Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1854-03-30
Message from President Pierce The Out
rage on the Black Warrior.


To The Hcu5s o. Representatives,:
In compliance with the resolution Of the
House of Representatives of the 10th inst,
| herewith transmit report Of the Secreta
ry Of State, containing all The information re-
ceived at the department in relation to the
seizure of the Black Warrior at Havana,
on the 2Sth ult. There has been in the
course of few years past many other in
stances Of aggression upon our commerce,
violations Of the rights of American citizens
and insults to the national flag by the Span
ish authorities in Cuba, and all attempts TO
obtain redress have led to protracted and
fruitless negotiations. The documents in
these cases have been voluminoue. and wl en-
prepared will be sent to Congress. These
now transmitted relate exclusively to the
seizure of the Blacl. Warrior, and present
so clear q case Of wrong that il would be
reasonable to expect full indemnify there.
for as soon as this unjustifable and olIen-
sive conduct shall be made known TO her
Catholic Maiestv's Government; but similar
expectations in other cases have not been
realized. The offending party is at our
doors, with large powers for aggression; but
none lis alleged for roparation. The source
Of redress is in another hemisphere, and the
answer to our just complaints made to the
home government, are the repetition Of ex-
cuses rendered By inferior officials 10 their
superiors in reply to representations Of mis-
conduct. The peculiar situation Of the par
ties has undoubtedly much aggravated the
annoyances and injuries which our citizens
have suffered from the Cuban authorities,
and Spain does not seem to appreciate TO its
full extent her responsibility fer the con-
duct these authorities. In giving very
extraordinary powers to them, she owes i. 10
justice and TO her friendly relations with
this government to guard with great vigil
ance against the eXorbitant exercise of those
powers, and in case of injuries to provide
for prompt redress. l have already taken
measures TO present 10 the government OF
Spain the wanton injury of the Cuban ar-
thorities in the detention and seizure Of the
Black Warrior, and 10 demand immediate
indemnity for the injury which has thereby
resulted to our citizens. In view of tbs po-
sition of the Island of Cuba, its proximity to
our coast, the relations which Il must ever
behr on cur commercial and other interests,
it vain to expect that q series Of .mGriend.
ly acts infringing or commercial rights
and the adoption Of policy threatening the
honor and security Of these States, can long
consist with peaceful relations, in case the
measures taken for amiaablc adjustment o.
our difficulties with Srain shoull uniortu.
nately fail, shall not hesitate TO use the all.
thority and means which Congress may gran
to ensure tie observance OF cur just rights
to obtain redress for injuries rcca.yea, ant
to vindicato the honor of our flag. In an
ticiration Of that contingency, which ear
ncstIy hope Will not arise, Isuggcst to Con
grcss the propriety Of adopting such provis
ional measures as the eXigency Of The cas-
may seem to demand. (Signed)
I'D --T-v ~ ror--r>5~r-