The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-11-02

nicaticn from Mr.. Murry 10 tbs Dspa,tmen
bearing date on The 18th Of April, 1904
The following arc the circumstances attend
ing it--Com. Hood, the commander Of the
British squadron in the Wesl-Indics,in 1913
having declared the Islands Of Martinique S,
Gaudaloupc ina STATE Of blockade, without
applying an adequate force TO maintain IL, the
Secretary oi STAKE demonstrated against the
iliegality osthc measure, which remembrance
was laid elofc the Lords Commissioners oil
he Admiralty in England, who replied,
{" that they had sent orders DOT To consider
any blockade OF those islands IS existing un-
less ia respect of particular ports, which
Nigh, be actually invested, and then not 10
capture vessels bound 20 such pons, unless
they shall pre- siousy have been gsIped not 10
cnter ihem" The second defni,ion is 10 be
found in a convention between @. Britain apd
Russia ia june sol, 9Th sect. 8,h art which
declares, 4" that ia order 10 determine what
characterises blockaded port, that denomi-
oalioa is given only 10 port where there is
by the disposition OF the power which attacks
IL, with ships stationary or sufficiently near,
an evident danger IN entering. The Presi-
cent is wilhng for you adopt either of these
definitions, but prefers the FIRST as more pre-
else and deter inmate; and whenfit is consid-
cred that il was made the criterion by q fol-
NAL act between the two governments, it caa-
not be presumed that the British government
will tbject 10 the removsl ot it. Nothing is
more natural after the differences which have
taken place between the two countries, on
rhis aud other subjects, and the departure
from this criterion by Great Britain, for rea-
sons which are admitted by her no longer TO
exist, than that they should on the restora-
,ion Of good understanding recurtoT, again.
Such q recurrence would be the more satis-
factory to the President, as 1t would affod a
proof Of disposition in the British govern
ment, no. simply 10 compromise difference,
but to re-estabIish sincere friendship be-
tween the two nations.
An interference with our commerce be-
tween enemy's colonies and their parent
country was among the violations Of our neu-
,ral rights, committed by Great Britain, in
he, presen, war with France. Ii took place
in 1905, did extensive injury, and produced
universal excitement. In securing as against
repetition OF il, you will attend 10 an article
OF the convention between Russia aoG Great
'Bfitain, entered into on the day Of 1901,
to the li,h art. OF the project OF treaty with
Great. Britain that was signed by Mr.. Monroe
and Mr.. Pinkney on the 3 lst Dec. 1906, and
to the instructions from this Department re-
lalinK TO that article Of the Goth uf May, s07.
The capture byGrea,- -Britain Of almost all
the islands Of her enemies, diminisbes the
importance Of any regulation of this subject |;
bat rs they may be restored by a treaty Of
peace, it merits particular attention. IL be-
ing understood, however, chat anles, such a
trade can be obtained in proper extent, and
w,hoo, rc!inquishmen Mt Of the principle con.
tended for by the United States, i, will be
best that the treaty be silent on the subject.
A disposition has been shewn by the Brit
ish gQyernment 10 extend this principle so
far as 10 inhibit trade TO neu,raIs even bee
tween a power AT peace with Great. Britain
aud her enemy, ss tor example between Chi
ma and France. The absurdi,y Of this pre-
iention may prevent IT'S being hereafter ad.
vanced II will not, however, be unworthy
of-your attention.
BY an order OF the Brush goycrnme u, in
1905, ilish ruizers were authorized TO
take neutral vessels, laden with innocen ar :
ticles on ,hcir return from an coemy's port,
oa the pre,ence that they had carried TO such
port contra aband of war. This orderis direct
Iy repugnant 10 the law Of nations, as the cir
cumstancs Of having con,raband articles on
board, bound to all encrny's port, is the only
legal ground of seizure. The claim was re-
liaquished by the BRUSH government in the
9Th article of the project obove reci,ed, you
will sndeavor in like manner 10 provide a
gainsi il. 1t is the practice Of British cruz
ers TO compel the commanders Of neutral yes
sells which they meet al sea, either to board
them in person with their papers. or 10 send
their papers on board in their toats by an Of
6cer. The injustice and irregularity Of this
procedure need not be mentioned. You will
cndeavor to suppress il in the manner pro.
posed in the third article Of project com.
municated to Mr.. Monroe, at London, in hi,
Instructions OF the s,h January, 1904. You
will cndeavor, likewise, TO restrict contraband
OF war, as much as in your power, 10 the lis,
contained in the 4th article Of that project