The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-05-08


Free Navigation Of the 81. Lawrence.
The report recently submitted in the House OF Repre-
sentatiyes by Mr. Bue, from the Committee Foreign
Affairs is calculated TO give interest and importance
to the question OF free navigation OF the ST. Lawrence
We do not design, in this notice Of the subject 10 dis
its merits have not yet bad opportunity of
reading examining the and arguments which
Mr.. Buel at the time submitted the part OF por
ton of the committee as an accompaniment to the res
olution reported by the whole committee II appears
that the committee reported resolution declaring, in
substance that the free navigation of the st Lawrence
demands the early attention of the American govern.
ment, and ought to be secured to American commerce at
an early day, and that OF the committee have re-
ported their in full This latter report, we un
derstand somewhat lengthy, and gives history Of the
question from the origin of the government to the pres
ent time and from the importance and public interest
attached to the subject we hope to be able to find room
10 publish il at an early day.
II will be remembered by those who familiar with
the history of the government that claim to the free
navigation Of the ST. Lawrence has been urged upon the
attention OF the British government as matter Of right,
OF JUSTICE under the natural and international law. II
SO presented by Mr. Adams and Mr. Clay, when they
Secretaries Of State; and representatives at
London urged our claim with great earnesness and ab
ity ikening the to that of the Mississippi, which
once threatened war with SPAIN and claim to the
free navigation OF which was asserted both by England
and the United States in the treaty OF 1883, although
Spain at that time held the mouth. This done on
the part of England under the supposition that the
of the Mississippi then within British ter
ritory which, however, were afterwards ascerained
be entirely in our country The cession of Louis
ana in 1903, which included the mouth OF the Missis.
spp settled the Of that river In relation to the ST.
Lawrence, our representatives at London were instruct
ed to consent to treaty by which should
our right to the navigation of the St. Lawrence
But the country OF the lakes then comparatively
unknown, its commerce undeveoped and as such
necessity existed then for speedy settlement of the
question, as thought exist now, il not deter
mined II is to be considered whether we any
ready now than formerly to renounce claim TO the
free navigation Of the St. Lawrence.
II appears by the lett er Of Mr. Bulwer to Mr. Clayton,
on the subject OF reciprocal trade with Canada, which
append to this article that il we viii pass bill for that
purpose, such as the Canadian legislature has already
passed. England will then respond TO any application
by our government for free navigation OF the St. Law
renee. by granting however 'reserping to itself the
full right Of withdrawing the aforesaid concession"
due notice. whenever ii might think proper was very
Justly observed by Mr.. Buell. in the discussion on the
introduction OF his resolution, that the navigation OF the
St. Lawrence and reciprocal trade with Canada are dis
nct questions in their nature and one OF the chief points
be determined is, whether shall seek to secure the
navigation OF the ST. Lawrence upon a perpetual and
permanent basis, right, or TO enjoy il coningently
with reciprocal trade with Canada Further il we yield
up renounce the claim Of right, and purchase free
navigation conngenty, with reciprocal trade, il then re-
mains to be considered whether shall adopt Mr. Bues
plan of NO RECIPROCITY WITHOUT SIMULTANEOUS FREE
NAVIGATION, first pass the Canadian reciproci-
ty BILL and then apply for free navigation.
BRnIsH LEGATION. March ~. 1850
sIrI have received the favor OF your communication
OF yesterdays date enclosing yourself from the
chairman OF the Committee on Commerce of the House OF
Representatives respecting the navigation ofhe river ST.
Lawrence and the feeling which her Mscsys government
might entertain towards granting the citizens and ship
ping OF the United States the free transit river
event Of the reciprocity bill before Congress being
passed by the American Legislature, and the general com
mercia relations between the United States and the Cana
ties.
feel authorized in reply you, that her Males
Ys government entertaining cordial desire 70 promote
good understanding with this country, and facilitate every
measure which tend establish the amicable
~
Msssiys empire, take sincere success OF
that measure, which has already been condtonaly ap
proved oil by the legislature OF the Canadss and which,
may respectfully remark, seems be the natural
consequence OF those by which the markets Of
Great Britain have already been opened the azric
produce OF This country.
The desire thus described would ne you may imagine be
still further Increased finding that was responded to
here, whilst the course which the Committee Commerce
has suggested, and whca you have complied by adj
ect which cannot but be OF imperial well as colonial
interest," viii also, feel certain. be considered Ms proof of
inc same friendly spirit toward the government OF Eng.
ano which exlsls throughout her Msesys dominlons
ward the people and government Of this country,
ec no hesitation, therefore, in stating that the nsuc
lions with which came TO the United States warrant me-
under such cfcnmsances la assuring you. that should
bill corresponding that which has received the sanction OF
the Ia Canada be passed by the the
United Sates and receive sanction Of the President OF
the United Sa,es, her Msjesys government viii be ready
10 respond to the application which the United gov
eminent may then address the subject conce
which you have now applied 10 me, by once consenng
open the navigation OF the river St Lawrence and Of the
canals therein adjoining tsnd which would be daily spec
HEIDI to the shipping aud citizens Of the United States
need not observe to you that her Maieys
would, OF course, In such case, itself full
right OF Withdrawing the aforesaid concessions upon giv
ing due notice Of such intention, whenever might deem
proper 10 do In fact the and legislature
81 the United States likewise alter whenever il may
deem proper, whatever regulations or laws may now
sanction.
II gives me great pleasure have II thus in INV power Il,
satsy yourself and the committee of the Honee OF Renr
with respect the question contained IN yonr
and the enclosure and avail myself this
y you the OF my highest
lion.
IL L. BULwER
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