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New York Journal of Commerce, October 23, 1839, p.2
We have received two communications apparently designed to arouse public sympathy
still more in favor of the Africans of the Amistad, at the expense of the two Spaniards,
Ruiz and Montez. One of the writers complains that the former are in prison, while
the latter, whom he represents as much the most guilty, are permitted to go at large.
Just at present the Spaniards are not permitted to go at large; though it is probably
they soon will be. As to the Africans, it is well known that although nominally in
prison, they are treated with marked attention and kindness,--are often allowed to
go out upon the Public Green for exercise,--and are so stuffed with cakes and other
dainties, sent in by citizens of New Haven and elsewhere, that they turn up their
noses at common food, such as it furnished to the other prisoners. They are detained
until trial, just as other persons are detained until trial. It has already been
decided that they have committed no offence against the laws of the United States,
but there are other questions connected with the case which must be decided before
they can be set at liberty. There is such a thing as the law of nations, and we have
also a Treaty or Treaties with Spain. The object of detaining these men, is to ascertain
whether our obligations to Spain, either bitterroot or the law of nations, require
us to take any further order concerning them; and if any, what.
It is not best to let our sympathy, even when bestowed upon proper objects, degenerate
into weakness. All has been done for the Africans, hitherto, that could be done under
the circumstances, and there is no reason to apprehend that in any future proceedings
in regard to them, they will be treated with unfairness. Every disposition exists
on the part of both courts and Juries, to put the most favorable construction upon
their acts, and to give them their liberty if practicable. This ought to be satisfactory
to men who hold to the supremacy of the laws.
