Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-10-20

what is the meaning of a treaty, until it comes e
be executed, as the difference of opinion betweeI
the two Governments and the Commissioners arts
ing under the Treaty of Client in consequence,
thereof. most fully prove. If any advantage wa.
to ke gained by the manner. the act of the Legis-
ature certainly offered it, II was prompt and a
hand, ready to give relief by reciprocatpg the ac
of the British Government, which was an act o.
Parliament. Ii they chose TO act through the Lee
gislaiure, why should re refuse, when the term.
were suck anxious TO close in? An
act OF the Legislature is within the power of each
Government, and may be modified at pleasure. But
treaty stipulation is binding, and placed beyond
the control of either, without the consent of the
other. Admitting that il was prominent subject
OF negotiation between the two Governments, and
was likely to he brought to successful issue, thu,
formed no conclusive argument why it should not
be effected through the Intervention of the Legis-
la,ure. Time was every thing, and the opportu-
nifty offering should have been embraced without
delay.
The Committee in their report pretend TO say,
that a {" just reciprocity does not exist" And
how DO they prove it, BY showing that cssh du-
ties are paid by foreign vessels, while British are
entitled 10 credit Of six and nine months. This
difference arises from the policy Of The respective
Governments in the collection OF their duties, the
United States allowing, for instance, a credit,
while Great Britain requires cash, and should form
no just ground Of complaint. The exports from
one state to another chargeable with duties
aud Just as well might she complain of this undue
preference, asswe of that which is given to her
North American possessions. Ii il, in fact, no
advantage; Tor the vessels of the United States can
make four five voyages 10 the West Indies in
the course ot the year, while those Of Canada are
limited TO one
The British act of 1925, permits our vessels
(uron the removal of our resrictions) to take
goods from the Colonies to any foreign country
whatever. What more could be required at so
small sacrifice; That it was founded upon an
earnest Wish place the commerce of the two
nations upon reciprocal basis l. best shewn from
the act Itself, which is as follows:
&c Section l. And whereas. by the law OF navi-
CATION, foreign slips permitted to import into
any OF the British possessions abroad iron, he
countries TO which they belong. goods the pro-
uuce OF those counties. anu 10 export goods from
such possessions BE carried 10 any foreign coun-
ny "ha'eger; and whereas, it is expedieni, that
sud Permission should be subject TO certain condi
lions: BE it therefore enacted, that the privileges
thereby granted to foreign ships, shall be limited to
the ships OF those countries, not having Colonial
possessions, which shall place the commerce and
navigation of this country, and its possessions
abroad, upon the footing of The most favoured ma
ton
The restriction complained of by The British Go
vernmeni is the 81 cents tonnage, with the sdd-
uonal ten per cent. duties, levied upon British YES
sells arriving from her colonies in the ports of the
United States, which, after the Presidents procla-
nation in 1922. were considered as still existing
and enforced under the revenue laws. This pro-
duced retaliatory measure by eXactng equal du-
ties in the ports of the Colonies of American YES
sels and by the of Parliament of 1925 the door
again opened for adjustment but havinr tail A
10 enter in time, it is barred az ins us by the
late Order in Council, which has been published.
The administration, in this whole affair, must
have acted from one of two notions, if not from
both. Either out of hostility to Great Britain or
to take the credit TO itself of having settled mat
ter, which has been too long subject of conten-
| ton between the two countries without the inter
vention OF Cong ess. True policy would have
dictated the latter course and was the duty of the
President 10 have brought the subject before Con-
gress, that the acts OF Parliament might have been
met in that spirit OF candor, frankness and bera
| ty with which they were rendered. Instead o!
that, what we told? THAT it forms one of the
special and prominent objects which have been
committed TO the Minister of the United States al
The Court oil London, and is expected to come to
| a dehntive issue" One Mission has ,errsnated
without being able effect any thing, AMI another
Is sent out for the purpose of renewing the discuss
sion. In the mean time, the Order in Council
comes In TO enforce the restrictive system with all
| the aggravated circumstances of its former riaor
This may be very palasble to HE President anC
Secretary of State, who, it is believed, are not
wanting in disposition to raise difficulties abroad
That the public attention may be withdrawn from
them at home; but the people are the sufferers il
the cause, and will hold them responsible in doe
! season
ONE OF TIE GRACCHI.