Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1843-03-09
TsCenfy-serenfh Com gress.
THIRD SESSION.
From the Correspondence Of The Bait. Patr;o,.
WAsHrNcTnx Ma,ch = ,oxo

1
WASHINGTON, March /, ls43.
1 The Supply Bill for the Treaty Of
Washington-proyiding the necessary ap-
preparations for carrying stipulations into
effect--passed the House Of Representa-.
ltves yesterday evening, by vote Of 1877
to 40. The most Of those who voted in
he negative, objected not to the main
provisions of the Treaty, but to the mo-
ney which is granted to the States Of Mas
sachuseits and Maine.
The subject of the Right Of visii was
introduced into the discussion. have
never had doubt that the position taken
I by our Government on this question is the
only one consistent with the rights and
dignity Of an independent nation and the
universal opinion 10 this country (t may
be confidently stately was that the Trea-
ty bad settled the question IN the manner
implied IN the Presidents Messages of
August and December last. No one can
believe that the Treaty would have been
ratified by the Senate, il !, had not been
distinctly understood by that body, that
the clauses providing for separate and IN
diyidlal action on the coast pi Africa, in
suppressing the slave trade, were 10 SUI
percede this claim of visltorial power on
the part of Great Britain. As to the
practical consequences of the existing diff
ference between the TWO Governments, in
regard to the Interpretation, the public
may dismiss all solictude. The despatch
from Lord Aberdeen, is couched in the
most moderate, respectful, and friendly
terms; and the question will probably be
adjusted after very short diplomatic cor
respondence.
concur entirely with the remark of
Mr.. Cushing, yesterday, that by the stand
America has taken on this question great
good has been gained. Had i, no; been
for the opposition Of the United States,
there would have been, before this time,
Il universal admission Of the Right Of
Search by the nations Of Chrlstendom.
We have substituted the plan OF concert
ed cruising, for the reciprocal concession
Of the Right of Search, which, but the
Treaty of Washington would have BEEN
Interpolaied into the law of nations. And
in dong so, we have rolled back the tide
Of British maritime assumption.
Mr.. Gushing showed, very justly too
that the Earl Of aberdeen does not claim
in his despatch of October 30th, to MIR.
Stevenson, or in the later one to Mr.. Ev-
erett, Of December, l64l, the right TO VIZ
sit American ships. Throughout the
whole Of this supposed controversy no
does not put forth such a claim. On tho
contrary, he disavbws it. But he MAIN
tains that il British cruiser encounters
anywhere on the ocean, vessel with an
American flag, which he has reason to
suspect is either an English, or French, or
Spanish, or Austrian vessel, he may visit
such vessel. He enters her not as an A.
merlcan vessel; but as belonging to one
of those countries which have conceded
the Right OF Search. lf she turns out,
after all, to be an American, the Earl of
Aberdeen himself admits that the cruiser
has committed an aggression, and that his
Government is bound to make reparatlon.
THIS is not right-but perilous respon-
sibiHiy which is exercised. And # the
A Admiralty orders OF December, 1S4l, are
carried into force against American ships,
each act of visitation under them, will UNI
questionably be an aggression. That is
the Just doctrine: II is the doctrine Of the
treaty properly affirmed, in my O.
pnion, by the Executive, and admitted by
the British Secretary OF State for Foreign,
Affairs.
saw Mr.. Adams rise, with plea sure,
and the members crowded round him To
hear his views; but as the House had or.
dered that the bill should be taken out Of
committee at particular hour, he had on
y To express his regret that the few MN
utes remaining TO him, would not allow
him to enter on the subject and he for
bore to speak at all.
Mr.. Everett, Of Vermont, moved an e.
mendment, which proposed to make il tho
duty Of our squadron Of cruisers TO visit
all vessels which they might suspect TO be
American, engaged in the slave trade.
This was adopting for our men-of war the
English doctrine-making the claim of
visitorial power American. But the a.
mendment was rejected by large major
ny.
There is good deal sad about the
probable fate ofthe new nominees now be-
fore the Senate; but It is not prudent yet
to publish all that is spoken.
On du-Mr. Profit is to go 10 Rio dc
Janero, but not unit, the Senate has dis.
persed. J. NJ. S.