Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-08-31
AN ESTABLISHED DOCTRINE.

That doctrine became established KOsZta
was returned to the United States. Under
the authority in the Koszta case, q European
emigrant, of whatever country. is protected
by the authority of the United States from the
day of his settlement and declaration of his
intention, having become clothed with our
national character. The courage Of Capt. In
graham. and the learning and ability of Mar
cy, not only restored KOszta to his liberty and
to his rights, but established the same rights
in favor OF every emigrant to this country.
The case gave to our country great position
and influence among other nations. For his
gallantry Congress voted Capt. Ingra
Democratic administration of Frank
lin Pierce. In striking contrast
is the case Of McSweeney, for the facts Of
which refer to the able statement and argu-
ment of Mr.. Voorhees, before the Senate in
1882. McSweeney was citizen of the United
States. He had lived in this country in pur-
suit of a legitimate trade for more than
quarter of century.
CAST INTO PRISON.
With his family he visited Ireland. With
law, he was seized by officers of the British
Government and cast into prison. This
occurred on June 2, 1881. For more
than ten months his Imprisonment was
continued. During that period appeals
were made in his behalf for his
restoration to liberty. On Aug. l6 there was
TeceiEIa at our state department letter
from his wife in which she says that "sOme
four years ago came with my
family on account of my hus-
bands failing health to reside
temporarily in this country. was aware that
England claimed this island, but was under
the impression that Americans might venture
to travel or reside abroad protected by their
nag. But 1T this was mistaken. 1t is not
alleged that Mr.. MrSweeney had committed
crime or violated any law. He being an
American citizen he Immediately forwarded
his naturalization papers together with his
solemn protest against this British outrage to
the American Minister at London. Mrs. Nc
Sweeney's communication and appeal were
made to the Secretary of State direct while
Mr.. Blaine held that office, and when as l
suppose he was in the discharge Of many of
the duties of President.
BLAINE SILENT.
That appeal was not answered, nor was the
Minister at London instructed to give il at
tention. The case received no attention at
the State Department until Mr.. Blaine had
retired from the office, which was, as under
stand, in December following, four months
after Mrs. Mes weeney's appeal was received.
The duty in such a case is clearly declared by
the laws Of the United States, which
provide that whenever it is made
known to the President that any
citizen of the United States has been unjusty
deprived Of his liberty by or under the au-
thority OF any foreign government, it shall be
the duty OF the President forthwith to de-
mand of that government the reason Of such
Imprisonment, and il it appears to be wrong
full and in violation of the rights of American
mand the release of such citizens.
Was it not enough that Mr.. Blaine was in
formed that an American citizen was confined
in a British Jail, and that he had been guilty
Of no violation of the law, and that no charge
Of violation Of the law had been made against
him; could duty be palmer, or its neglect
more fiagTRnt? Had Marcy been Secretary of
State at Ihe time, would McSweeney have
languished IN prison for ten months would
his wife's letter have lain unnoticed in the
State Department? Under Marcy American
rights were indicated; under Blaine they
were neglected.
HENDRICKS ESTIMATE OF CLEVELAND.
Not longsince l made the acquaintance Of
Gov. Cleveland. l found him affable and
courteous. clear and distinct in his views and
strong anq direct in the expression of his pur-
poses. He seemed to me as free from con-
cealmentsand the arts of demagOgue as any
man know. As far as | could judge in a
single conversation, I thought him in a
marked degree governed in his official life by
his convictions of duty. You do not
expect him to escape criticism upon
be the fortune of any candidate.
Touching that, l believe his motives have not
been impJgned nor his honesty questioned.
In respectto his private life we will not ac-
company his defamers in their search for a
ground of accusation back of the overwhelm-
ing vindicAtion by his neighbors IN three po-
litical contests of ofextraordinary brilliancy and
success.