Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-09-16

Lawrence, a dangerous passage, pracucaOIe
only for boats, the only safe run rs between
the Long Sault islands, and Barnhardts
island. all of which belong TO the United
States on one side, and the american shore
on the other. On the other hand, by TAR
the best passage for vessels OF any depth oil
water. from Lake Erie into the Detroit Riv-
or. is between Bots Blanc, British Island,
and the Canadian shore. So again there
are different channels and passages, OF differ
ent degrees Of facility and usefulness, be-
tween the several islands, in the river st.
Clair. ut or near its entry into the lake OF
that name. In these three cases the treaty
provides that all the several channels and
passages shall be free and open to the citi-
zens aud subjects of both parties
The treaty obligations subsisting between
the two countries for the suppression OF the
African slave trade, and the complaints
made TO this government within the last
three or four years, many OF them too well
founded, of the visitation, seizure and deten-
ton of American vessels on that coast, by
British cruizers, could not but form deli
cate and highly important part Of the nego-
tiaions which have now been held.
The early and prominent part which the
Government of the United States has taken
for the abolition of this unlawful and lnhu-
man traffic, is well known. BY the tenth
article of the treaty of Client, it is declared
that the traffic in slaves is irreconcllcable
with the principles of humanity and justice,
and that both His Majesty aud the United
States are DESTROYS of continuing their CT
forts TO promote its entire abolition and 1t
is thereby agreed that both contracting par
ties shall use their best endeavors to accom-
plish so desirable an object. The Govern
ment of the United States has by law declared
the African slave trade piracy; and at its sug-
gestion other nations have made similar
enactments. II has not been wanting in
honest and jealous efforts, made in conior-
nifty with the wishos of tho whole country,
to accomplish the entire abolition of the trai-
fc in slaves upon the African coast but
these efforts aud those OF other countries,
directed to the same end, have proved,
to considerable degree, unsuccessful
Treaties are known to have been entered
into some years ago between England and
France, by which the former power, which
usually maintains a large naval force on the
African station, was authorized TO seize and
bring in for adjudication, vessels found en-
gagged in the slave trade under the French
flag.
1t is known, that in December last,
treaty was signed in London by the Repre-
scntatircs of England, France, Russia, Prus-
STA and Austria, having for its protested OBJ
iect a strong and united effort of the five
powers to put an end to the traffic. This
treaty was not officially communicated TO
the Government of the United States, but
its provisions and stipulations are supposed
to be accurately known to the public. Ii is
understood TO be not yet ratified on the
part Of France.
No application or request has been made
to this government TO become party to
this treaty but the course it might take in
regard to il, has excited no small degree of
attention and discussion in Europe, as the
principles upon which it is founded and the
stipulations which it contains have caused
warm animadversions and great political en-
element.
In my message at the commencement Of
the present session of Congress, endeayor- |.
ed TO state the principles which this govern
neni supports respecting the right of search
and the immunity of flags. DESTROYS of
those principles fully, at the |
same time that existing obligations should !
De fulfilled, have thought it most consis- |
ent with the honor and dignity of this coun- !
ny, that II should execute lis own laws and /
perform its own obligations. by its own
means and its own power. The examine /
ion or visitation of the merchant vessels of
me nation by the cruisers of another. for
my purposes except those known and ac- |
by the law of nations, under
whatever restraints of regulations il may |
axe place, may lead TO dangerous results |
1 Is far better by other means, to superccde |
ny supposed necessity, or any motive for !
UGH an examination or visit. Interference
With merchant vessel by an armed cruiser |
5 always delicate proceeding, apt to touch I
he point of national honor, as well as to az !
ect the interests of individuals. Ii has !
'een thought, therefore, cxpedent, not on
y IN accordance with the siIpulatlons of the 1
realty of Client, but at the same time as re-
moving all pretext on the part of others for
lolatng the immunitics of the American !
lag upon the seas, as they exist and are de-
ined by the law of nations, to enter into the |
rticles now submitted to the Senate.
The treaty which | now submit TO You
proposes no alteration. mitigation, or mod-
icaton of the rules of the law of nations-
t provides simply that each Of the two gov
,rnments shall maintain on the coast of AZ |
lea, sufficient squadron to enforce, sepa-
ately, and respectively, the laws, rights, and
of the two countries, for the sup
preston Of the slave trade.
Another consideration of great impor-
ance has recommended this mode of fulfil !
ng the duties and obligations of the coun-
Try. Our commerce along the western