The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-03-14
puIatious in relation to black and coored sesmes.

guations In relation to black and c0lored seamen
representative from the French West Indies inter-
rogated ministers respecting their application 70
French cllizens. He said they were fragrant
violation OF The laws OF nations, an outrage upon
humanity, an insult to French dignity, &c, &c.
The replies OF the ministers were apologetical
They assured the assembly that "they had already
done ell In their power 10 obtain from those States
revision Of laws which are almost barbarous, al
most savage" sand M Lahit.e, the Minister of For
elgn Affairs, closed his speech with these rem arka
BILE words "Well, hitherto, neither France nor
England has had the happiness 10 persuade these
States OF the Union, that il necessary to enter
upon the course Of civilization and respect hu-
manly which we most earnestly desire. To this
end we will continue to labor as we have labored.
Perhaps, We shall have better success when those
countries shall comprehend that they are without
the pale OF the laws OF all nations" These ex-
pressions were greatly applauded by the assembly.
such being the opinions, on the subject OF our
institute prevailing in England and France ought
we not 10 pause before we withdraw ourselves from
the protecting arm which now shelters US! If we
etand alone how long would il be before we SHOULD
be visited by French ieet to seek redress and de-
mand reparation from for having sent to Jail one
of her citizens, colored gentleman from Martl-
nique or Guadaoupe and blockading our ports until
satisfaction is givenf And here let me remark,
that neither South Carolina, nor any other purely
slave State, can ever possess mercantile marine
or nSSy. These is no example of nation, having
large portion OF its laboring population in state
OF vassalage, possessing an efficient marine There
exists no class to draw sailors from, for slaves
serfs cannot be trusted on long voyages, or safely
employed in ships of war; and il il mistake to
suppose that entire dependence can be placed on
foreign seamen. The Russian empire has had this
difficulty to contend with, and has hitherto found
the obstacle II presents nsuperable.
am reluctantly compelled, bymy falling strength,
to close this letter. would fain have made some
comments upon the very extraordinary fact Of all
the candidates for the honor Of seat In this con.
ventior, which the people will, without being coa.
suited, be regarded as having delegated all their
power, have, without exception, declared their firm
determination to vote for disunion the secession
Of South Carolina, in conjunction with other States,
or alone; and some have gone the length Of eX-
pressing not only their dissatisfaction with the
general government, but their utter hatred of it.
May He who holds the destlnies OF nations in
the palm Of his hands avert from eur beloved State
the terrible evils these symptoms foreshadow, and
restore TO the people Of South Carolina that noble
independence which formerly distinguished their
character, and led them to rebuke the exercise OF
undeegated power, and in every emergency to
think and act for themselves.
am very truly, my dear sir, yours,
j. r. PoINsETr.
WHITE House., Pee Dee, Feb I, 1851