The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1841-12-11

'iiuan.e, Gnu against us own Citizens, who
might SO far forget the rights of humanity
as to engage in that wicked traffic, it has
long since, by its municipal laws, denoun-
ccd the most condign punishment. Ma
ny OF the States composing this Union,
had made appeals to the civilized world
for its suppression, long before the moral
sence OF other nations had become shock
ed by the iniquities of the traffic.
Whether this Government should now
enter into treaties containing mutual slip
lations upon this subject Is question for
its mature deliberation. Certain it is, thai
If the right to detain American ships on
the high seas CAP be justified on the plea
ct necessity 1or saehs detention, arising
out Of the existence Of treaties between
other nations, the same plea may be cx-
tended and enlargened by the new slipu-
latlons of new treaties, to which the Uni
ted States may not be party. This Co
vcrnmcnt will not cease to urge upon that
OF Great Britain, full and ample remuner-
ton for all losses, whether arising from
detention or otherwise, to which Ameri-
lean citizens have heretofore been, or
may hereafter be subjected, by the exer-
else OF right which this Government can-
not recognise as legitimate and proper.
Nor will indulge IA doubt but that the
sense of justice of Great Britain will COLI
strain her to makeretribution forany wrong,
or loss whichanyAmerican citizen, engage
ed in the prosecution of lawful commerce,
may have experienced at the hand of her
cruisers, or other public authorities. This
government, at the same time, will relax no
effort to prevent its citizens, if there be any
so disposed, from prosecuting a trillic so
revolving to the feelings of humanity. 1t
seeks to do no more than to protect the
fair and honest trader, from molestotion
and injury; but while the enterprising ma
riner, engaged in the pursuit of ar honor
able trade, is entitled to its protection, it
will visit with condign punishment, 9TH
crs OF an opposite character.
! invite your attention to existing laws
for the SUPP resslon of the American slave
trade, and recommend all such alterations,
as may give to them greater force and eC-
fcacy. That the American flag is gross
ly abused by the abandoned and profit.
gate of other nations, is but too probable.
Congress has, not long since, had this
subject under its consideration, and its
importance well justifes renewed and
anxious attention.
also communicate herewith the copy
of correspondence between Mr.. Steven.
son and Lord PalmorstoG, upon the sub
,,Gct so Interesting to several of the South
ern States, of the rice duties, which result
ted honorably to the justice of Great Brit
ain, and advantageously to the United
States.
BIT the opening Of the last annual scs-
sion, the President informed Congress of
the progress which had then been made
in negotiating convention between this
and that Of England, with a
view to the final settlement of the ques-
ton of the boundary between the terrific
rial limits OF the two countries. Ircgret
to say that little further advancement of
the object has been accomplished since
last year, but this is owing to circumstan-
ccs no way indicative Of any abatement OF
of the desire of both parties TO hasten the
to its conclusion, and to settle
the question in dispute, as early as posi-
ble.-In the course of the session, it is
my hope to be able to announce some
further degree Of progress, towards the
of this highly desirable
end.
The commission appointed by this Go
vernment for the exploration and survey
of the line of boundary separating the
States Of Maine and New Hampshire from
the contcrminous british Provinces is, it
is believed about to close its field labors,
and is expected soon to report the results
Of its examinations to the Department of
State. The report. when received, will be
laid before Congress.
The failure on the part of Spain to pay
with punctuallty, the interest due under
The Convention of 1884, for the settlement
of claims between the two countries, has
made 1t the duty OF the Execution to call
the particular attention of that Government
10 the subject. A disposition has been
manifested by it, which is believed to be
entirely sincere, to fulfil its obligations, in
This respect, so soon as its internal condi-
lion and the state of its finances will per-
mit.-An arrangement is in progress, from
the result of which, it is trusted that those
of our citizens who have claims under the
Convention, will at no distant day, re-
ceive the stipulated payments.
A Treaty of Commerce and Naviga-
ton with Belgium was concluded and
signed at Washington on the Goth March
lS40, and was duly sanctioned by the
Senate of the United States. The Treaty
was ratified by His Belgian Majesty, but
did not receive the appreciation of the Bel
gian Chambers within the time limited by
its terms, and has, therefore, become void