The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-03-18

ne subject Of the law OF coutn Caroima
aganst free colored seamcn, and the motives OF
interpositon OF the British Consul General
Matthew, with the State authorities, receive, in
some Of the papers Of that State a version diff
ferent from that which has been generally enter
tanned, and reasons are given for it which it is
but just to make known. 1t is commended that
the consul not only acted with perfect propriety
and judiciously in regard to his powers, but
with eminent delicacy and in friendly spirit
Without sharing the opinion of the character OF
the correspondence, on matters Of foreign inter
course, between the functionaries Of foreign
government and the State authorities, we will
state the grounds upon which the consul's over
lures are treated as conciliatory, and designed
for good objects.
| 1t is affirmed that Great Britain has no real
desire to get into difficulties with the United
States---has resisted the opportunities Of hel
subjects, and the Overtures of other nations
to make an issue with the federal government
on this subject There has been common in
terest made by several European States to make
grievance Of this subject Of the colored sea-
men in our ports. France and Belgium, in par
ticular have desired to unite in general pres
sure, to require'th observance of treaties they
interpret them. But Great Britain has not only
resisted these appeals from her own subjects, but
ucCilucu cutcIluk iutO tuiiScuuCIuo Will LuOSC
governments. But the pressure upon the min
istry to take some steps, to secure what are
claimed to he the rights of British subjects, has
been so strong, that it was deemed best, for the
more speedy relief from the embarrassment,
and in view of the differences which might
arise between the State Of South Carolina and
the general government, by pressing the sub
| ject formally and exclusively upon the latter,
as an international duty, that friendly remon-
STRANGE be made, with the authorities of the
State to induce them to act of their own accord.
The inducements to do this are stated frankly.
The existing commercial treaties with England,
which must be abolished unless the laws are abb
rogated, confer particular benefits upon the cot
ton and rice products of the South 1t is more
over competent, even within the treaty, to lay
such discriminating duties as will seriously affect
Southern commerce; and this might be very
prudently and honorably avoided IL the effect in
tended to be secured by the laws in question
can be produced in way which shall give no
cause of offence to other nations.
| In view, too of the influences of the question
upon the subject of slavery, arguments of policy
are urged in favor of conceding the request of
the British authorities. The law is justified on
the ground of State protection, yet it is of ques-
| tionable constitutonalty, and its enforcement
IS VI ueCtSSlIy CduS;f VI ulSodbiSIuCttOl dIu
complaint, and adds cases of individual suffer-
ing and hardships to the grounds of violation of
| abstract right 1t accumulates unnecessarily
causes of complaint, and multplies animosities
which it would be the part of true men to avoid,
unless in the exercise of an imperative duty of
| self-defence.
| Several of the South Carolina papers have
enlarged upon these views, and come to the con-
clusion that the law can be so amended as to Sc
cure all its legitimate objects in way so as not
to come in conflict with the claims of foreign
seamen, under the treaties of the general gov
eminent and that it is good policy in the State
30 to amend it, as well for its own sake as in
courtesy to the friendly application of the Brit
ish government.
1t is thought that provisions against the land
ing of this class of persons may be so framed
az to be consistent with all the treaty stipula-
tons of the government-be satisfactory to for
eign nations, and dispense entirely with the stat
utes which now exist, and have been The ground
of so much complaint.
The conclusion is wise one, in any event,
whether the motives of the British be what is
represented or not for under all circumstances
the most undoubted rights ought to be so exer-
cised as to affect little as possible the rights,
interests, or even the prejudice of Others If
| the same protective character can De gwen TO
this police regulation of the Southern States,
without giving ground for dissatisfaction to
other States, or foreign countries, it would be
better so to shape our legislation, even if there
were no other inducements suggested.
Our attention has been drawn to this subject,
at this time particularly, by the request of cor
respondent in Charleston, who thinks that the
real merits of the question have been lost sight
of, in the desire to censure South Carolina and
the consul for the novel manner in which they
opened quasi-diplomatc intercourse with each
other-N. o. Delta.
| SLAVERY IN CALIFoRNTA.-The California