The National Era

CLEMENCY TO A SPANIARD.

Governor Hunt, of New York, has pardoned Antonio Lopez, a Spaniard, convicted of murder, and under sentence of death. Of the guilt of Lopez, Governor Hunt entertains no doubt; but he is moved to this act of pardon by the recollections of the noble generosity of the Spanish Queen, in extending pardon to the Americans who, under a misguided zeal for liberty, invaded Cuba, in violation of both the American and Spanish laws. We copy the following paragraphs from the admirable letter of Gov. Hunt to Don A. Calderon de la Barca, &c., &c., the Spanish Minister:

"You appeal to me in the name of your country, and as its official representative, to grant a pardon to this unhappy Spaniard, in consideration of the clemency exercised by your Government in favor of the American prisoners who so recently invaded the territory of Spain, in violation of the laws of both countries.

"The noble generosity of your Queen, displayed in the release of those misguided men, awakened profound gratitude in every American heart. I should do injustice to my countrymen if I resisted the sentiments which the exalted conduct of your Sovereign has so universally inspired. Nor can I forget how deeply we are indebted to your prompt and humane interposition for the liberal policy which has signalized the recent action of the Spanish Government in behalf of some of our citizens. My knowledge of your endeavors to strengthen the ties of friendship which have uniformly subsisted between the two Governments, and my grateful appreciation of the forbearance by which the late difficulties have been so happily terminated, make it impossible for me to resist your earnest appeal.

"It is not for us to disregard those principles of justice and mutual comity which ought always to govern the intercourse of friendly and civilized nations.

"Yielding to these considerations, I have decided, after full reflection, to release Antonio Lopez from the sentence of death, and to restore him to his native country. It affords me sincere satisfaction to place in your hands a full pardon of his offence, subject to the single condition that he shall immediately leave the United States, and never return."