The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-03-29
The Presidents Message.
the House of REPRESENTATIVES:

L v tfso AA0DoS " AIcP PCSo"t"ttOoS'
In compliance with the resolution OF
the House of Representatives, of the 10th
instant, herewith transmit report of
the Secretary of State, containing all the
information received atthe department, in
relation to the seizure OF the Black War.
rior at Havana, on the 28th ultimo. There
have been, within the course of few y ears
past, many other instances of aggression
upon our commerce, violations OF the
rights of American citizens, and insults
to the national flag, by the Spanish au-
thorities in Cuba; and all attempts to OBJ
tain redress have led TO pro,racted, and
as yet, fruitless negotiations. The docu
ments in these cases are voluminous, and
when prepareda will be sent to Congress.
Those now transmitted relate exclusively
to the seizure of the Black Warrior, and
present so clear case of wrons, that it
would be reasonable to expect full in
demnity therefor, as soon as this unjusti-
6cable and offensive conduct shall 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 OF
redress is in .another hemisphere, and
the answer to our just complaints, made
to the home government. are but the re-
petition of excuses, rendered by inferior
officials to their superiors. in reply TO rep
reservations of misconduct. The pecu-
liar situation of the parties has, undoubt-
edly much aggravated the annoyances
and injuries which our citizens have suffer
ed from the Cuban authorities, and Spain
does not seem 10 appreciate to its full ex-
tent her responsibility for the conduct Of
these authorities. In giving very extraor-
binary powers to them. she owes it TO JUS
tice and to her friendly relations with this
government, to guard with great vigilance
against the exorbitant exercise OF these
powers, and in case Of injuries to provide
for prompt redress.
have already taken measures to pre-.
sen: to the government OF Spain the wan.
ton injury Of Cuban authorities in the
detention and seizure Of the Black Warrl
or, and to demand immediate indemnity
for the injury which has thereby resulted
to our citizens.
In view of the position Of the island o
Cuba. its proximity to our coast, the rela,
lions which it must ever bear to our com
mercial and other interests, it is vain te
expect tha, series Of uniriendly acts, in
fringing our commercial rights, and tbs
adoption OF policy hrcatening the hon
or and security of these States, can Ions
consist with peaceful relations.
In case the measures taken for amica
| bic adjustment Of our difficulties will
Spain should unfortunately fail, | shall
not hesitate to use the authority and means
which Congress may grant to insure tn
observance of our just rights. to obtair
redress for injuries received, and to vim
dictate the honor Of our flag. In antici
patton Of that contingency, which earn
estly, hope may not arise. ! suggest t
Congress the propriety OF adopting sucl
provisional measures as the exigency may
seem 10 demand.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
/ WASHINGTON. March Is, 1854.