The independent. (Harrisonburg, La.) 1853-18??, 1854-03-29
Seizure of the Black Warrior.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

I
message to Congress on the 10Th inst, in re
lation to the recent seizure of the steamship
Black Warrior, in the port of Havana. The
President takes the right view of the matter
and speaks as becomes the Chief Magistrate
of this great and free people. The message
was referred to the Committee on Foreign
Affairs, and ordered to be printed:
In compliance with resolution passed BY
the House Of Representatives, herewith tras.
NIT the report of the Secretary of State. con.
tanning all the Information received by the
department relative to the seizure Of the
Black Warrior at Havana, on the 2Sth ult.
There have been in the course of a few
years past, many other instances of agg-ess-
ion upon our commerce, violations Of the
rights Of, American citizens, and insults to our
national flag by the authorities of Cuba, and
all attempts to obtain redress from them
have led to protracted and fruitless negoti-
atoms: a.
The documents in these cases hive been
xeFy uels.'..;.aa.s. ...4l -.A4y.AhAy S,.f>-4a
will be sent to Congress.
Those now transmitted relate exclusively
to the seizure of the Black Warrior, and they
present so clear case of wrong that it might
reasonably be expected that full indemnity
should be made for it as soon as this unjus-
tifable and offensive conduct should 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 doors with
large powers for aggression, but none, It is
alleged, for reparation.
The source for redress is in another hemis-
phere, and the answers made to our first
complaints from the home Government are
but repetitions Of the excuses rendered BY in
ferior officers to their superion, in reply to
as to their misconduct.
This peculiar situation Of parties has unde-
niably much aggravated the annoyance which
our citizens have suffered from the Cuban
and Spain does not appreciate, to
he full extent, her responsibility for the con-
luct of her authorities.
In giving very extraordinary powers to |
hem, she owes it to justice and to her friendly
citations with this Government to guard with
yreat vigilance against any exorbitant exer-
Use Of those powers, and in case Of injuries,
o provide for prompt redress.
| have already taken measures to repre-
ent to the Government of Spain the wanton
injury done by the Cuban authorities by the
letention and seizure of the Black Warrior,
nd to demand immediate indemnity for
he injuries which have thereby resulted to
'ax- citizens.
In view the position of Cuba, its prox-
nifty TO our coast, sAAs. relations which it
must ever bear to our comffier~i.l intere.ts Il
/ vain to expect . seriAa Of unfriandl xcvuy>AeI
of our commercial rights, and
he adoption Of a policy threatening the
onor and security Of these States, can long
onsist with peaceful relations.
In case the measures | have taken for an
micable adjustment Of our difficulties with
pain should unfortunately fail, shall not /,
esitate to use the authority and means which
congress may grant to insure the observance
our just rights, or obtain redress for inju-
lee received, and viii vindicate the honor Of
10 flag.
In anticipation of that contingency, which
earnestly hope may not arise, ! would sug.
est to Congress the propriety Of adopting ,
ach provisionary means as the exigcncy Of
he case may seem to demand.
FRANKLIN PIERCE
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