The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1854-03-24
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT PIERCE.

MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT PIERCE.
On Wednesday tine Speake, laid before
the House of Representatives the follow
ing:
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT.
To the House Of Representatives.
In compliance with the resolution OF inc
House of Representatives of the 10th lnst.'
herewith transmit report OF the Secretary o.
State, containing all the information received
Mt the Department relative to the seizure Ol
the Black Warrior at Havana on the 18th
ult.
There have been in the course OF IL"
years past, many other instances OF aggres'
sion upon our commerce, violations OIL tne
rights of American citizens, and insults to the
national flag, by the Spanish authorities in
Cuba, and all attempts to obtain redress have
led to protracted, and as yet, fruitless nego'
!iations.
The documents in these cases are volumln.
Gus, and when prepared, will be sent to Con-
gress.-ThOse now transmitted relate exclu-
sively to the seizure of the Black Warrior,
and present so clear case Of wrong that 1t
would be reasonable to expect full indemnity
therefor as soon as this unjustfiablc and Of
fensive 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 door with
large powers for aggression, but none IS al
lodged for reparntion. The source OF redress
is in another hemisphere, and the answer to
our Just complaints made TO the Home Gov.
eminent are but the repetition Of excuses
rendered for inferior officials to their supcr.
ors, in reply TO rspressA iations OF miscon-
duct.-The peculiar situation, Of the parties
has undoubtedly much aggravated the an.
noyances and injuries which our citizens
have suffered from the Cuban authorities.
Spain does not seem to appreciate, to its
full extent, her responsibility for the conduct
of these authorities. 10 giving very extra.
ordinary powers to them she owes it to JUS
tice, her friendly relations with this govern.
ment, to guard with vigilance against the ex.
0rbitant exercise Of these powers, and in case
of injury to provide for prompt redress.
have already taken measures to present
to the Government Of Spain the wanton in.
Justice Of the Cuban authorities in the deten.
ton and seizure of the Black Warrior, and
demand indemnity for the injury that has
| thereby been done to our citizens.
In view of the position Of the Island of
Cuba, its proximity to oar coast, and the re-
lation which IL must ever bear to our com.
merca and other interests, it is vain to ex.
poet that n series of unlriendly acts. infring-
ing upon commercial rights, and the adopt.
ion vi q policy threatening the honor and secu-
rity of these States, can long consist with
peaceful reletons.
In case the measures taken for the AMIGA
bic adjustment of our difficulties with Spain
should unfortunately fail, shall not hesitate
to use the authority and means which Con.
gress may grant to obtain redress for injuries
resolved, ard to vndicate the honor Of our
flag.
In anticipation of that contingency, which
! earnestly hope may not arrive, suggest to
Congress the proprieiy Of authorizing such
provisional measures rs the exigency may
seem to demand. FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Washington, March Is, 1854.
Immediately after the reading of the mes
sage
Mr. Bayley rose-1 move the message be
referred to the Committee on Foreign affairs,
and printed. beg to say that my admira-
ton is excited by the character Of the mes.
sage.
Motion agreed to.
| [,rhs spirit of the mc.~nso received
with general favor by the House, privately
expressed.