Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1882-04-05
"A NATIONAL QUESTION.
Americans Imprisoned Without Law

At the great meeting in New York the
other night in behalf of Americans ille-
gally imprisoned in England, when the
reading of letters and kilograms had con-
cluded, Mayor Grace introduced Speaker
Randall, who said
FELLOW. CITIZENS am here tonight
to join the mayor and people Of New York
in making earnest and emphatic demand
for complete and instant protection of
American citizens against injustice, whers
ever they may happen to be. 1t is not
only in sympathy with the proudest ira
ditions Of our national history. but in
obedience to the solemn inJunctions of our
laws. The nation that cannot defend its
citizens against oppression confesses to
decrepitudo and weakness; but the gov.
ernment that has the power to do it, and
fails in an obligation SO sacred, is reduced
to position that is akin to cowardice. Is
there any man so poor in spirit in this
broad and prosperous land as to make,
even to himself, ar avowal so humiliating
do not believe there is, but on the con-
trary, that all that is needed at this time
is to present the case of citizens now held
in English prisons, unconvicted of crime,
in such clear light as to arouse popular
Indignation, and compel justice to be done
even at this late day.
l need not dilate on the details of tic
cases of American citizens of Irish birth
held in English prisons. The newspapers
of the DAY fully inform us, and it is known
of all men that such is the truth, and that
it is undisputed that these American citi-
zens are so held. 1t is equally true that,
in the words Of the law of 1868, the presi-
dent has been informed such citizens have
been unjustly deprived of their liberty
under the authority of foreign govern
ment, and instead of all imperative de-
mand being made for their release the SER
wants of this. republic seem to have only
Knocked them in their distress, and to have
sided with their enemies. This is a dis
grace which must be wiped out if we
would hold the respect of the nations of
the world, not to speak of our own self
respect.
In all our conflicts the American citi-
zens of Irish birth have been the friends of
the United States, beginning at period
when VIC were a confederation of weak
colonies to the end of our recent civil war.
On the other hand, in every war and in
time Of our sorest trial, England has
struck us many a cruel and intended
deadly blow, while Irish blood has poured
out freely for our defense and honor, and
Irish valor has frightened almost every
page of our history.
In addition to the law which makes
them American citizens on an equal foot
ing and entities them to all the rights of
native-born citizens, our interposition in
their behalf is prompted by every consider
alton of duty. They are citizens and incarce-
rkoI k~l 90
denied a trial. What adds to their suffering
is the fact that the American minister,
Mr.. Lowell. in sickening sycophahcy to
English influence, ashamed, as it were, of
the people he most disgracefully misrepre-
Gus silence and cold neglect. In proof
Cork. His removal is required or else the
administration must accept the alternative
that it is false to its sworn duty, to see
that the laws are faithfully executed.
Oh my fellow-citizens, for one hour of
charge of our foreign affairs-one hour OF
one hour of Gen. Jackson in the executive
mansion I! Then, indeed, would the re-
public in all its might and majesty be
properly respected.
The nation that called forth more that
one million of men, under whose martial
tread a continent trembled, and whose
valor, on both sides, struck the world with
wholesome awe when it saved itself from
should not now, when
it stands IN the foremost rank Of
the powers Of the earth, be subjected
to indignity and outrage. An Amer:
ican citizen then would not be
in prison an hour, for the English govern
ment would not dare to put him in prison
at all if such men as those to whom l re-
fer controlled the administration of our
government. What is the remedy? A
simple one Let this republic cease to be
abroad by incompetent minis
ters. Weak, nerveless, cowardly hands
are ill fitting to hold the broad egis of
American protection over American citi-
zens. It needs one who knows the Law.
and who has heart and brain in sym
pathy with the great, generous heart of
The people, and who has the courage of
conviction.
Our fishery interests were sacrificed by
being placed in weak and incompetent
hands, and our national honor is now
stained by a subserviency to the opinion
and interests of the English ruling classes
hat would be beneath contempt if it were
not so utterly destructive of our rights as
! nation and SO cruelty oppressive and dis
lstrous to the citizens who are immured
n foreign prisons. Let all tho people
speak.