OUTRAGE ON BOARD THE PRINCESS ROYAL.
We did not make mention of this this outrage in our last, because, we hoped the matter might be allowed to blow over; but it has been the pleasure of the press to bruit it loudly abroad. This we regret, because it was one of those unhappy occurrences, the knowledge of which only spreads dissension among the fanatical and Bigoted. No persons can regret the outrage more than the members of the Catholic Community generally, whether & Clergy or Laity. The act was the act of an ignorant mob, and should be so regarded. We agree in opinion with the rest of our brethren, that the guilty parties should be punished; that is, if they can be discovered; but if they have hitherto escaped detection, and cannot be found, it is not wise to make a great outcry. We have alluded to the matter today for the purpose of introducing Mr. Bethune’s letter to the Mayor of Kingston, which we have been requested to publish.
TORONTO, August 3, 1817. Sir, Captain Henry Twohy of the Steamer Princess Royal, having, informed me that a most outrageous attack was made upon that Steamer yesterday, at Kingston, by a mob incited by the Rev. Mr. Higgins. I have to request that you will be pleased to a take the information of Capt. Twohy against to the parties guilty of the outrage, or who in any way encouraged it; that you issue your warant for their apprehension; and that they may be bound over to take their trial at the next assizes for the offence; as I am determined that the majesty of the law shall, so far as I can contribute to it, be upheld; and that the guilty parties shall be punished.
What would be thought of me if, under the pretence of some insult having been offered to me by some laborer in the employ of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Kingston, I were to incite a mob to take possession of his Palace and beat the persons they might happen to find in it, destroy his furniture, and threaten destruction by fire to his premises?
Now such has been exactly the conduct pursued by the mob towards my steamer and the persons employed on board of her; and, if such conduct is to be tolerated, the sooner we are made aware of it the better.
I humbly maintain that in this country there is no man either so high or so low that he can violate the laws with impunity. If, however, the laws of the land will not protect my property and people from injury, then it will be necessary to resort to the final law of nature, and take into our own hands that which the authorities deny us.
1 have the honor to be, Sir,
Your front obedient humble servant.
Donald Bethune
To Thomas Kirkpatrick, Esq
Mayor of the City of Kingston