The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1854-03-30
The Presidents Message Concerning the Saiz-
uro OF the Black Warrior.


j To the House ri Representatives.;
/ In compliance with the resolution OF the
/ House Of REPRESENTATIVES, OF the ! It'll INST,
herewith transmit Il report OF the Sccreta-
rs of State, containing all the Information
i received at the Department III relation to
the seizure OF the Black Warrior at Hasan-
] ma on the Goth ult. There have been III
the course of few years past, many otheF
instances OF aggression upon our commerce.
violations Of the rights OF American citizens
aud insults 70 the national flag by the Span
ISL authorities in Cuba, and all attempts 70
obtain redress haze led 70 prutraeted and
truitless negotiations. The documents III
these cases have been yoluminous, and
when prepared will be sent = Congress ~
I Those now transmitted relate exclusively
to the seizure of tire Black Warrior, and
present 50 clear a ease oil wrong that Il
would bo reasonable 10 cNfcst tull indemnI-
ty therefore as soon as this unlustiilaDie and
offensive conduct shall be made known to
her Catholic Malesty's Government; but
similar expectations in other cases have not
been realized The offending party is at
our doors with large powers for aggression
but none, tits alleged, for reputation.
The source Of redress is 10 another hemls-
pherc, and the answers 10 our Just com
plants made to the Home Government, are
but the repetition OF excuses rendered by IN
ferier officials to their superors IN reply u
representations Of misconduct.
The peculiar situation OF the parties ha 5
nnd uhtcdly much aggravated the annoy
ance and injuries which anr citizens have
suffered from the Cuban autholties, and
Spain does not seem 10 appreciate toitS inil
extent her responsibility Tor the conduct u
these authorities. In giving very extraor-
binary powers 10 them, she owes IL 10 lus-
tice and to her friendly relations with this
Government to guard with great vigilance
against the cNhorbitant exercises al these
powers, and in case ef injuries, to provide
tor prompt redress. | have already taken
measures 10 present u the Government OF
Spain. tie wanton injury Of the Cuban au-
liberties in the detention and seizure 81. the
Black Warrior, and to demand immediate
indemnity for the injury which has thereby
resulted u our citizens.
n view Of the position of the island D!
Cuba. it, proximity 10 our coast, the relations
Nh.eh L must ever bear Il ear eammercil
and other ntcre~t.--it is vain ~ expect that
series Of unfriendly acts, infringing our
commercial rights, ard the adoption ot q
policy threatening the honor and security 81
these States can long exist VITA peaceful
relations In case the measure taken tot
amicabie adjustment Of oar difficulties With
Spain should unfortunately fail, | shall not
hesitate to use the authority aad means
which Congress may grant, - insure the
observance % cur Iast right 10 obtain redress
tor injuries received, and to sinditate the
houar af DER hag. II aHticj2 tian II that
contingency, which earnestly hope may
not arise. suggest ta Congress tae proFri'
ETY. n adopting such provisional measures
~ the ex'gencies ii the case may seem L
demand
Signed FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Washington, March ~, lS5I,