Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-03-03

was by the President.
Mr. Archer contended that there had never
been any remuneration of the right TO visit by
Great Britain. He admitted the truth OF what
the Minister of Great Britain said upon this
point. The right OF search, if il had ever been
maintained, was abandoned. The right OF
search rested where it was before, with no pro-
liability that in the execution of the treaty, il
would be exercised.
Mr. Benton said il was not his intention 10
go into the subject of maritime rights at all.
He should confne himself to the treaty alone.
One of the high contracting parties construed
il one way, and another way. Who was
rghti This was n momentous question, and
involved perhaps question of peace and war.
Who was right and who wrong! The ques-
ton was practical one, and one Of interest
and principle. The sooner each party took a
stand the better. He should submit practical
proposition, and he hoped before that treaty
was executed, the Government would cease 10
take any measures for the execution OF the tfea-
ty. What was the use of executing the treaty
when there was point of difference between
the parties involving a vital issue'
Mr. B. said he understood the treaty Of 1912
to give up both the right of search aud the
right Of visitation.
Mr. Buchanan said, in his seat, ESQ do J."
The President, continued Mr. Benton, decar-
ed that all pretence for interference in our COM
merce had been abandoned by Great Britain
This was in the Message OF December. Search
and visitation were regarded as the same by
the President He would enter into no disqui-
silion upon the subject. Sir Robert Peel made
a distinction between search and visitation.
The President did NOT and so far he rather a.
greed with the President. There was very
little difference between stopping one upon the
high seas and stopping and searching.
II was clear, Mr. Benton SAID, that the Brit
ish Government understood the treaty one way,
and that it would be maintained by them the
wav it was understood. We understood il
differently, and he was opposed under the cir
cumstances, 10 making any appropriations Tor
its execution. He wished TO know, too, what
the President designed TO do in the present
state of things The Senate should stand
where it is-at all events until more is known
upon the subject. II was the fate of weakness
to wait for events. II was the course of wis
dom to look ahead.
Mr. Henderson said it was well known TO all,
that before the ratification of the treaty, the
question Of the right of search and visitation
was much discussed. In voting for the treaty
he did not believe that Senators understood
they were voting an opinion upon this differ
ence between the two. He did understand,
though, in voting for the treaty, that Great
Britain waived all preference TO the right Of
search. Go far as he thought of the subject,
this was his opinion. He believed it was the
opinion of the Senate.
Mr. Archer commended that The construction
Of the treaty was the same by this Govern
ment and by Great Britain, and il conformed
10 the principles laid down by the Senator from
Missouri. The Senator, he was sure, would
al mi fhio hut FIR his upxvillinuueSS IN oUrea
with the negotiations. He would rather aban-
don his own principles perhaps than do this
Mr. Archer argued that the question Of differ
ence was not as material as Senators wished In
make il. Great Britain had for long time
contended that she would not give up the right
Of visitation and search. We claimed that she
should do this, and we arrived al some compro-
mise Of the matter by the terms OF the treaty.
There would be no visitation exercised, and the
right of search was abandoned.
Mr. Allen next addressed the Senate, repeat
ing the views of MIR Benton. He was for a.
hardening tho Treaty entirely, and beginning
discussion and negotiation anew. We had
gained nothing by the recent treaty but new
quarrel.
Mr. Evans entreated the Senate to put a stop
TO the discussion now going on. II was pre-
mature. Nothing was TO be gained by il. The
discussion would be in order upon another bill
which would be introduced upon this subject.
Now time was wasted, entirely thrown away,
and Just at the end of the session when the
calender was loaded with bills. Forty bills
could have passed the Senate but for this inter-
rupion, and the discussion Of The treaty The
treaty indeed had been more discussed than
any otheE subject during the session, aud taken
the place OF important matters, and all resulting
in mere discussion.
H. a. a. r r.. 4.
Senate was altogether too detective to act
wisely on this subject at this time. There
were two reports upon the subject before The
Senate, and they differed materially. He had
read both, and the report he held in his hand
said nothing 10 which exception could be la
ken. Extracts were read to show that Sir
Robert Peel did not mean, in the sense gener-
ally understood, what was attributed 10 him.
Mr. Calhoun said that we had declared the
slave trade piracy, and could we countenance
the slave trade under our flag and perhaps in
our vessels! We were bound 10 do something
and what better could we do than superinlend
our vessels in our own way, as we should by
the treaty. The right of search was superse-
ded by the treaty, and the right of visitation
too, on the African coast, to the extent of this
treaty. Let Great Britain, said Mr. c., vio-
late fair Interpretation of the treaty, at her
peril. She would violate not only good faith
with US, but the law of nations also. He did
not believe this was contemplated. But are
we, said Mr. c., TO violate all the forms of law
and order and custom, and the habits of free
nations, by flying at once into the resistance of
this treaty. should like TO see this question
put TO vote as to this mode of getting rid of a
treaty.
Mr. CuthbeIt said if The Government of
Great Britain violated fair Interpretation of
the treaty he should consider il both violation
of faith and perjury of her word.
Mr. King expressed himself as strongly, as TO
his understanding Of the treaty. He had heard
Lord Ashburton say that his understanding of