The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-06-16

Passing events tell us what Italy would do. A
the Austrian troops on their passage to Italy
were 60 ostentatiously Toasted and feted at
Munich, proclaims how Germany would reply
Notwithstanding the much Wanted desire Of
Bavaria to embrace at once the cause of Austria
in the present war, not more than five hundred
dollars could be raised by voluntary subscrip-
ton in all the kingdom towards defrayiDg the
expense of these Austrian Hastings. In more
senses than one the fate of Europe hangs on the
issue of the battle now gathering around Milan;
and well may kings, princes, ministers, peoples
and stockholders pray for the triumph of Louis
Napoleon and the allied armies in the contest.
Rights Of Our Naturalized Citizens-A Point
for the Presidential Campaign.
In another part of to-day's paper will be
found a document of some interest, from the
effect which it is designed to produce in the next
Presidential contest. 1t is reply from the
Hon. John Minor Bolts to q communication re-
questing bis opinion on the doctrine propounded
in General Cass' letter of the 18th ult., in refe-
renee to the rights of foreign governments over
adopted citizens of this republic who may choose
to voluntarily place themselves within the juris-
diction Of the Powers to whom it is claimed
they owe military allegiance. Mr.. Bolts, it will
be seen, takes the extreme view on this ques-
ton which is SC popular with the large class Of
naturalized foreigners whom it affects He con-
tends that when man once places himself under
<hn 49, Ii o~Io III
swears to support and defend the constitution
and laws of the United States, he is free to 60
wherever the winds and waves may carry him,
always provided that be does not offend against
the criminal or penal codes of the countries that
he may visit. It follows from this that the
government under which he has been
born loses all rights over him, and
that the United States is bound to fol-
low him with its protection, and to
employ force, if necessary, to shield him from
the consequences Of his indiscretion in venturing
within the territories of the Power to whom he
has renowned allegiance.
This doctrine is good one for electioneering
purposes, and may make a strong point in the
opposition platform in the Presidential CAM
paign. 1t will no doubt find numerous support
ers amongst that portion Of our naturalized citi-
zens who take q purely selfish view of the rela-
tions that exist between them and their adopted
country. The extent to which the duties of the
latter towards them may be pushed in aIl such
controversies with foreign governments has, how
ever, long since been settled by the good sense
and wisdom of our statesmen. 1t is true that we
are bound to protect our adopted citizens as far
as the sphere Of our power and Influence ey-
tends, and when their rights are invaded On
American soil or in the territories Of neutral
Power, we never hesitate to use force when re-
quired in their defence. 1t is very different
thing however, when they place themselves vo-
UNFAIRLY within the jurisdiction of the govern
mem which still asserts its rights of fealty over
them. They cannot and must not pretend, under
such circumstances to carry the United States
with them, and impose upon it the obligation Of
forcibly entering the territories of that Power in
order to vindicate their citizenship. In rejecting
the doctrine that foreign governments have
unalienable rights over those born under their
sway, we have never at any time pushed on our
theories to the point of asserting that the United
States is bound to make war every time that the
folly or rashness of our adopted citizens places
them within reach of the lions paws
These points have been so clearly settled by
the language held by our government in all
cases where disputes Of this sort have arisen
that it seems rather bold experiment to endea-
vor to raise new electioneering issue upon them.
One of the causes which led to the war of 1872
was the practice persevered in by British men.of
war Of impressing English seamen out Of Ameri-
can vessels on the high seas, and the carrying off
under cover of this pretext of our native born
and naturalized citizens. Leaving out of view
the general question of the right Of search, now
we believe defnitively settled, our government
was clearly entitled to protect from impressment
or recapture persons who had availed themselves
of the benefits of our naturalization laws Whilst
sailing under our flag, they were, to all intents
and purposes, on American SOIL and therefore
any Infringement of their personal liberties was
clear casus Jeli. In the case of Koszta the prin-
ciples which guide our government in these
questions were in another shape as positively de-
fined. In that instance a naturalized American
was seized by Austrian marines On Turkish ter
ritory and forcibly conveyed and imprisoned on
board an Austrian man-ofwar. The ac-
ton of Captain Ingraham in resortipg to
violent measures to obtain his release was pro-
perly approved Of by Congress, because, whilst
it maintained the right of protection set up by
this country for its naturalized citizens, it in
vaded no principle Of international law. 1t
would have been very different if, whilst walking
in the streets of Trieste, Koszta had been seized
by the Austrian authorities and Captain Ingraham
bad landed force from his ship TO release him.
Having thus briefly noticed the views con-
tanned in Mr.. Bolts letter, we have word to
add as to its general Tone Virginia in the good
old times used to be famous for its courtesy and