Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-02-13
ENGLAND AND SOUTH. CAROLINA.

ENGLAND AND SOUTH. CAROLINA.
WE propose, under this head, to give sue
cnct account of the affair diplomatique, now
pending between our State and the British
Government, in relation to the privileges of
frcc-colored seamen arriving at the port of
Charleston.
II will be remembered that the Act Of our
Legislature, restricting those privileges, was
the result of the memorable insurrcction of
1922. This event imminently endangered
the lives and property of the citizens OF
Charleston, and, in its results, affected the
peace and security of ourentire State. So
it seemed to the men of that day, as the Mer-
curry has said, and there can be no doubt,
that they were the best judges of what oc-
cured under their immediate cognsance.-
They were convinced, at any rate, that no Too
extravagant precautionary action could well
be taken, to prevent recurrence of so fear
full an evil; and, accordingly, by the act of
1922. the strongest possible guards were pla-
ccd upon this matter, by additional rcgula-
tons for the port Of Charleston. This Act,
looking to the fact that Serious calamity had
well nigh befallcn us-attributable, in con-
siderable degree, to the influence Of free ne
grocs and mulatocs from other countries
provides, among other things, that all such
persons shall hereafter be confined by the
proper authorities, from the time Of arrival
until the departure Of such vessel, as brought
them in, whether as passengers or ship-hands.
The British government, through its con-
sui for N. and S. Carolina, enters something
like protest against this law, in two CON-
Inunications addressed to our Governor
Below we give the correspondence.
COLUMBIA, Dec. II, 1850.
"Thc undersigned, Her Britannia NIajesty's
Consul for the States of North and South
Carolina, has the honor to intimate to your
Excclcncy, that he is instructed TO invite the
consideration of your Excellency, and Of the
Legislature of South Carolina now assem-
blcd, to the existing law of the State, under
which class of her Britannia Majesty's SUBJ
iects, entering on The guarantee Of a National
treaty. the ports of South Carolina i'll trading
Bssssslz SE il Es tH6sp f3R The
in the common jails qnSilthe moment Of their
ships departure.
The direct mode, adopted by H. B. Ms.
Government in this communication, will, the
undersigned hopes, be accepted as further
proof of consideration and good will towards
the State of South Carolina.
Aware of the constitutional change i'm
pending upon his arrival, he has purposcly
awaited your Exccllency's official inaugural
ton into office.
The State of South Carolina, the under
signed apprchcnds, has derived advantages of
moment from the present liberal commercial
intercourse with Great Britain, rs it is evident
ly. The price al ,ctich her staple commodities Of
rice and cotton can be sold, that limits their pro-
duction and importation from rarious othcr
countries; nor will it escape the recollection
of your Excellcncy and Of the Legislature,
that the punctlious adherence Of the British
Government to the unintended, but strict, ap-
plication of the wording Of the mutual trea-
ty, enabled talented Carolina gentlemen to
obtain for the South, underit.a further benefit.
To the distinct clauses of that treaty, and
to the declaration in the Constitution of the
United States "that the Constitution and the
Laws of the United States, which shall he
made in pursuance thereof. and all The treaties
made. or which shall be made under the author
tn of The United StaieS, shall be the saprcmc
lav Of The land," the undersigned begs to call
your Execllehcy's attention, experimenting
that its infraction by the act in question will
appear indubitable.
The substitution of any more "profeciirc'
basis of commercial intercourse, for the pre-
sent treaty, would, he feels persuaded, be at
variance with the wishes Of H. B. Ms. Gov
crnmcnt, but, it is just, and indispensable to
its continuance, that a perfect ciprocity III lis
advantages should be admitted.
H. B. Ms. Government seek this rcciproci-
ty in the unrestricted trade of II. Ms. West
Indian Colonies with NIL parts of the United
States. These colonies mainly depend on
their imports for corn, -four, cattle SALT provi-
sions, and lumber, and, to their small, but nu-
merous vessels necessarily manned by mixed
and chiefly colored crews,) the ports OF North
and South Carolina, respectively, arc more
especially suitable, and al all seasons acccs-
Siblc.
Your Excelcncy and the Legislature will
the undersigned cannot doubt, concur with
him in the general International understand
ing of the poUcrs of Police, or Port rcgnla-
tions, co-cristcm acifh treaties, namey,-that
such permanent regulations should extend to
foreigners the same restrictions they impose
on natives, of the spot where they arc cnfor-
ccd, of Il similar class and calling, and no
more.
The undersigned INDUCES in the hope that,
under these circumstances, the Legislature OF
South Carolina will see fit to abrogate or
amend such portion of the law, as applies to
the subjects of foreign allied powers and will
thus strengthen the existing bonds OF com,
mcrcc, of friendship, and of mutual good
faith, with kindred nation.
[Signed] GEORGE D. MATHEW.
To His Excelency,
The Governor and Com-in-chicf of
S. Carolina, &C., &c.
Reply Of Governor Means.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,