Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1851-12-13

and with the apprehensions. which this Gov.
ernment could not fail to entertain, that such
interposition, if carried into effect, might lead
to abuses in derrogation of the maritime rights
of the United States. The maritime rights OF
the United States are founded on a firm, Sc
cure, and well-defned basis; they stand upon
the ground of National Independence and pub
lie law, and will be maintained in all their full
and just extent
The principles which this Government has
heretofore solemnly announced it still adheres
to, and will maintain under all circumstances
and at all hazards. That principle is, that in
every regularly documented merchant vessel,
the crew who navigate it. and those on board
Of it. will find their protection in the flag that
is over them. No American ship can be al
lowed to be visited or searched for the purpose
of ascertaining the character of individuals on
board, uor can there be allowed any watch by
the vessels of any foreign nation over Amer
ican vessels on the coast of the United States
or the seas adjacent thereto. 1t will be seen
by the last communication from the British
Charge d'Afaires to the Department of State
that he is authorized to assure the Secretary
VI SAdkC lLldb CFCAJ CdtC VIII DO IdhGB lHdt, 10
executing the preventive measures against the
expeditions, which the United States Govern
ment itself has denounced as not being enti-
tied to the protection of any government, no
interference shall take place with the lawful
commerce of any nation.
In addition to the correspondence on this
subject herewith submitted official Information
has been received at the Department of State,
of assurances by the French government that,
in the orders given to the French naval forces,
they were expressly instructed, in any opera
tons they might engage in, to respect the flag
of the United States wherever it might ap-
pear, and to commit no act of hostility upon
any vessel or armament uuderits protection
Ministers and consuls of foreign nations are
the means and agents of communications be
tween US and those nations, and it is of the ut
most importance that, while residing in the
country, they should feel perfect security, SC
long as they faithfully discharge their respect
i've duties, and are guilty Of no violations oi
our laws. This is the law of nation, and nc
country has deeper interest in maintaining
it than the United States Our commerce
spreads over every sea and visits every cline
dLO Jul N1luISlGIS duO COLSulo dppOlllOu u
protect the interests of that commerce, as well
as to guard the peace of the country, and
maintain the honor of its flag. But how can
they discharge these duties unless they be
themselves protected; and, if protected, il
must be by the laws Of the country In which
they reside. And what is due TO our own
public funetionaries residing in foreign nations
is exactly the measure of what is due to the
functionaries of other governments residing
here As in war, the bearers of hags of truce
are sacred, or else war, would be interminable
so in peace, ambassadors public ministers, ano
consuls, charged with friendly national inter
course, are objects of special respect and pro-
lection, each according to the rights belonging
to bis rank and station In view of these i'm
portant principles, il is with deep modification
and regret announce to you that, during ths
excitement growing out of the executions a
HAVANA, the Office of her Catholic majesty
consul at New Orleans was assailed by mob
his property destroyed, the Spanish flag founc
in the Office carried off aud torn in peices' anC
he himself induced to flee for his persona
safety, which he supposed to be in danger
On receiving intelligence of these events,
forthwith directed the attorney of the United
States. residing at New Orleans. to inquire
into the facts, and the extent of the pecuniar,
loss sustained by the consul, with the intention
of laying them before you, that you nigh
| make provision for such indemnity to him, a
Just regard for the honor of the nation, ant
the respect which is due to friendly powe
might, in your judgments seem to require
The correspondence upon this subject between
the Secretary of State and her Catholic maj
esty's minister plenipotentiary, is herewith
transmitted.
j The occurrence at New Orleans had led M
to give my attention to the state of our Law
in regard to foreign ambassadors; minister
and consuls. think the legislation of tn
country is deficient in not providing suficientl
either for the protection or the punishment {
consuls. therefore Recommend the subiec
to the consideration of Congress.
i Your attention is again invited to the ques
ton of reciprocal trade between the Unite
States and Canada and other British posses
sions near our frontier Overtures for a cor
vention upon this subject have been receive
from her Britannia Majesty's Minister Plenipc
tertiary, but it seems to be in many respect
preferable that the matter should be regulate
by reciprocal legislation. Documents are lai
, before you showing the terms which the Bri
ish Governments is willing to offers and th
measures which it may adept, if some arrangt
: nent upon the subject shall not be made
From the accompanying copy of the not
= from the British Legation at Washington, an
5 the reply of the Department of State theret'
I; it will appear that her Britanic Majesty's GOV
r ernment is desirous that part the bounds
S ry line between Oregon and the British po'
E sessions should be authoriatively marked GU
: and that an intention was expressed to appl
: to Congress for an appropriation to defra
3 the expenses thereof on the part of the Unite
! States. Your attention to this subject is al
3 cordingly invited, and proper appropriate
recommended.
q A convention for the adjustment of claim
d of citizens of the United States againit PortI
: gal has been concluded, and the ratification
: have been exchanged. The first instalmel
e of the amount to be paid by Portugal fell dr
e on the 29th of September lsst and has bee
f paid.