Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1842-09-15


strong and united effort of the five powers to
put an end to the traffic. This treaty was
not officially communicated to the Govern
ment of the United States, but its provisions
and stipulatiOns are supposed to be accurate-
ly known 10 the public. 1t is understood to
be not yet ratified on the part Of France.
No application or request has been made to
this GoVerpment 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 principle
upon which it is founded and the stpula-
tons which it contains, have caused warm
hniinadvcrsionS and great political excite
mcnt.
In my message at the commencement of
the present session of Congress, endeavored
to state the principles which this Government
supports respecting the right of search and
the immunity of flags. DESTROYS of main
tanning these principles fully, at the same
time that existing obligations should be full
filled, have thou ght it most consistent with
the honor aud dignity of the country, that it
should execute its own laws, and perform its
own obligations, BY its own means and its
own power. The examination or visitation
of the merchant vessels of one nation by the
cruiZers of another, for any purpose except
those known and acknowledged by the law
Of nations, under whatever restraints or regu-
lations it may take place, may lead to dun
gerous results. 1t is far better by other
means, to supersede any supposed necessity,
or any motive, for such examination or visit.
Interference with merchant vessel by an
armed cruiZer. is always delicate proceed
ing, apt to touch the point of national honor,
as we'll as to affect the interests of individuals.
1t has been thought, therefore expesient, not
OnIv in aCCOrda nco with the SfiDulationS Of
the Treaty of Client, but at the same time as
removing all pretext on the part of others
for violating the immunities of the American
flag upon the seas, as they exist and are def
ned by the law of nations, to enter into the
articles now submitted to the Senate.
The treaty which now submit to you,
proposes no alteration, mitigation, or moditi-
cation of the law of nations. 1t provides
simply that each of the two governments
shall maintain on the coast Of Africa sufi.
cient squadron to enforce separately and re-
spectively the laws rights and obligations of
the two countries, for the suppression of the
slave trade.
Another consideration of great importance
has recommended this mode of fulfilling the !
duties and obligations of the country. Our
along the western coast of Africa
$ extensive, and supposed to be increasing.
There is reason to think that in many cases
hose engaged in it have met with Interrupt
ions and annoyances, caused by the jealousy
md instigation of rivals engaged in the same
rade. Many complaints on this subject hive
cached the Government. A respectable
naval force on the coast is the natural resort
md security against further occurrences of
his kind.
The surrender to justice of persons who,
having committed high crimes, seek an assy-
um in the territories of a neghboring nation,
would seem to be an act due to the cause of
general justice and properly belonging to the
present state of civilization and intercourse.
The British Provinces of North America are
separated from the states Of the Union by a
inc OF several thousand miles, and along
portions of this line the amount of population
IN either side is quite considerable, while
he passage Of the7boundary is always easy.
Offenders against the law on the one side,
ransier themselves to the other. Sometimes,
with great difficulty, they are brought to jus.
ice, but very often they wholly escape. A
of immunity, from the power
Of avoiding justice in this way, instigates the
and reckless to the commission
If offences, and the peace and good neigh
oorhood OF the border arc consequently often
In the case of offenders fleeing from Cana
la into the United States, the governors Of
states are often applied to for their surren-
Ter, and questions of very embarrassing
nature arise from these applications. 1t has
been thought highly important, therefore.
10 provide for the whole by proper treaty !
stipulation. The article on the subject in the |
treaty is carefully confined to such |
offences as all mankind agree to regard as
heinous and destructive OF the security of
life and property. In this careful and spe-
cific enumeration of crimes, the object has !
been to exclude all political offences, or cri-
minal charges arising from wars or intestine
Treason, misprision of treason,
libels, desertion from military service, and
other offences of similar character are exclu-
ded.
And, lest some unforeseen Inconvenience
or unexpected abuse should arise from the
stipulation, rendering its continuance, in the
opinion OF one or both of the parties, not
longer desirable, it is left in the power of
either to put an end to it mt will.
The destruction Of the steamboat Caroline
at Schlosser, four or five years ago, occa-
stoned no small degree of excitement at the
time, and became the subject Of correspon-
dence between the two governments. That
correspondence having been suspended for
a considerable period, was renewed in the
spring of last year, but no satisfactory result
having been arrived at, it was thought pro-
per, though the occurrence had ceased TO be
fresh and recent, not TO omit attention to it
on the present occasion. 1t has heen only SD
far discussed i'm the correspondence now
submitted, us it was accomplished by vio-
lation of the territory of the United Slalrs-
The letter Of the British Minister, while he
attempts to justify that violation upon the
ground of q pressing and Oyer-ruliny neceS.