The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1854-03-31
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
ON THE SEIZURE OF THE BLACK WARRIOR


To the House of Representatives:
In compliance with the resolution Of the
House Of Representatives, Of the 9th instant
herewith transmit report of the Secretary
Of State, containing all the information re-
ceived at the department, in relation to the
seizure Of the Black Warrior at Havana, on
the 2Sth ultimo. There have been, within
the course of few years past, many other
instances of aggression upon our commerce
violations of the rights of American citizens,
and insults to the national flag by the Span.
ish authorities in Cuba; and all attempts to
obtain redress have led to protracted, and as
yet, fruitless negotiations. The documents
in these cases are voluminous,, and when pre-.
pared, will be sent to congress. Those now
transmitted relate exclusively to the seizure
of the Black Warrior, and present SO clear a
case Of wrong, that it would be reasonable to
expect full indemnity therefor, as soon as this
unjustfiable and offensive conduct shall be
made known to her Catholic Majesty's gov
ernment; but similar expectations in other
cases have not been realized. The offending
party is at our doors, with large powers for
oSSi iCooiou, uul hohOJ ~ 10 oliCSCu iCpuI
ton. The source OF redress is in another
hemisphere, and the answer to our just COM
plants made to the home government, are
but the repetition of excuses, rendered by in
ferior officials to their superiors, in reply to
representations of misconduct. The pecu-
liar situation of the parties has, undoubtedly
much aggravated the annoyances and injur-
les which our citizens have suffered from the
Cuban authorities and Spain does not seem
to appreciate to its full extent her response
bility for the conduct of these authorities.
In giving very extraordinary powers to them
she owes it to justice and to her friendly rela-
tons with this government, to guard with
great vigilance against the exorbitant exer-
else Of these powers, and in case Of injuries
10 provide for prompt redress.
have already taken measures to present
to the government of Spain the wanton in
jury of Cuban authorities in gthe detention
and seizure ofthe Black warrior, and to de-
mand immediate indemnity for the injury
which has thereby resulted to our citizens.
In view Of the position sof the island OF
Cuba, its proximity to. our coast, the relations
which it must ever bear 10 our commercial
and other interests, it is vain to eSAHAA t a
series of unfriendly acts, and the adoption of
a policy threatening the honor and security
of these States, can long consist with peace
full relations.
In case the measures taken for amicable
adjustment of our difficulties with Spain
should unfortunately fail, shall not hesitate
to use the authority and means which Con-
gress may grant to insure the observance of
our just rights, to obtain redress for injuries
received and to vindcate the honor of our
flag. In anticipation of that contingency,
which earnestly hope may not arise, ! sug-
gest to Congress the propriety Of adopting
such provisional measures as the exigency
may seem to demand.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
WASHINGTON, March 10, 1854.