The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1842-09-21
stood to be not yet ratified on the part O


texcited no small degree of attention and dis
cussion in Europe, as the principles upon which
it is founded and the stipulatons which it con:
/ tains, have caused warm anllnadverslons and
! great political excitement.
In my message at the commencement OF the
present session of Congress, endeavored to
state the principles which this Government sup
ports respecting the right of search and the i'm
munty of flags. DESTROYS OF maintaining those
principles fully, at the same time that. existing
obligations should be fulfilled, have thought it
rmost consistent with the honor and dignity OF
the country, that it should execute its own laws,
and perform its own obligations, by its own
means and its own powers. The examination
or visitation OF the merchant vessels OF one ma
ton by the cruizers of another, for any purpose
4except those known and acknowledged by the
| law of nations, under whatcrer restraints or re
gulations it may take place, may lead to danger
Gus results. 1t is far better Ivy other means, to
supercede any supposed necessity, or any mo-
tivcs, fo7 such examination or visit. Interfere
ance with merchant vessel by an armed crui-
zers, is always delicate proceeding, apt to
touch the point of national honor, as well as to
affect the interests of individuals. 1t has been
thought, therefore, expedent, not only in ac-
corlance with the stipulations OF the treaty OF
Client, bit at the same time as removing all
pre:cxt on the part of others for violating the I'M
munites of the American flag upon the seas, as
they exist and are defined by the law OF nations,
to enter into the articles now submitted to the
Senate.
The treaty which I submit to you, proposes
no alterations; mitigation, or modihcatlon ol the
rules Of the law of nations. 1t provides simply
that each of the two governments shall MALL
tain on the coast of Africa sufficient squadron
to enforce, separately and respectively, the
laws, rights, and obligations of the two coun-
tries, for he suppression OF the slave trade.
Another consideration OF great importance
has recommended this mode Of fulfilling the du-
ties and obligations OF the country. Our COM
merce along the western coast o! Airica is eX-
tensive, and supposed to be increasing There
is reason to think that in many cases those en-
gagcd in it have met with interruptions and an
noyanccs, caused by the jealousy and Instlga-
ton OF rivals engaged in the same trade. Many
complaints on this subject have reached the Gov
ernment. A respectable naval force on the
coast is the natural resort and security against
further occurrences OF THIS kind.
The surrens,r TO justice of persons who, !
having committed high crimes, seek an asylum
in The territories of ncighborng nation, would
Justice and properly belonging TO the present
state of civilization and Intercourse. The Bri-
sh Provinces CT North America are separated
rom The aies Of the Union by line OF seye-
al thousand miles, and along portions OF this
inc the amount of population on either side IS
lui,c considerable, while the passage OF the
is always easy.
Offenders against the law on the one side,
a. tbo thor
with rrcat difficulty, they are brought to justice,
but very often, they, wholly escape. A con.
sciousness of Immunity, from the power OF
avoiding justice in this way, instigates the un-
.rincped and reckless to the commission OF OF
ences and the peace and good neghhorhood of
he border are consequently often disturbed.
In case of offenders fleeing from Canada in
to the United States, the Governors of states
are often applied to for their surrender, and
questions of a very embarrassing nature arise
from these applications. 1t has been thought
highly important, therefore, to provide lor the
Whole case by proper treaty stipulation. The
article on the subject in the proposed treaty IS
carefully confined to such offences as all man
kind arree 10 regard as henous and destructive
Of the security of life and property In this /.
careful and specified enumeration OF crimes,
the object has heen to exclude all political Oh
fences, or criminal charges arising from wars or
intestine commoiions. Treason, mlSprIson OF
treason ibels, destruction from military SER
vice, and other offences OF similar character are
excluded
And lest some unforeseen inconvenience or
abuse should arise from the stipula-
lions, rendering its continuance, IN the opnon
of one or both of the parties, not longer desIra-
bic, it is left in the power of either to put an
end to it at will.
The destruction of the Steamboat Caroline at :
Schosser, four or five years ago, occasloned no
small degree of excite nent at the time, and be-
come the subject OF correspondence between the
two Governments. That correspondence hav-
ing been SUSPENDED for considerable rer'od, g.,
was renewed in the spring of last year, but no
satisfactory result having heen arrived a., it was
thought proper, though the occurrence ceased
to be fresh and recent, not TO omit attention to
it on the present occasion. i has only heen so
far discussed in the correspondence now sub
mittcd, as it was accomplished by violation OF
the territory of the United States. The letter
of he British Minister, while he attempts 10
Justify that violation upon the ground OF pres
sing and overruling necessity, admitting; never
,heless, that even if juslitiabe, an apology was
due for il, and accompanying th:s acknowledge
ment with assurances Of the sacred regard oi his
Government for the inviolability of national ter
riury, has seemed to me sufficient TO warrant
lurbearance from any further remons rance
against what took place, as al aggression OIL lhe