Washington telegraph., 1854-04-05
Black Warrior Affair-Prcsident
Message.
WAsHINGroN, March l6.

w MASHINGTON, 4dICA -.
President Pierce has transmitted the fol
lowing message in reference to the Black
Warrior case:
In compliance with resolution passed by
the house Of representatives. i herewith
transmit the report of the Secretary Of
State, containing all the information recciv-
ed by the department relative to the seizure
Of the Black Warrior at Havana, on the
26th ult.
There have been in the course Of q few
years past many other instances Of aggres-
sion upon our commerce, violation of the
rights Of American citizens, and insults to
our national flag by the authorities Of Cuba
and all attempts to obtain redress for them
have led to protracted and fruitless negotia-
tions
The documents in these cases have been
very voluminous. and when they are prepar-
ed they will be sent to Congress.
These now transmitted relate exclusively
to the seizure Of the Black Warrior, and
they present % clear case Of wrong that It
might reasonably be expected that full in
dcmnity should be made for it. soon a. this
uninstiiiable and offensive conduct should be
made known to Her Catholic Majesty's Gov
ernment
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 i,
alleged, for reparation.
The source for redress is in another hem
ispherc, and the answers made to our first
complaints made to the home government
are but repctitions Of the excuses rendered
BY inferior officials to their superiors, in re-
ply to representations as to their miscon-
duct.
This peculiar situation Of parties has IN
deniably much aggravated the annoyance
which our citizens have suffered from the
Cuban authorities, and Spain does not ap
preciate, to the full extent. her responsible
| ty for the conduct Of her authorities.
In giving very extraordinary powers to
them. she owes il to justice and to her friend
ly relations with this government to guard
with great vigilance against any exhorbitant
exercise Of those powers. and in case Of in.
jures to provide for prompt redress.
| / have already taken measures to repre-
sent to the government Of Spain the wantor
injury done BY The detention and seizure q
the Black Warrior, and to demand immcdi
ate indemnity for the injuries which have
thereby resulted to our citizens
In view Of the position of Cuba, its prox
unity 70 our coast, :hc relations which i
must ever bear to our commercial interests
it is vain to expect that series Of unfriend
y acts, the infringing Of our commercial
rights, and the adoption Of policy threat
ening the honor and security Of these States
can long consist with peaceful relations.
In case the measures have taken for al
amicablc adjustment Of our difficulties wit
Spain should unfortunately fail, shall no
hesitate to. use the authority and means
which Congress may grant to insure the Oh
servance Of our just rights, or obtain redres
for injuries received, and will vindicate th,
honor Of our flag
In anticipation Of that contingency, whieE
| earnestly hope may not arise, / would sug
gest to Congress the propriety Of adopting
such provisionary measures as the exigenc,
Of the case may seem 70 demand.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
The message was referred to the commit
tee On foreign Affairs, and ordered to b
printed.