The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1854-03-24
The President on the Black Warrior
Affair.

In The House of Representatives Of We'd
nesday, the following proceedings took
place. The moderate tone OF the Presi-
dents Message is matter OF congratula-
;i0l: f.t.I 20
MIR. Walbridge IN. y. said he under
stood an important communication suggest
ing me uuiliruia,e action OF Congrrss nau
been received, and was now OH The table,
from the President OF the United States in
reference 10 the resolution OF the House
with reference 10 The recent oulrages on
our commerce by The Spanish authorities in
Cuba, aud he Therefore moved that the
Committee rise, that the communication
might be read. . s.
Mr.. Stanton Tenn. Lets have il.
The Committee rose, when The Speaker
laid before the House the following mes
sage: . .. hi"Ia-
.a" To III. House Of Representatives.:
Tn compliance with The resolution OF The
House of Representatives Of the 10Th inst,
herewith transmit n report Of the Secrela.
~ of State containing all the information
received at the Department., in relation TO
The seizure of The Black Warrior at Havana
OH the 2Slh nit. There have been, in The
course Of few years past, many other in.
stances OF aggression upon our commerce,
violations of the rights OF American Gill.
zens, and insults 10 the national flag by the
Spanish authorities in Cuba; and all al.
templs 10 obtnin redress have been protract.
ed by laiihess negotiations. The documents
in these cases have been yoluminous, and
when prepared, will be- sent 10 Congress-
Those now transmitted relate exclusively 10
the seizure of the Black Warrior, aud pre-.
sen, SO clear case Of wrong, that j, would
be reasonable 10 expect full indemnify
therefor rs soon as this unjustiliable and Of
fensive conduct shall be made known TO her
Catholic Majesty's Government but SINH.
lar expectations in other cases have mot
been realized. The offending parlyis al
our doors with large powers Tor aggression,
but none, IL IS alleged, for PREPARATION. The
source of redress is in another hemisphere,
and the answers To our Just complaints made
10 The home Government are but the repe.
tiiion OF excuses rendered by inferior Off.
cials TO their superiors in reply TO represen.
lalions OF misconduct. The peculiar silua.
ton of the parties bus undoubtedly much
which our citizens have suffered from. Gu.
ban authorities. In giving very exlraordl-
nary powers 10 them she owes II 10 justice
and to her friendly relations with this Gov
ernnient, 10 guard with great vigilance
against the exorbiiani exercise OF these
powers, and in case Of injuries, 10 provide
Tor their prompt redress. ] have already
iaken measures TO present, iolihe Govern
meut of Spain the wanton injury OF the
Cuban authorities in the, detention and
seizure Of The Black Warrior, and 10 de-
mand immediate indemnify Tor the injury
which has thereby resulted 10 our citizens.
In view Of The position Of ,ha Island OF
Cuba, lis proximity to our coast, the relation
which il must ever bear 10 our commercial
and other interests, il is in vain 10 expect
that series of unfriendly acts, infringing
our commercial rights and the adoption OF
a polcy lhreaisning the honor and security
OF these States, can long consist with peace
fol relations. ai Ia case measures taken for
the, amicable adjustment OF our difficulties
with oSpain, should unfortunately fail, I
shall MOI hesitate 10 use the authority and
means which Congress may grant 10 insure
The observance Of our Jus, rights, 10 OBJ
tain redress for injuries received. and io
The honor, o. our Gag: 10 anlici-
pallon of that contingency when eart
esily hope may not arise, sugges', ~ oon
gress The proprie,y Of Adopting Ispcn pro
yisIonal measures as the lexigency ot'nel
case may seem 10 demand. ,,,,eer.l
: ISiauedI / FRANKLIN PIERCE, Presi'
81 ....t.. sNf fauftrr gllTUgsfH II
'"''WasuiscTos, March -, ls54."f.Iig i
y, The lisros papers accompanying the rel
NOR, Of the Secretary Of State 10 the Presi.
dsn,. include the letters Of Mr.. Robertson,
Acting, United States Consul al Havaaa, TO
MI. Marcy, under dates Of March Sd and
7ih; with The protest of The, consignee and
master Of the Black Warrior and 'ahs L'''l