The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1851-05-05
The Presidents Proclamation.
THE LAW OF NATIONS.


President Washington had the same duties to
perform as regards neutral relations and friend
ly intercourse with other nations with whom we
are at peace as are now devolved on President
Fillmore. He did not hesitate as to the course he
should pursue. Even in relation to France who
had adopted republican form of government, and
was endeared to the people of the United States
by SO many friendly acts, for the aid she rendered
Us in our revolutionary struggle with Great Britain
the strictest neutrality was enjoined. No military
expedition was allowed to be fitted up within the
United States, to aid France in her wars with ma
tons with whom were at peace. This course
Of policy was adopted, as most suitable to our
dition, neutral nation, and founded upon prn
cipes Of the law Of nations.
In 1893, Citizen Genet arrived in this country
| as Minister from the French republic. He sought
| to involve the United States in a war with Great
Britain, and issued commissions to vessels of war
to sail from American ports and cruise against the
enemies of France. The President and his Cabi-
| net were unanimously of opinion that this country
was not bound to take part in war begun by
France and in pursuance of this decision, Presi-
Washington issued his celebrated proclamation of
neutrality, which has been the guide of the nation
now re-published below, as an example set by the
Father of this great Republic, and first President
of the United States which is worthy of all m-
taton. Citizen Genet threatened to appeal to the
people, against this proclamation, but President
Washington demanded his immediate recall His
commission was withdrawn and Mr.. Fauchet was
appointed his successor.
Since this controversy, in the year 1918, Con-
gress passed aw, based upon principles of the
law of nations, but containing more stringent pro.
visions, prohibiting under heavy penalties, any
military expedition from being set on foot within
the United States, against any nation or colony
&c, with which our Government is at peace
President Fillmore has embodied one section oil
this law in his proclamation, which will be found
| in another column, and which is framed and pro-
mulgated in accordance with, and in obedience to
| this law.
Proclamation Of Gen. Washington.
Whereas, appears that state of exists between
Austria. Prussia Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United
Netherlands, the part and France the other
duty and interest of the United states require that
should with certy and good faith, adopt and pursue
conduct friendly and impartial towards other beigeren
pOwen.
have therefore thought fit by presents TO decar
the disposition Of the United States observe the conduc
aforesaid towards those powers respectively and to exho
and the citizens of the United States carefully to avoi
all and proceedings whatsoever which may in any mar
ner tend to contIavene such disposition
"And do hereby also make known, that whosoeyer q
the citizens Of the United States shall render himself liable
punishment forfeiture under the law of nations by CON
hitting, aiding abeng hoities az anst any of said row
ers, or By carrying to any Of them those articles which
deemed conraband by modern Of nations will
ceve the protection of the United States against such pur
shment forfeiture and further, that have given nru,
tons those officers whom belongs to cause prosecr
tons to be instituted against all persons who shall with
the cognzance Of the of the United States, violate
law of nations with the powers war; or any
| them.
In testimony whereof, have caused the seal of tn
United States of America 10 be affixed to these presents an
signed the with hand Done the city of Pbila
dephia the 2d day of April 1793 and of the Independence
the United States of America the seventeenth.
| GEORGE WASHINGTON