The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-12-10
WOODSFIELD OHO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 49, 1851

followed by others. This was admitted
by one of the most eminent OF modern
British statesmen. who said in Parliament,
while minister of the crown. "that, if he
wished for a guide in system of neutral
ity, he should take thatlad down by Amer.
lea in the days Of Washington, and the
Secretaryshp of Jefferson;" and we see.
in fact. that the act of Congress Of 1918
was followed, the succeeding year. by an
act of the Parliament of England, sub
stantialy the same in its general provi-
sions. Up to that time there had been no
similar law in England, except certain
highly penal statutes passed in the reign
of George H., prohibiting English subjects
from enlisiiDg in foreign service. the avow.
ed object OF which statutes was. that for
eign armies, raised for the purpose OF re.
storing the house Of Stuart 10 the throne,
should not be strengthened by recruits
from England herself.
All must see that difficulties may arise
in carving the laws referred to into exc
cution in country now having three or
four thousand miles of sea-coast. with an
infinite number Of ports and harbors and
small inlets, from some OF which unlawful
expeditions may suddenly set forth without
the knowledge of Government, against the
possessions of foreign States.
Friendly relations with all, but entang-
ling alliances with none. has long been a
maxim with u.s. Our true mission is not
to propagate our opinions, or impose upon
other countries our form Of government,
BY ar,ifce or force; but to teach by exam
pile. and show by our success. moderation
and Justice, the blessings Of self.govern-
ment, and the advantages of free institu-
tons. Let every people choose for itself
and make and alter lis political instltu-
tons to suit its own condition and conve-
nience. But, while we avow and main
tain this neutral policy ourselves, we are
anxious to see the same forbearance on
the part of other nations. whose forms OF
government are different from our own
The deep interest which we feel in the
spread of liberal principles, and the estab'
lishment of free governments. and the
sympathy with which we witness every
struggle against oppression, forbid that we
should be Indifferent TO case in which
the strong arm of foreign power is in
voked to stine public sentiment. and re-
press the spirit of freedom in any country
The governments of Great Britain and
France have issued orders to their nava
commanders on the West India station to
prevent by force. if necessary, the landing
; of adventurers from any nation on the
Island Of Cuba with hostile intent. The
COPY of memorandum of conversa
ton on this subject between the Charge
d'Affairs of her Britannia Majesty and the
Acting Secretary OF State, and of sub
sequent note OF the former 10 the Depart
ment of State, are herewith submitted, to
gether with copy Of note OF the Acting
Secretary of State to the Minister OF the
French republic, and of the reply OF the
latter on the same subject. These paper:
will acquaint you with the grounds Of this
interpositon Of the two leading CONNER
cial powers of Europe. and with the ap
prehensions, which this Government coult
not fail to entertain, that such interposl
ton, if carried into effect, might lead tt
abuses in derogation OF maritime rights
the United States. The maritime rights
of the United States are founded on firm
secure, and well-defned basis; they stant
upon the ground ofNational independence
and public law, and will be maintained ir
all their full and just extent. ... ...
| ,nla ,t,hi (rnVnrnmpD
has heretofore solemnlv announced 1t still
adheres to, and will maintain under al
circumstances and at all hazards. Tha
principle is, that in every regularly doc
umented merchant vessel, the crew VIII
navigate it, and those on board Of il. vii
, find their protection in the flag which i
over them. No American ship can b
. allowed to be visited or searched for tn
, purpose of ascertaining the character q
. individuals on board, nor can there be al
, lowed any watch by the vessels OF any Tor
| eign nation over american vessels on tn
coast of the United States or the seas ad
, iacent thereto. 1t will be seen by the las
communication from the British Charg
d'Afairs to the Department Of State, tina
he is authorised to assure the Secretary
, State that every care will be taken that, il
| executing the preventive measures agains
9 the expeditions, which the United State
+. Government itself has denounced as nc
being entitled to the protection of any gov
{ eminent, no interference shall take plac
r with the lawful commerce OF any nation
r In addition to the correspondence o.
3 this subject, herewith submitted, ofiicla
: information has been received at the DE
9 partment of State, Of assurances by tn
Y French government that, in the orders Civ
en- to the French naval forces, they wer
! expressly instructed, in any operation
: they might engage in, to respect the fla
/. of the United States wherever il might az
(. pear, and TO commit no act Of hostility uf
/. on any vessel or armament under its pre-
v lection. .-,...
n Ministers and consuls of foreign nation