The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-11-18
Extract Of q letter ti-on Mr.. tfcdlson 10
Cen .frms.rong.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,


of December The same conveyance brough.
copy OF the sentence pronounced by the
French prize court in the case of the Hori-
zon, giving judicial effect to the decree of
Nov 2lst, 1906, as eXpounded III the answer
OF Mr.. Champagny to your letter of the 18th
November. 1907.
Whtis. the French , =; no. a.
vow or enforce meaning of the decree of
Nov 1906, in relation to the United States,
extending its pnrview beyond the municipal
limits, it could not in strictness be regarded
as an attraction either of our neutral or con-
ventional rights; and consequently did not
authorize more than demand of seasonab!e
explanations of its doubtful imrnrt, OIL. friend
ly representations with respect tb the rigor and
suddenness of it's innovations.
The case ~ now essehtialiv changed
construction OF the decree is avowed and ex-
ecuted, which violates as we'll the positive
stipuiations OF the convention of Sept. 3Oth,
1900, as the inconteStible principles of pub
lie law and the President charges YOU to
suPeradd to whatever representation, YOU
may have previously made, n formal remop
STRANGE in such terms as may be Best ca!cu-
lated either to obtain recall of the illegal
measure, so far as it relates to the u S, or
to have the effect of leaving in fn,l force all
the rights accruing to them from failure to
do So
That the execution of local laws against
foreign nations on the high seas, is VIOLATE
on of the rights of the former and the free
dom OF the latter, will probably not be ques-
toned. A contrary principle would in
tact imply the same exclusive dominion
over the entire ocean, as is eniOycn within
the limits of the local sovereignty, and a
degradation of every other nation from it's
common rights and equal rank.
If it be commended that the decree, rs a re-
talation on the other beiligerent,. at the ex-
pence OF neutral nations, is justified BY a cu!-
pable acquiescence in the prior measures of
that belligerent, operating through neutrals,
you VIII be able co deny such acquiescence,
and to urge moreover that, on every suDro-
sitioD, the retaliatiug measure could not be
justly inforced, in relation toneutrais, without
allowing them at least d reasonable time for
chusing between due measures against the
prior wrong, and an acquiescence in both
he copy OF the representations to the Rri-
fish government, through its minister here
on the subject OF its orders of January, 1907,
will at once disprove an acquescence on the
part of the United States, AND explain the
grounds on which the late extension of the
French decree of November, 1906, is an OBJ
ject of just remonstrance.
The conduct of the French government. in
giving this extended operation to its decree.
and indeed In ISSUING one with such an appa-
rent or doubtful report against the rights OF
the sea, is the more extraordinary. inasmuch
as the inability to enforce it or that element
exhibited the measure in the light Of an emp
ty menace, at the same time that II afforded
pretexts to her enemy for severe retalIations,
for which ample means are found in her ma
val superiority.
.Iot -, 4
legal proceedings of the beligcrent nations
have subjected the commerce and navigation
of the United States. have ut length Undue
ell Congress to resort TO an embargo on our
own vessels, as measure best fitted for the
crisis, being an ehectual security for our mer-
camille property and mariners now at home
and daily arriving and. at the same time,
neither measure nor just cause of war. Co
pies of this act were. soon after its passage,
to Mr.. Pinkncy, with an autllo-
rity to assure the British government, that it
was to be viewed in this light, and that was
not meant to be the slightest impeachment to
amlcable negotiations with foreign govern
ments. He was requested to avail himself
o. IN opportunity Of communicating to You
and Mr.. Erving this view of the subject. and
/ hope that you will have been thence ena-
bed TO present it to the French government.
tunity, / send by this another copy of the act,
with an instruction from the President, that
YOU make it the subject of such explanations
as will guard against any misconception Of
The policy which led to it, 1t is strictly a
measure of precaution, required by tine dan
ycrs incident tu external commerce, and, be-
ing indscriminatc in its terms and operation
towards all nations. can give no just offence to
any The duration Of the act is not fixed bv
tsef and will consequently depend on
or cessation Of its causes, IN a
legree sufficient in the Judgment Of the le-
;islature, TO induce or forbid its repeal It !
nay be hoped that the Inconvenience felt
rom tidy the bclligcrent nations may lead to
change Of the conduct which imposed the |
nconVeniences Of it on ourselves France
herself will be a sufferer. and some other al !
les far more so. 1t will be very agreeable to |
ind in that consideration, and still more in |
Ter sense Of justice, sufficient motive tn |
NEARLY manifestation Of the respect due 20 |
,nr commercial rights. The cxainple would |
u worthy o. tic professions which She makes |
o the world on tbs subject"
February IL. Since the above was writ |
en-, have been under a degree Of indispo- |
itloR which has suspended the proposed con