The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-07-25

have been comparatively thrown into the shade Among
these the present relations between the United States
and Portugal We have heard various rumors of the
demand which has been made upon Portugal for the pay
of certain claims, long time duehe principal OF
which was the destruction by British squadron OF the
celebrated American prvateer, the General Armstrong
Captain Reed whose gallant bearing formed the theme
Of many tongue and animated his country in the last
war with Great Britain. Well do we remember paricpa-
ting with the citizens of Richmond in splendid public
dinner that was given to Captain Reed on his passing
through that city in 1914. 1t gross outrage
Of the neutrality of the Portuguese port. After de-
handing reclamation in vain for several years from
the Portuguese government, it is now said that an
American squadron has been despatched to Lisbon,
and daily accounts are expected by some politicians
of the bombardment of the town. The London
Times gives rumors about this transaction, which
we repeat only because have authentic informa-
ton on this side of the water
PoRTuaAL We have dates from Lisbon to the 9th ult
siss 81 nm Amspsn sausdon IN The Tssas to enfoce
the claim OF $4,000 Twenty-one days were allowed by
entertained Of refusal The Portuguese government have
determined to resist the demand upon them.
Portugal the Of the Times says that previous
the arrival OF Commodore Morgan with the Independence
ton pressing half dozen different claims date
and refusing ali proposals arbitration, in
lo aSe 1 pepsr.ns Of sas At
also said that Mr. Clayton had shown an equal dsin
PLANTATION Of facts relating some Of the claim. arising
nom destruction of the American cruiser General
sabssaasn 70 the arrival Of The Mississippi Mr. Gay
called upon the Minister OF Foreign Affairs, and verbally
inmated that he should only give the government twenty
four hours for final resolution upon the different claims
He h. IN
ola round sum for the whole of the claims; Mr.; Clay
assumed very decisive tone which had the eea. o. alarm
luton OF Count TOTAL addressing note to Mr. Clay, to
the effect that no nmanm OF twenty tours could DC sub
med the council of minister's unless he presented IT IN
writing ;
letter subsequently appears in the London Times.
dated at Lisbon on the 2ad June, which gives later
counts OF the progress Of events. 1t says that the arri
val of had brought dispatches to Mr. Clay and
that in consequence "Mr. Clay saved Count TOTAL the
trouble of preparing a statement OF this American ima
ton OF Lord Pamerstons method Of assessing and col
ecing claims, by handing in despatch to the effect that
he will wait twenty days for the final decision OF the
Portuguese cabinet. and he then receives no
swer, that is not satisfactory, he will demand his
passports and leave this government subject such ute
rior measures as may be adopted in the matter.
"This respite until the 18th OF July WILL believe, be
used by Count TOTAL and his colleagues for the purpose OF
determining upon such round they may feel justi-
fled in proposing offering, in order to save Por-
tugal and her from the greater sacrifice OF
having her vessels seized and injured by
arbitrary act OF her hard hearted debtor rather claim
ant" SC.
We cannot vouch for the truth of these statements;
but serious doubts have crossed mind upon this mat
ter which beg leave TO put forth for the purpose OF
inviting discussion upon the subject I'VE premise,
OF course by saying that there serious doubt whether
the squadron was authorized to lombard the city or
seize the shppng]
ls Has our squadron gone TO Lisbon for the purpose
OF bombardng the town, in claims shall be re-
iected
I'd Has the President a right TO adopt this measure
wiihou, consultation with Congress, and withou, their
concurrence
3D. Does not parake OF the character OF war OF, at
least may /, not lead war; And can the President
exercise such power BY his own authority
4lh Does not the constitution give power to Congress
only 'ro declare and grant letters Of marqus and
reprisai 1"and ia not this attack upon the capital OF
State with The destruction OF its buildings, and temples,
and monuments of the arts and the women and chill
dren. intended measure OF repr'sai7
Ii is extremely probable that we are not acquainted
with the true history OF the What we throw out
are the doubts which strike the first blush o this
subject-no, meaning express any positive opinion OF
the faots instructions navy, the true course
of proceeding We only invoke the information, and we
were 10 call for the papers, that they may understand the
instructions, il proper TO be communicated
No question was taken Yesterday decide the fate OF