Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-03-09
.':s. Gstsi.r 10 III. Cess.
DEPARTMENT o. STATE, !


EaShiagten, .9ggas; -, 1912
Sit. You will see by tie cncosec the result of the
negotiations lately had in This city between this depart
nent and Lord hsiburiol The treaty has bee ,ati.
had by The President and Senate.
In communicating 10 you tbs Treaty, | am directed
by the President 20 draw your particular attention 10
those articles which relate to the suppression of the
African slave trade
After full and anxious consideration OF this very de-
cate subject, the Government OF the United States
has come 10 The conclusion, which you will see express
ed IN the Presidents Message the Senate, accom-
panying the Treaty.
Without intending or desiring TO influence the policy
OF other Governments on this important subject this
Government has reflected what was due 10 its own
character aud positIon Us the leading maritime power
Oh the American Continent, left free TO make such
choice OF means for The fuilment of it's duties as it
should deem best suited 10 It's dignity. The result of
their reflections has been, that does concur in
measures, which, for whatever benevolent purpose
they may be adopted, or, with whatever care aud mo-
oefation they may be exercised have yete tendency to
place the Police of the Seas in the hands Of single
power. 1t chooses rather to follow lis own laws, with
It's own sanction, and 10 carry them into execution by
its authority.
Disposed 10 act in the spirit Of the cordial con-
cnence with other nations, for The suppression of the
African slave trade, tina! great reproach of our times
IL deems 1t TO be right, nevertheless, that this action
though concurrent, should b. independent and it be.
licves that, fran his Independence il will derive a
greater degree OF efficiency
You wi.i perceive however, that, in the opinion of
s Government cruising against slave dealers on the
coast OF Africa is not ell which necessary to be DONE
n order TO put an end to the traffic There are markets
Tor slaves, or the unhappy natives OF Africa would not
be seized, Chained, aud carried the ocean into sa
very These markets ought 10 be shut. And in the
treaty now communicated 10 you, the high contracting
parties have stipulated 'tha they will mite in all be-
coming representations and remonstrances with any
and all powers within whose domirons such markets
are allowed 10 exist: and that they will urge upon all
such powers The propriety aad duty cf closing such
makets ehectually At once and for ever"
You are furnished then, with the American policy
IN regard 10 this interesting subject First, ndepend
emit bat cordially efforts OF maritime States
TO Suppress as lar possible the trade on the coast by
means of competent and well-a pponted squadrons to
watch the shores and scour the neIghooring seas;
condiy, concurrent becoming remonstrance with all
Governments, who tolerate within their territories
markets for the purchase Of African negroes There
is much reason to believe that, if other States pro-
Tossing equal hostility TO this ncarlous traffic. would
give their own powerful concurrence and operation
10 these remonstrances the general effect would be sa.
tsacory, and that the cupIdity and crimes of indv-
duais would at length to find both their temp,a
ton and their reward in The bosom of Christian States
and IL The permission of Christian Governments
1t will still remain for each Government 10 revise
execute, and make eiiectua its own municipal
laws, against liz sub ecs citizens who shall be con.
cerned III, or IN any way give aid countenance to
others concerned III this traffic
You are at liberty To make the contents of this de-
spatcii known 10 The French Government
have the honor to be, sir,
Your obedent servant,
DANIEL WEBSTER.
LEWIS Cas-, Esq, &c, &c, NC.