American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-12-02

sions which this Government could not fail to en-
terrain, that such interposon fcarried into effect
might lead TO abuses in derog of the maritime
rights of the United States. The maritime rights
Of the United States are founded on firm, secure,
and well defined basis; they stand upon the ground
Of National Independence and public law, and will
be maintained in all their full and just extent.
The principle which this Government has here
tofore solemnly announced II still adhercs to, and
will maintain under all circumstances and at all
hazards That principle is, that in every regular
ly documented mere hant vessel, the crew who nav-
gate il, and those board of it, will find their pro-
lection in the flag which is over them. No Ameri
ship be allowed to be visited searched for
the purpose of ascertaining the character of indy
duals on board, nor can there be allowed any
watch by the vessels Of any foreign nation over
American vessels on the coasts of the United States
the seas adjacent thereto II will be by the
last communication from tho British Charge DAT
flares to the Department of State, that he is author
lied to assure tho Secretary Of State that every
care will be taken that in executing the proven
tive measures against the expeditions, which the
United States Government itself has denounced as
not being entitled to the protection of any govern
mcnt, no interference shall take place with the
lawful commerce Of any nation.
In addition to the correspondence on this sub
ject, herewith submitted, official information has
been received at the Department of State, of sssur
ances by the French government that in the orders
given to tho French naval forces, they were ex-
pressly instructed, in any operations they might
engage in to respect the flag of the United States
wherever it might appear, and to commit no act of
hostility upon any vessel armament under its
protection.
Ministers and consuls of foreign nations are the
means and agents of communication between us
and those nations, and it is of the utmost import
ance that, while residing in the country, they
should feel perfect security 30 long they faith
fully discharge their respective duties and are
guilty of no violation of our laws This is the ad-
mitted law of nations, and no country has deeper
interest in maintaining it than the United States.
Our commerce spreads over every sea and visits
every clime and our ministers and consuls are ap-
pointed to 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 they
discharge these duties unless they be themselves
protected; and, if protected, it must be by the
llW5 VI Iue Country III WHICH tney TeSQe. ana
what is due to our own public functionaries resi-
ding in foreign nations is exactly the measure of
what is due to the functionaries of other govern
ments residing here. As in war, the bearers of
flags of truce sacred, else wars would be in
terminabe, so in peace, ambassadors, public min
isters and consuls, charged with friendly national
intercourse, objects of especial respect and
protection, each according to the rights belong
ing to his rank and station. In view of these i'm
portant principles, it ia with deep modification
and regret announce to you that, during the ex-
element growing out of the executions at Havana,
the Office of her Catholic majesty's consul at New
Orleans assaied by mob, his property de-
stroyed, the Spanish flag found in the Office carried
off and torn in pieces, and he himself induced to
flee for bis personal safety, which he =GPposod TO
be in danger. On receiving intelligence of these
events, forthwith directed the attorney of the
United States residing at New Orleans to in
quire into the facts and the extent of the pecuniary
loss sustained by the consul, with the intention of
laying them before you, that you might make pro-
vision for such indemnity to him a just regard
for the honor of the nation and the respect which
is due to friendly power might, in yoursjudg-
this subject between the Secretary of State and
her Catholic majestys minister plenipotentiary is
herewith transmitted.
The occurrence at New Orleans has led me to
give my attention to the state of our laws in re-
gard to foreign ambassadors, ministers, and con-
suls think the legislation of the country is de-
fcient in not providing sufficiently either for the
protection or the punishment of consuls. there.
fore recommend the subject to the consideration of
Congress.
Your attention is again invited to the ques-
ton of reciprocal trade between the United States
and Canada and other British possessions near
our frontier. Oyertures for convention upon
this subject have been received from her Britain
mic Majcsty's Minister Plenpotentiary, but it
seems to be in many respects preferable that the
matter should be regulated by reciprocal legisla
ton, Documents are laid before you showing the
terms which the British government is willing
to offer, and the measures which it may adopt
if some arrangement upon this subject shall not
be made.
From the accompanying copy Of a note from the
British Legation at Washington, and the reply Of
the Department Of State thereto it will appear that
her Britannia Msjesty's government is desirous
that part of the boundary line between Oregon
and the British possessions should be authoritative
ly marked out, and that an intention expressed
to apply TO Congress for appropriation to de-
fray the expense thereof the part of the United
States. Your attention to this subject is according
ly invited, and proper appropriation recon-
mended.
A convention for the adjustment Of claims Of
citizens of the United States against Portugal has
been concluded, and the Publications have been ex-