Wilmington daily commercial., 1872-04-03
GENERAL.
The Houard Case.

rs DR.. HoUARD AN AMERICAN 9-EviDENCE on FILE
AT WASHINGTON,
Secretary Fish, in communicating to Congress
the papers in the case Of DIR Houard, (not How
ard } states that the folio ing IN ra tion to him
and his history have been gathered
There is no doubt that John Emile Houard
was born in the United States. His father, Louis
Houard was French subject by birth. and
citizen of the United States by naturalization.
John Emile Houard went to Cuba at very early
age, in company with his father who became
resident OF that Island. The young Houard was
sent to Philadelphia to be educated, but returned
to Cuba, aud he has actually resided in Cuba the
greater part Of his life practicing his profession
a. physician and surgeon. He or his father
enioyed what were supposed to be certain privi-
leges,t to which was attached the right to become
Spanish subjects, but DIR. Houard declares that
he pever formally accepted such nationality, and
never renounoed his nationality as citizen of
the United States. Two married sisters OF DR.
Houard, with their families, have always been
residents Of Cuba and three Of his nephews
were officers Of the patriot or insurrectionary
army.
1t can scarcely be denied that these circum-
stances in some degree justify the Spanish au-
thorities in regarding Dr. Houard as subject to
their Jurisdiction, since, on the other hand
nothing Whatever is brought forward in his
behalf to illustrate or prove his assertion at any
time OF American citizenship. For instance, it
did so many citizens at home and abroad, in be-
half OF the Union cause during our own war :
that he offered his services as surgeon in our
volunteer army that he subscribed to any Of
the war charities, or that he paid at any time
income tax or other tax TO the United States; or
even did any particular thing tending TO show
the Spanish authorities thatehe did not consider
himself Spanish subjsct, or to show this Gov
ernment that he did regard himself citizen Of
the United States, until his recent misfortune
occurred.
The strong point which prevents the interven-
tion of this Government in behalf OF Dr. Houafd
from becoming efficacious for his release, is the
fact that he has been regularly tried and found
guilty by duly constituted tribunal on the
Island of Cuba. II it were in the power of DR..
Houard or his friends to put this Department in
possession of facts that would impugn the integ-
rity Of the proceedings Of that tribunal, or deny
its competency to act in the premises, such facts
would be urged to the best advantage, but none
such are offered, with the exception Of the e1
pdrte declaration of a single untrustworthy wit
ness who now declares that he gave testimony
against Dr. Houard which was false.
need not remind you that the Government
Of the United States acknowledges the principle
of expatration, and that formal act or dec
aration is not essential to effect remuneration
| of the nationality of birth. II DIR. Houard had
desired to renounce his nationality of birth, it
was not necessary for him to do more than he
actually did in quitting the United States estab-
| fishing himself permanently in Cuba, and maxi
ing that island his residence without any declared
or fixed intention to return to the United States,
| and without dischargng during his long resi-
dence any duty OF citizen Of the United States
| and appearing AZ Spanish subject. II there be
circumstances to contradict this apparent throw
ing away of American citizenship, they have moi
| been fully presented