The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-12-02
WASHINGTON UNION---Extra.

merciai powers Of Europe, and with the apprehen'
sions, which this Government could not fail 70 en-
tertain that II carried into effect
might lead 10 abuses in derog don Of the maritime
rights Of the Uhiled States. The maritime righia
Of the United States are founded ON firm, secure,
and well defined basisi they stand upon the ground
ofNational Independence and public law, and win
be maintained in all their foil and just extent.
The principle which this Government has here
toiore solemnly announced IL still adhereS TO- and
will maintain under ali circumstances and at all
hazards That principle is, that in every regular
ly documented merchant vessel, the crew who navi-
gate IL, and those board it, will find their pro-
lection in the flag which is over them. No Ameri-
can ship can be allowed to be visited or searched for
the purpose Of asceraining the character Of indiv
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
or the seas adjacent thereto. 1t will be seen by the
last communication from tho British Charge DAT
iaires to the Department Of State that he Is author
lied to assure the Secretary Of State that every
care will be taken that, in executing the proven
tive measured against the expeditions, which the
United States Government itself has denounced as
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
jcct, 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 the French naval forces, they were ex-
pressly instructed, in any operations they might
pt,e In, 49, a
wherever II might appear, and to commit no act Of
hostility upon any vessel or armament under it's
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 long they faith
fully discharge their respective dutiea and are
guilty OF no violation Of our laws This is the ad
United law Of nations, and no country has deeper
interest in maintaining il than the United States
Our commerce spreads over every sea and visits
every cline, and ministers and consuls are ap-
pointed to protect the interests of that commerce,
as well IA 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, 1t 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 ia 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
terminable, 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 inn
portant principles, it 10 with deep modification
and regret announce to you that. during the ex
citenient growing out ofthe executions at Havana,
the Office OF her Catholic majesty's consul at New
Orleans was assailed by mob, his property de-
stroyed, the Spanish dag found in the Office carried
of and torn in pieccs, and he himself induced to
flee for his personal 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 10 in
qure into the facts and the extent Of the pecunary
loss sustained by the consul, with the intention Of
laying them before you, that you night 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 judg-
ment, seem 10 require. The correspondence upon
this subject between the Secretary Of State and
her Catholic mnjesty's minister plenipotentary is
herewith transmitted.
The occurrence at New Orleans has led me 10
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.
hoent in not providing sufficiently either for the
protection the punishment Of consuls. there.
fore recommend the subject to the consideration Of
Congress.
Your attention ia again invited TO the ques.
ton of reciprocal trade between the United States
and Canada and other British possessions near
our frontier. ovcrtures for a convention upon
this subject have been received from her Britain.
mic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary, but IL
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 tho British government is willing
4 offer, and tho measures which II may adopt,
II some arrangement upon this subject shnll 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 Majesty's government is DESTROYS
that part of the boundary line between Oregon
and the British possessions should be authoritative
ly marked out, and that m intention was expressed
to apply to Congress for an appropriation to de-
fray the expense thereof on tho part Of the United
States Your attention 10 this subject Is according
ly invited, and a proper appropriation recon.
mendcd.
convention for the adjustment Of Chains Of
citizens Of the United States against Portugal has
been concluded, and the Publications have been en-
changed. The first instalmcnt Of the amount to
be paid by Portugal fell due the Soth Of scptem-
Der last and has been paid.
The President Of the French republic, according
TO the provisions OF the convention, has been select
cd ne arbitcr in the case Of the General Arm.
strong; and has signiied that he accepts the trust
and the high satisfaction he feels in acting as the
common friend oftwo nations. with which France
il united by sentiments Of sincere and lasting