The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-03

ly documented merchant vessel, the crew who naVi-
gate it, and those board of it, will find their pro-
lection in the flag which is over them. No Ameri-
can ship be allowed TO be visited searched for
the purpose of ascertaining the character of indv
duals on board, there be allowed any
watch by the vessels of any foreign nation over
American vessels the coasts of the United States
or the adjacent thereto 1t will be by the
last communication from the British Charge 'Af-
faires TO the Department Of State that he is author
lied to the Secretary Of State that every
care will be taken that in executing the preven-
tive against the expeditions, which the
United States Government itsef has denounced
not being entitled to the protection of any govern
ment, no interference shall take place with the
lawful commerce Of any nation.
In addition to the correspondence on this sub
jeci, herewith submitted, official information has
been received at the Department of State, of sssur
ances by the French governmentthat in the orders
| given to the French naval forces, they were
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 s of the utmost import
ance that, while residing in the country, they
should feel perfect security so long they faith
| fully discharge their respective duties and are
guilty of no violation of our laws. This is the adj
mitted law of nations and country has deeper
interest in maintaining it than the United States
Our commerce spreads every sea and visits
|
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
laws of the country in which they reside. And
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 Ill war, the bearers Of
| flags of truce sacred, else would be in
terminable, so in peace, ambassadors, public min
isters and consus, 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 is with deep modification
and regret announce to you that, during the ex-
citement growing out fthe 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 his personal safety, which he supposed to
Fbe in danger. On receiving intelligence of these
events | forthwith directed the attorney of the
| United States residing at New Orleans to in
qure into the facts and the extent Of the pccuniary
loss sustained by the CONSUL with the intention OF
laying them before you, that you might make pro
vision for such indemnity to him as just regard
for the honor of the nation and the respect which
is due to friendly power might, in your iudg-
ment, seem to require. The correspondence upon
this subject between the Secretary of State and
her Catholic majesy's 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-
tion of reciprocal trade between the United States
and Canada and other British possessions near
our frontier. Overtures for a convention upon
this subject have been received from her Britain
| mic Majesty's Minister Pleni ipotentiary, but it
| seems to be in many respects preferable that the
matter should be regulated by reciprocal lcgsla.
| ton, Documents are laid before you showing the
| terms which the British government is willing
to offer, and the measures which it may adopt,
| hall
| 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 Majestys government is dcsirous
| that part Of the boundary line between Oregon
and the British possessions should be authoritative
ly marked out and that an intention was 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 a proper appropriation recon-
mended.
convention for the adjustment of claims OF
citizens of the United States against Portugal has
been concluded, and the ratifcations have been ex-
changed. The first instalment Of the amount to
be paid by Portugal fell due the 30ih of Septem
Der last, and has been paid.
| The President Of the French republic according
to the provisions of the convention, has been select
cd as arbtcr in the case of the General Arm
strong; and has sgnifed that he accepts the trust
and the high satisfaction he feels in acting as the
common friend of two nations, with which France
is united by sentiments of sincere and lasting
amity.
The Turkish government has expressed its
thanks for the kind reception given to the Sultan s
agent, Amin Bey, on the occasion of his recent
visit to the United States. On the 25th of Fcbrua
| ry last despatch addressed by the Secretary
| of State to MIR. Marsh the American Minister at
Constantinope, instructing him to ask of the Turk
ish government permission for the Hungarians
then imprisoned within the dominions of the Sub
lime Porte, to remove to this country. On the 30
of March last both Houses of Congress passed
resolution requesting the President to authorize
the employment ofa public vessel to convey to this
country Louis Kossuth and bis associates in cap
| tivifr