all questions except those embraced
in love, honor, and obey"
We invite especial attention to the state
ments made above. They are made by the
political friends of COL Fremont, they are
published az txuth,-C Fremont by his
silence, sanctions the statements; they were
addressed to the New York Tribune, the lead
ing advocate Of Col. Fremont, and published
as truth in that journal they have been ex-
tensively copied by Fremont papers as full
explanation Of his marriage-and the friends
of Col Fremont are in obstacles over this pre-
tended refutation of his Catholicism Now
let US analyse the statements, and see precisely
what they mean Let us understand this pre-
tended defence in all its points.
First then, it means to say, that a license
must be obtained, in the District Of Columbia,
before q marriage can be performed here.
Second, it means to say that clergyman is
liable to heavy penalties for marrying a couple
without license. 7hird, it means to say, that
Col Benton opposed the match Fourth, it
means to say, that the bride was under age
Fifth, il means to say, that Col. Fremont I'M
successfully applied to several Protestant cler-
gymen to marry him. SiStA, it means to say,
that they refused to marry him unless he
could produce hcease. SecentA, it means to
say, that a license soas utterly anattaina-
Die" Eighth, it means to say, that lady
friend referred him Fremont) to the Catholic
priest, who would marry them, if they were
old enough, &c, &c Ninth, it means to say,
that the Rev. Mr.. Van Horseigh was indep.nd.
emit Of the strict rules Of bis church--that he
tied the knot quickly, and, ,oithout license,
waving all questions except that, requiring the
bride, to love, honor and obey"
Now, we call upon our readers 10 examine
the above copied second section Of the defence,
and see that we have correctly and fairly an
aIyzed it We have given the precise meaning
of the different portions Of the extract As to
the first, second and third points, the defence
contains the truth. Al TO the fourth point,
We may admit 1t to be true that the bride was
under age; that Is If no Importance, because,
when license ia obtained in this city, so
qaesttoas gre asked By Me Olerh Of the