The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-03-24
The Presidents Message Ola the Late
Affair lt Cuba,

The following is copy Of the Message trans.
mitted to Congress yesterday by the President in
regard TO the confscation of the American steam.
er, Black Warrior " by the authorities OF Cuba ::
WASHINGTON, March Is, 1854.
To the House Of Representatives.:
In compliance with the resolution Of the House
of Representatives Of the 10Th instant, herewith
transmit report of the Secretary OF State, con-
tanning all the information received at the Depart
ment in relation to the seizure Of the Black War
rior at Havana the 26th uIt.
There have been, in the course of q few years
rast many other instances of aggression upon our
commerce, violations of the right of American
citizens, and insults 20 the national flag by the
Spanish authorities in Cuba, and all attempts to
obtain redress have led to protracted and yet
fruilIess negotiations. The documents in these
cases are vouminous, and when prepared will be
sent 10 Congress.
Those now transmitted relate exclusively 10 the
seizure OF the Black Warrior and present SO
clear a case of wrong that it would be reasonable
to expect full indemnity therefor soon as this
uni ustilable and offensive conduct shall be made
known to her Catholic Majesty'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, it is alleged, for
reparaiion. The source of redress is in another
made to the Home Government are but the repi-
titon of excuses rendered by inferior officials to
their superiors i'll reply 10 representations OF mis-.
conduct. The peculiar situation Of the parties
has undoubtedly much aggravated the annoyances
which our citizens have suffered from the Cuban
authorities, and Spain does not seem to appreciate
TO its full extent her responsibility for the conduct
of these authorities. In giving very extraordinary
powers to them, she owes it to justice and to her
g., ;Eh ~,
with great vigilance against the exorbitant exercise
Of these powers, and in of injuries to provide
for promp! redress.
have already taken measures to present 10 the
Government of Spain, the wanton injury of the
Cuban authorities in the detention and seizure Of
the &c Black Warrior,'' and to demand immediate
indemnity for the injury which has thereby re-
suited TO our citizens.
In view of the position of the Island of Cuba,
its proximity to coast, the relation which it
must ever bear to our commercial and other inter.
ests it is vain to expect that series OF unrlendy
acts infringing commercial rights, and the
adoption of policy threatening the honor and
security of those States can long consist with
peaceful relations.
In case the measures taken for amicable adjust.
ment of difficulties with Spain should unfortu-
nately fail, shall not hesitate to use the authority
and means which Congress may grant TO ensure
The observance of just rights, to obtain redress
for injuries received, and to vindicate the honor
OF our flag.
In anticipation of that contingency, which l
earnestly hope may not arise, suggest to Con-
gress the propriety Of adopting such provisional
measures as the exigency may seem to demand.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Accompanying the above Message, were several
documents, which were sent to the Printer before
copies could be taken. They consist Of commu.
nications from the acting American Consul at
Havana, and from the officers, agents, and owners
Of the confscated steamer.