New-York tribune., 1842-04-19
The Right Of search.

i3yd 1beFHccpS jttpy 10 inc i'otc OF
The undersigned &c, has the honor Of add
dressings Nlr.Evcrclt, Sc.,thc observations which
lie feels called upon to make in answer to the note
of Mr.. Stevenson, dated on the 2lst OF October
As tia, communication only reached the hands
o( the undersigned on lhc=duv after the departure
Mr. Stevenson from London, on his return to
America and as there has since been Ho Minister
or Charge Il Ailj,irs from the United States resi-
dent III this country, the undersigned has looked
with some anxiety tcl the arrival OF Mr. Everett,
=iii order that he mig BIO enabled TO renew his
diplomatic intercourse with an accredited repre-.
sen,;ltivc OF the Republic. Had the undersigned
entertained no other purpose than 10 con'rovrrt
the arguments Of Mr.. Stevenson. or to lnrtily his
own. in treating of ,hc=matfrr which has formed
the subject OF their corrcS psnecncc he would have
experienced little Impotence; but, as i, is his de-
sire u clear up doubt and to remove rnisapprc-
hcnsinr, he feels that he cannot Too early ayail
him.eIt Of the presence of Mr.. Everett n, his post,
10 bring 10 his knowledge tlc=u state ei the
question Al issue
The undersigned agrees with Mr.. Stevenson in
tin, importance cinrriving alta clear Outstanding
OF the matter really in dispute This ougll. 10 be
the irs object III the differences Of states, well
u, OF individuals; and. happily, il is ottcnhc first
step to The reconciliation of the parties. In The
rrescn, case, tins understanding is doubly essen
Innvc producliNeot the most serious consequences
Mr.. Stevenson persists il contcndng. that the
British Government assert right which lSrqulya-
len, 10 the claim OF searching ANlericun vessels IN
limo of pence. In proof of this. Mr.. Stevenson
refers 10 Il passage III a former note OF 'iScouni
=Palmerstor. addressed to himself, against which
heStrongly protests. and the doctrine contained in
which he SAYS the underSi gncd Is understood TO
atGrm,
4 81
"a iaquirn into the precise import and force Of
,heexpres,jonS Of Ni,ccuut Palmcrsonn. These
riieA have l,cen easily explained to Mr., Stevenson
bythcir author, u, the time they written; ou,
The undersigned mast request that his doctrines
upon this SUBJECT, and those o; the Government OF
winch he Is thc organ may be judged of cNcu-
sjscly ilpmhi own declaration.
The undersigned again rcnounccs, Us he has al
ready done. III the most explicit terms, any rs
on the part os the British Government to search
-ilercan vessels TX tine III peace. The right OF
search, except when specially conceded by treaty,
isop purely belsrrcNt right, and can have no exist.
CAGE ~ the high seas during peace. The under
>lshct aPpIchencs. however, thut the right OF.
search Is confined 10 the vcri!icaiion .; the
nationality OF the vessel but also extends 10 the
object OF the voyage and the natur,, OF the cargo
The sole purpose OF the British cruisers Is 10 as
certain whether tie vessel. they mcetzwi,h are
really American OF not,ZGhe right asserted has.
:n truth, no=tcscmhlancc TO the right OF search
either Ia principle or practice. Ii is simply a
rightln satisfy the party who has legitimate IN
te!eSt in knowing the truth that the vesse! is wha,
her cc.or>= announce This rNh, we conccdc a.
iroeiE rs We cxercisc.T The British cruisers are
not=trstIacted 10 detain American vessels under
ANY circumstances Whatever on the contrary they
are ordered to abstain from ali interference viii,
them. I've ltieV Slavcr> or othe,w;>e ~, he,