The Potowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1790-1798, 1797-03-16
Franklin.
AutbentSc State Papers.
DOCUMENTS

... DOCUMENTS
Which accompanied the message of the Freldent OF
the Unite States to both Houies of Congress,
January 10, 1897
Letter TO Nh PINckNEy. Mmfe, Pfenbotfasia,y Of The
UNITED STATES, th- talNcA RlrubLlc.
SIR,
TN my letters of the 9Th aad 18th Nov. fenr
4 you TWO Notes from MIR. Adet, The Miniiter OF
The French Republic to the Uniied States; the tor
dated the s7th of OGober, and the other the
18TH of November lait and my ani@sr to the frir.
Tue latter note embracing numerous les OF COM
plant, and going as far back as the year 1893.
required particular examination of all the trani-
actions of orr governm emf from that lime the
Preent. The other indilpeniable duties OF the Of
hce prevented my entering on this examination as
early as had expected, and the current buiinels
has retarded The purinit. The reiult Ct this exa-
nsination am now. by the direction OF the Preii-
dent of the United States, communicate to you,
- his hiitory of Our affairs, you will find iupPort-
ed by documents, many OF which were delivered to
you, at your departure, and the reldre will be
herewith tranimitted. The remarks and
ionings facts you will Duly appreciate; and,
from the whole, Joined with your own obiervati-
ons, you will be enabled, it is believed, vindi
the United States, and 10 demonirate their im-
partiaity, neural nation, their fidelity in the
obiervation of treaties, and their irendibip
ally.
The difcufion on which am entering will involve
much repetition for the general qneitons and pars
cular cafes grouped toc"ther 10 the Minliters lac
note, have been iuhjects OF controversy and corre
pondence from May, '9s, this day. Some other
points have indeed been conrended for. which the
Mnter has patsed without notice. Why
they are omitted know not tor IN thee Gales the
United States poitivelT charged with vio-
latne treaties as in thoie which ne has pleaied
now 10 detail. Seine of them it may be found pro-
per introduce, TO rende! eis Imperfect the view
Of our relations to France.
The complaints of the French 1aini!ter againfr
the United States, have reference to three prnci-
pal inbects. 1T To the abandonment of their
trail rights to the injury of France; in not main
tanning the pretended principles Of the modern law
of na,ions that free hip, NIKE fire. gooa and that
timber and naval flores for the equipment OF velseis
are nor contraband of war.
ed. To violations Of treaties with France,
even in their letter.
cd. To the treaty of Amty and Commerce be-
tween the United States and Great Britain /; which
he alledges deprves France Of all the advantages
iripuated in previous treaty." fourth
plant is truly Ingenious. The fortune Of war has
contrained fome of the belligeren powers from
mics, to become her allies and if the ailedged
abandonment of the rules of the modsrniaw of natl
ons, in its consequences, works an injury 10 thoie
allies, fro1 that moment France is alto injured.
Perhaps it will be in time notice this lait charge
when the allies themlelves complain if The aniwer
to the hrt, involving the fame principle, hould not
render fuch notice altogether unnecessary.
ihal prefenr your view tbofe facts and
obfervations which will prove, we conceive, that
til. minilters complaints without any jult foun-
dston.
Under the frft charge. That we have not MAIN
tained, ought have done, neutral
rights, it is al!edged;
lift. Tha, the poiiton, that t,reips mat fire goaas,
Is an etablhed principle of the modern law OF natl
ons, and that Great Britain by capturing French
property On board vefseIs has violated neu-
tral right and that unlels We compel Great Bri-
tain reipect ,hofe rights France will be outlined
in violating them :
Not 10 remark on the angular reckoning, that if
one warning power commit act of irjn!tice to-
wards neutral and Innocent nation, another
ring power may lawfully commit the like injultice,
may ak, what authority is adduced 10 fhow
that the modern law Of nations has eIlahhed the
principle that FREE ips MAKE free gaaas Vasel fays
poGti9sly thar g effects belonging to an enemy
found on board neutral ibip, feized by the
rphrs of war" Agreeable this long efsablilhed
rule of the law of nations, France herftlf, in her
marine laws. has directed that tie mereben&zes nsi
lFsa, 6esneng b,r tnems qvbrh a BE- and On bard
asN,al eeptA baH be good pri&es. BY a former law.
indeed, the neutral vessels tIlemf.ves, well as
the effects of her enemies bear, declared
10 be good prize, Valin remarks, however, thae