The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-06-18

formed on the historical stage but the people may occupy
the place near the ooghts in the fifth and group the
armies and trophies OF in the back ground. While
these mutaons possible perhaps probable the only
nation which, by wisdom and prudence and Justice TO all
can preserve Its neutrality, need not by congressional
resolutions or presidential declarations spuate the
dions on which we consent to remain neutral in this fear
fl combat We have conditions TO offer;
terms TO propose What ask is the observance OF the
law of nations, nothing more II would, no doubt be
gratifying 70 some European powers to involve in their
war; but ~ VIII be the part OF sound craftsmanship TO
keep us out OF it, We have desire to participate its
expenses and vesstude and business 10 abandon the
advantages OF neutas TO share the burdens Of the bege
i rents.
\ But suppose had fixed the conditions on which we
are willing 10 remain neutral during the present in
Europe aid that England, and France and all other Eu~
ropean powers ready to submit to them what would
we gain by III All conditions between nations are from
their very nature reciprocal and young people like
selves increasing daily in wealth and power need not
the beginning OF which threatens be y long and
tedious one and which may change rope and
the condition Of all the old eofl got to acdves down
the law Of nations Tho ttk tower oflnosinge their
policy and tactics; nations nov aat.i with
others may form new combinations and become arrayed
against each other the battlefield old alliances may be
severed and new ones formed dynasties may disappear
and be replaced by Others revolutions may change the
isting forms Of government during all which, We having
ourselves great interests guard this Aeri
continent must do nothing either by treaty stipua-
tons or otherwise that shall prevent from remaining
masters of our fate #@n#Ha .s ..
The true dgnifed and prudent course for the United
States to pursue is to demand of England o France
need not demand it, since she has demanded herself
and is with this great question: in clustering way
by hgh-soundnglh had almost said martial resolutions
introduced into this the other house. that respect be paid
what consider national law but TO obtain from other
powers and especially from England recognition Of that
law matter Of abstract justice and of pro-
tectng the and shipping of all neutral nations
We alone cannot make national law We may make de-
mands other powers which deem just and ready
10 enforce by the army and navy Of the republic but we
make laws for the guidance of other nations with
out the consent Of those who be governed by them
Hence negotiate and obtain the consent of ALL or
the principal ones among them, to proposition Now,
put the question TO this House. is proper begin these
negotiations by act resolution of Congress Have
any to suppose that the is neglected
forgotten by the administration and that resolution
necessary in the nature Of gentle hint to make tho Sec
reary of State attend to his duty II so, have evil
denee before us that IT is merely work OF supereroga
| ton.
Copies of the correspondence which has passed between
this government and foreign upon the subject
of the rights Of neutras and the rights claimed by bell
ligerents, In the now pending in Europe have but re-
Gently been submitted by the President to this House II
has been read and printed and furnishes ample proof that
the ship of State, in this respect is the right track
and that the Secretary of State understands his da and
| does it, #..as ..a H.s#.. SOD !. lads .
will read Governor Marcys letter. dated April % 1854
in reply communication addressed to him by the min
listers from England and France the subject The Secre
| tary of State says:
H.. #a...M. DEPARTMEsr OF STATE, .
| T. ... .##. Washington, April 2s, 1854.
The undersigned Secretary of State of the United States,
has honor receive the note Mr. Crampton her
Britannia Maetys envoy extraordinary and minister pcn
potentar Of the 2ls instant accompanied BY the dec
laraton Of her Majesty the Queen Of the United King
dom Of Great Britain and Ireland in regard the rule
which will for the present be observed towards those
with which she is at peace, in the existing with
Russia. =. s.4 ,a....
The undersigned has submitted those communications to
the President and received his direction express her
Majesty his satisfaction that the principle that
free ships make free goods which the United States have
long and srenuousy contened for neutral right and
in which of the leading powers of Europe have concur
red TO have qualified sanction by the practical observ
OF it in the present by both Great Britain and
France-tso Of the most powerful nations of Europe.
Notwithstanding the sincere qualification which her Ma
y declaration has given TO the President II would have
been enhanced the rule alluded had been announced
which would be observed not only in the present but in
every future war which Great Britain shall be party.
The unconditional sanction Of this rule by the British and
French together with the practical Observance
OF IL In the present war; would be henceiorh
ognised thrcug the civilized world general principle
Of international law, This government, from its very
has lab0red ts recognition as right
1t has incorporated It. in its treaties with foreign
powers France Russia Prussia and other nations, have in
various ways fully concurred with the United States in
garding a sound and sautay principle in all respects
proper to be Incorporated into the law Of nations
The consideration which has induced her Britannia
Majesty IN with the Emperor Of the French to
present a. concession In the present war-the desire to
preserve the Of neutra from all unnecessary OBJ
structionill I'll presumed have equal weight with the
begcrcns In any future and satisfy them that the
claims Of the principal maritime powers while neutral to
have recognised rule of international law, well
founded, and should be no Longer contested
cept articles conraband Of and to prevent rom being
called again In question from any quarter OF under any cir
the United States dcrous unite with other
powers In declaration hait shan be observed By each hero
after a rule Of international law.
The exemption Of the properly Of neutra not oontraband
from seizure and oopscaon when laden board enemys
vessel Il right generally recognised by the law of
ons The President pleased to perceive from the decara
on of her Britannia Majesty that The bo pursued by
her cruisers cH bring question 10 e present
Tho undersigned directed by the President
her Maety's minister to this government that the United
States while claiming the full enjoyment Of their rights
neutral power will observe the sctest neutrality towards
each and all the belgerens The laws Of this country inn
pose restrictions only upon it, citizens bu
upon all persons who be residents within any of the Ter
rtores OF the United States agans, eqnipping pvaee
receiving commissions enisng therein for tho pur
hendcd that there viii be any attempt to violate the laws
but should the Just expectation of the President be dsappon
cd he viii fail in his duty all the power with which
he invested 10 enforce obedience To them Considerations
that the citizens of the United States win in cOmpro
init the neutrality Of their country by participating in the
contest In which the principal powers Of Europe
The undersigned avails himself cf this opportunity
1 new &C. w. l.. MARCY.
II Now appears TO me that this letter codiains all that
be prudonty said in regard this subject Eng
land is made to know that are not satisfied with a
qualified sanction OF what consider sound nterna-
toaal law by practical observance Of II in the present
war but that shall do all in power to procure It's
i recognition rule Of international law for oil suhse
quent We have already incorporated the principle
in Of commercial treaties with the smaller mari
time powers and also know that France and Russia
with US in this great question Of humanity civilization
and usticep This s all very satisfactory while a the
time IL is gratifying 70 know that the Secretary Of
State In pressing the general recognition Of the rights Of
neuals and forever has not forgotten the obligation
of neutral and that 10 that respect his letter Is far more