The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1851-12-11

free institutions. Let every people choose
for itself, and make. and alter its politica
institutions, to suit lis own condition ant
iconvenience. But while we avow ant
maintain this neutral policy ourselves, VIZ
are anxious TO see the Same forbearanct
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
Ilishment Of free Governments, and The
sympathy with which we witness every
struggle against oppression, forbid that We
should be Indifferent TO cause in which
the strongest arm Of a foreign power is in
voked 10 stihe public sentiment, repress the
spirit Of Freedom in any country.
The government Of Great Britain and
France have issued orders to their Naval
Commanders, on the West India stations,
to prevent, BY force II necessary, the land
! ing of adventures from any nation, on the
island of Cuba, with hostile intent. The
copy of memora ndum Of conversation
lon this subject, between the Charge de AZ
faires Of her Britannia Majesty and the
acting Secretary Of State, and Of a suhse-
quent note Of the former to the Department
of State, are herewith submitted, together
with copy Of note Of the acting Secreta-
ry Of State TO the Minister Of the French
Republic, and Of the reply Of the lattar on
The same subject. These papers will ac-
quaint yon, with the grounds Of this inter-
position ofthe two leading commercial pow
ers Of Europe, with the apprehensions
which this Government could no. fail 70
entertain, that snch interposition, if carried
into effect, might lead TO abuses 10 deroga-
tim Of the maritime rights Of the U. States.
The maritime rights Of the U. States are
founded on firm, secure and we'll defined
basis; they stand upon the ground Of na-
,ional independence, and public laws will
be maintained ia all their full and just ex-
tent. The principle which this Govern
ment has heretofore solemnly announced.
and it still adheres to, will maintain under
all circumstances and at all hazards. That
principle is, that in every regularly docu-
mented merchant vessel, the crew who
navigates il, and those on board Of ii, will
fad their protection in the flag that is over
them. No American ship con be allowed
to be visited or searched for the purpose Of
ascer,aining the character Of individuals
on board; nor can there be allowed any
watch by the vessels of any foreign nations
over American vessels, on the coasts of the
u States, or the seas adjacent thereto.
II will be seen by the last communica
lion from the British Charge de Affaires,
to the Department of State, that he is au
ihorizcd to assure the Secretary Of State
tha, every care will be taken, that in exc
cutting Preventive Measures against the
expeditions which the U. States Govern
,nent itself, has denounced as not being en-
titled TO the protection Of any Government,
no interference shall take place, with the
lawful commerce of any nation.
In addition 10 the correspondence Of this
subject, herewith submitted, official infor-
nation has been received at the Depart
ment of State Of annoy by the French
government, that in the orders given 10
the French Naval forces; they were ex.
pressly instructed in any operations they
might engage in, 10 respect the flag OF the
Z. S., wherever il might appear, and to
commit no act Of hostility upon any vessel
or armies, that went under its protection.
Ministers and Consuls Of foreign nations
are the means and agents Of communica-
,ions between US and those nations, and il
is ol'the utmost importance that while re-
siding in the country, they should feel a
perfect security so long as they dis
charge their respective duties, and are gull
~ of no violation Of our laws. This is the
admitted law of nations, and no country
has deeper interest in maintaining it thar
the United States.
Our commerce spreads over every sea,
and visits every cline, our Ministers and
Consuls are appointed to protect the inter
ests OF that commerce as well as to guard
the pcace Of the country, and maintain the
honor Oft flag. But how can they dis
charge their duty unless they be them
selves protected, if protected, it must be
by The laws Of the country in which they
reside. And what is due to the public
functionaries, residing in foreign nations
is exactly the measure Of Whist 10 due the
VI otucG
here. As in war, the bearers Of flags Of
truce are sacred, or else, wars would be
nterminable; SO in peace, ambassadors,
public ministers or consuls, charged with
friendly national intercourse, are objects
Of especial respect and protection each &C
cording to the rights belonging to his rank
aud station. In view of these important
principles, i, is with deep modification
and regre, that announce 10 you, TINT
during the excitement growing out Of the
executions at Havana, the office Of her
Catholic Majesty Consul n, New Orleans,
was assaled By mob, his property des-
troyed, the Spanish fing found in the office
carried off, torn in pieces, and he himself
induced to flee, Tor bis personal safety,
which he supposed was in danger. On re-
ceiving intelligence Of these events, !
forthwith directed the Attorney of the Y.
s., residing at New Orleans, to inquire
into the extent Of the pecuniary loss sus
lained by the Consul, with the Intention OF
iaying them before YOU, that you might
make provisions for such indemnity 70 him,
as Just regard for the honor Of the na,iou,
and The respect which is due to friendly
power, nj hi, il your Judgment, seem TO
require.
Tho correspordence uDon this subject