Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-05

any other. Over this great interest," in which
not only our merchants, but all classes Of citizens
al least indirectly concerned, il is the duty OF
the executive and Legislative branches OF the
government TO exercise careful supervision,
and adopt proper measures forts protection. The
policy which have had in view, in regard 10 this
interest, embraces its future as well as It's present
security. k
Long experience has shown that, In general,
when the principal powers of Europe are engaged !
in war, the rights Of neutral nations are endan-
gered. This consideration led, in the progress of
the war Of our independence, 10 the formation OF
the celebrated coniederacy Of armed neutrality,
primary object Of which was, TO assert the doc
Urine, that free ships make free goods, except in
the case OF articles contraband of war--a doctrine
which, from the very commencement of our ma
tional being, has been cherished idea of the 1
statesmen Of this country. AT one period or an
other, every maritime power has, by some solemn
treaty stipulation, recognized that principle; and
il might have been hoped that il would come 10 be
universally received and respected as a rule OF
International law. But the refusal of one power
prevented this, and in the next great war which
ensued that Of the French revolution, II failed to
be respected among the belligerent States of Eu.
rope Notwithstanding this, the principle is gen.
orally admitted 10 be a sound and salutary one
so much SO, that, at the commencement OF the
existing war in Europe, Great Britain and France
announced their purpose 10 observe il for the
present-not, however, as a recognized interna-
tional right, but mere concession for the time
being. The cooperation, however, Of these two
powerful maritime nations in the interest Of neu-
tra rights, appeared 10 me 10 afford an occasion,
inviting and justiying, the part of the United
| States, renewed effort 10 make the doctrine in
question principle Of international law, by means
| of special conventions between the several
powers of Europe and America Accordingly
proposition embracing not only the rule, that free
ships make free goods except contraband articles,
but also the less contested one, that neutral prop
erty, other Than contraband, though on board ene-
mics ships, shall be exempt from confscation
has been submitted by this government TO those
| of Europe and America
| Russia acted promptly in this matter, and con-
vention was concluded, between that country and
the United States providing for the observance Of
| the principles announced, not only between
| themselves, but also as between them and all
other nations, which shall enter into like stipula-
| lions. None of the other powers have as yet
taken final action on the subject. am not aware,
however, thar any objection the proposed stipu-
lat,ons has been made; but, on the contrary, they
are acknowledged TO be essential 10 the security
| of neutral commerce; and the only apparent OBJ
stacle their general adoption s in the possibility
that il may be encountered by inadmissabe con-
ditions.
The King Of the Two Sicilies has expressed 10
our minister at Naples his readiness 10 concur in
our proposition relative TO neutral rights and 10
enter iuto convention on that subject.
The King Of Prussia entirely approves of the
project OF treaty 10 the same effect, submitted 10
him, but proposes an additional article providing
for The remuneration of privateering. Such an ar
tic.e, for most obvious reasons, is much desired
by nations having naval establishments, large in
proportion 10 their foreign commerce. IL il WERE
adopted as an international rule the cor.,s,.. !
nation having comparatively srr..all naval force
would be very much al the mercy of its enemy
in case Of war with q power of decided naval an
periority. The bare statement of the conditior
IN WHICH the United States would be placed afte
having surrendered the right TO resort 10 priya
ieers, in The event of war with bellieerenl OF
naval supremacy, will show that this government
could never listen TO such a proposition. The
{ navy OF the hrst maritime power in Europe is n
: least ten times as large that Of the United
! States. The foreign commerce Of The two coun
tries Is nearly equal and about equally exposed Il
hostile depredations. In war between that powe,
and the United States, without resort ON our mar
TO orr mercantile marine, the means ofour enemy
10 infict injury upon our commerce would be ten
foid greater than ours TO retaliate We could no,
extricaie our country from this unequal condition
with such an enemy, unless we al once departed
from our present peaceful policy, and became a
great naval power Nor would this country be
better situated IN with one OF the secondary
naval powers Though the naval disparity would
be less, the greater extent, and more exposed
condition OF our widespread commerce, would
: give any OF them like advantage over US.
The proposition TO enter iuto engagements &c
forego resort 10 privaieers, in case this country
should be forced into war with a great nava
power, is NOT entitled TO more favorable consider
alton than would be proposition 10 agree not 10
accept the services Of volunteers for operations
on land. When the honor or the rights Of our
country require il 10 assume hostile attitude II
confidently relies upon the patriotism of its CHI
7 zens. not ordinarily devoted 10 the military pro
fession, TO augment the army and The navy, so
to make them fully adequate 10 the emergency
which calls them into action. The proposal lo
surrender the right 10 employ privaieers is pro
fessedly founded upon the principle, that private
property Of unofending non-combatants, though
enemies, should be exempt from the ravages Of
war; but the proposed surrender goes but little
; way in carrying out that principle, which equally
requires that such private property should not be
: seized or molested by national ships Of war
Should the leading powers Of Europe concur in
proposing, as rule OF international law, 10 ex
emPt private property, upon the ocean, from seiz
ure by public armed cruizers, well as by priva
teers, the United States will readily meet them
upon that broad ground.
Since the adjournment Of Congress, the rati6
cations Of the treaty between the United Stale,
and Great Britain, relative 10 coast fsheries and
10 reciprocal trade with the British North Amer
can provinces, have been exchanged, and some
OF its anticipated advantages are already enjoyed
: by US, although its full execution was 10 abide
certain acts Of legislation not yet fully performed
, So soon as n was ratified, Great Britain opened
10 our commerce the free navigation Of the river
4 81. Lawrence, and 10 our fishermen unmolesied
, access 10 the shores and bays, from which they
D had been previously excluded, on the coasts Of
her North American provinces in return for
which, she asked for the introduction free Of duty
: into the ports OF the United States, for the fsh
caught on the same coast by British fishermen
This being the compensation stipulated in the
treaty, for privileges or the highest importance and
value 10 the Uniled States, which were thus vol
unfairly yielded before il became effective, the
request seemed 10 me TO be a reasonable one; bui
il could not be acceded TO, from want Of authority
TO suspend our laws imposing duties upon all for
eign hsh. In the mean time, the Treasury De
partment issued regulation for asceriaining the
duties paid or secured by bonds on ish caught on
the coasts Of the British provinces and brough &C
our markets by British subjects, after the fshine
, grounds had been made fully accessible 10 the
citizens OF The United States. / recommend tc
your favorable consideration q proposition, which
will be submitted TO you, for authority 10 refund
the dulles and cancel the bonds thus received
|, The provinces Of Canada end New Brunswick
have also anticipated The full operation OF the
treaty, by legislative arrangements, respectively
20 admit, free Of duty, the products OF the United
States mentioned in The free list Of tae treaty enc
an arrangement, similar 10 that regarding Brifisl
. fish, has been made for duties now chargeable on