Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-04-04

ultimate denunciation Piracy, under the Law
oil Nations, by the consent Of the civilized world
In pursuance Of this object you will commune
cate to the Colombian Government copies of the
several acts of our Congress, for the suppression
Of the Slave trade, of the S0ih Of April, 1918,
| Omitted States Laws, vol. vi. p. 1851 of the Sd
OF March, 1919, Up. 43s, and of I5Ih May, 1920,
(p 529.) pointing their attention particularly TO
the fourth and fifth sections OF the last, which
subject to the penalties OF piracy every citizen
OF the United States guilty of active psrticipat
| ton in the African slave trade. The adoption Of
this principle in the Legislative code of all the
maritime nations, would, of itself, probably suffice
for the suppression of the trade But, as it would
yet no, authorize the armed vessels of any one
ton to capture those of another, engaged in the
trade, stipulation TO that effect may be agreed TO
by the Treaty, conditioned that the captor shall
deliver over the captured party to the tribunals OF
his own country for trial, to which should be added
some guard of responsibility upon the capturing
officer, to prevent the abusive exercise OF his
power.
There are several cases of claims by citizens Of
the United States upon the Colombian Govern
mcnt, which were given in charge 10 MIR. Todd,
| and concerning which he has been often promised
by Dr. Gual, that satisfactory proceedings would
be had. Some of them already of severa! years
standing, & Indemnity was acknowledged to be due
upon tHem 80 long since as Wne4 tDe Iate SOnOlO-
dore Perry was at Angosiura. Mr.. Todd will put
you in possession of the papers relating to them,
and yon will follow up the demand of indemni-
ties with all the earnestness and perseverance
which their justice and the delays already interpos-
ed may require.
Most Of them complaints which have arisen
from maritime captures. Before the establishment
of the Republic OF Colombia, the Venezuelan Re-
evolutionary authorities for some time countenanc-
| ed irreuular at nj martins hic "a
soon degenerated into absolute piracy. 1t became
a subject OF very earnest remonsrance by the Go
yernment of the United States, whose citizens suf-
| ered severely under its depredations, whose laws
were continually outraged by its operative agents,
and whose good faith and justice towards other
lions II tended very seriously to mplcate. Since
the organization of the new Republic, there has
been less for complaints, but satisfaction has
not YET been made for those which had arisen be-
fore. A list OF the cases committed TO Mr. Todd
and copies OF papers recently received al this De
partment, from the Delaware Insurance Company
at Philadelphia, relating to the schooner Minerva,
are now furnished you.
In this case of the Minerva, the sentence is
| given by assessor, acting as Court of Admi-
rally; and confirmed by the Commandant General
of Marine at Santa Martha. II refers TO the l9l
article of an ordinance of 18th March. 1917, which
is no doubt law relating to prizes. You are re-
ques,ed TO procure and transmit this Department
a copy OF that ordinance, and also exact informa-
,ion of the organization OF the Admiralty Courts,
and any laws relating to prizes privateerng
which may be in force, whether Spanish law
continued or new law promulgated since the Re-
/ vou,ion.
/ Our intercourse with the Republic of Colombia
and with the Territories Of which il is composed
is OF recent origin, formed, while their own con-
don altogether revolutionary, and continu-
ally changing its aspect. Our information con-
corning them is imperfect, and among the most
important objects of your mission will be that oil
adding 10 its stores; OF exploring the untr odden
ground, and of collecting and transmitting to us
the knowledge by which the friendly relations be
! tween the two countries may be extended and har-
monized 10 promote the welfare of both, with due
regard TO the peace and good will of the who'll,
family of civilized man. 1t is highly important
that the first foundations OF the permanent future
inlercourse between the two countries should b.
laid in principles, benevolent and liberal in them
selves, congenal to the spirit Of our institutions
and consistent with the duties of unve rsal phiIan
thropy.
In all your consultations with the Government
to which you will be accredited, bearing upon it,
political relations with this Union, your unvary-
ing standard will be the spirit of independence ant
OF freedom, as equality of rights and favors vii
r be that OF its commercial Citations The eInanci
patton of the South American Continent, opens Il
which this Union will be called in the discharge O
its duties TO itself and to unnumbered ages of pos
terty, TO take conspicuous and leading part I
involves all that is precious in hope. and al
that is desirable in existence, The countless mil
lions OF our fellow-creatures which, in the pro-
gressve revolution Of time. this hemisphere is des
. tined to rear and TO maintain.
That the fabric of our social connections witt
our Southern neighbours may rise, in the lapse O
, years. with a grandeur and harmony OF proportion
E corresponding with the magnihcence of the means
e placed by Providence in power, and in that G
our descendants, its foundations must be laid
principles Of politics and of morals; new and dis
tasteful to the thrones and Nominations of the eide
world; but co-extensiye with the surface Of III
{ globe, and lasting as the changes of time"
The foregoing is the whole Of No. IL
/, No 2.
Mr.. SalGEar to Mr. Clay.
b LEGATION OF COLOMBIA,