The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1854-04-18
Congress-.

and asked unanimous consent for that purpose,
a matter which at this time is OF great inpor
lance to the commerce of the country. lie had
been Instructed to offer the following by the
committee on foreign affairs:
Resosoed, That in the war which now seems
impending in Europe, it is the duty as well as
the manifest interest uf the Government Of
the u. S. to observe and maintain strict neu-
traity among all the bcliigercnts, and. in the
event of a war, the rights Of our citizens, and
the security OF our commerce demand tie
maintenance of lhe,princpc heretofore assert
ej, and strenuously contcnded for 10y this N"v-
ernment, but not hithcrt" admitted or eStab-
liShed as the law of nations, that Tree SHIPS
make free goods, except as to articles clearly
known as contraband of war, aud that the ncu-
tral Aap protects from unreasonable search
and seizure the slips bearing it and also that
nepsral property on board a vessel of any Of
the belligerents is not subject to seizure and
confscation.
Resokved, That the president of the United
States be requested, if in his opinion not in.
compatible with the public interests, to com
municate to this House whether any, and if
any, what arrangements have been made, or
what correspondence has taken place between
this government and any of the governments
Of Europe, to establish the foregoing principles,
as international law, and to protect the neutral
commerce of the United States in the event of
a'war between any of the powers of Europe
Objections were made to the reception Of
the resolution.
Mr.. Dean moved suspension of the rules
Agreed to-yeas l03, nays Al.
Mr.. Dean said he did not desire to debate
these resolutions, but to state to the House
their contents and the principles they are in.
tended to enunciate.
The first resolution is PLAIN and distinct
statement of our duty 70 maintain neutrality
in the war between the different powers OF
Europe. 1t then re-aSserts the doctrine that
has been so often asserted by the people and
the executive department of this government,
but which the judiciary has failed to sustain.
The executive branch Of the Government has
from its foundation, beginning with the Con-
gress of the Confederation, and from that time
to the presnt, constantly in its action and its
diplomacy, contended that free ships make free
goods, and that the goods of neutrals on board
the ships of belligerents are not liable to sell
zure and confiscation. The Importance of this
subject at the present crisis cannot be estima-
ted or expressed 1t has been recently dis
cussed in the British Parliament The Minis
try have been called upon to state what would
be the action of that Government, and they
have not fully met or answered the question,
though they intimate that a liberal policy will
be pursued.
The second resolution calls for any arrange
q
mGt and Foreign Powers upon this subject.
will state here as important to be known,
and what think will prove correct, that our
government has for some months been engaged
in endeavorng to secure the admission and es-
tablishment Of this principle as an information
al law, and that our representatives, at the
Court of st. James in particular, has ably, and
| believe successfully, accomplished it, so far
as its recognition depends upon that ssoverp.
ment, and it is universally admitted that if
Great Britain, which is the power that has at
all times prevented its adoption. agrees to it,
not BY treaty, but proclamation and action du-
ring the war, it will forever be placed on the
firm basis of precedent as well is natural right
and justice.
am informed that as the action of our gov.
ernment is no. known, merchants and others
interested feel much anxiety. 1t is due to them
that they should have all the information in our
possession, and also know that Congress is de
termned 10 carry out this doctrine at all haz
ards.
! think that The Executive and Congress
ought now to take its stand, and say to the
world that this is our principle; that we will
not be driven from it; that we will legislatc
to assert it; that we will negotiate to secure it,
and. if need be, that we will fight to maintain
it. And sir, the day that we establish this
principle will be one of. the proudest in Ameri-
can history; and, in my Judgment, the time
for action has now arrived.
Mr. Bocock. This is an exceedingly impor-
tant proposition, as it undertakes to define the
position this government occupies IN the pend
ing war. If it means to do any thing, it means
to FIX the position of this government in the
controversy. If this is the design, it ought to
have the sanction of deliberate action. 1t is
intended to produce an effect on our own mcr
chants and on the actions of other countries,
but this cannot be done simply by resolution
not requiring the joint action of the two Houses.
lie moved it be referred to the Committee on
Foreign Affars that careful consideration may
be given to the subject. The motion was
agreed to.
SLAVERY AND. CorToN-Greely and Co.,
only betray their gross ignorance of facts when
they Imagine that slavery would be. abolished
if the cotton culture Of tile U. States were