Grass Valley telegraph., 1854-04-27
Presidents Message.


The following is the Message of President
Pierce on the subject of the detention of the
Black Warrior at Havana:
To the House Of Representatives:
In compliance with the resolutions of the
House of Representatives of the 10th inst,
herewith transmit a report of the Secretary
of State containing all the information re-
ceived at the department in relation to the
seizure of the Black Warrior at Havana, on
the 28th ult. There has been in the course
of few years past many other instances of
aggression upon our commerce, violative OF
the rights of American citizens and insults
to the national flag by the Spanish authori-
ties of Cuba and all attempts to obtain re-
dress, have led to protracted and fruitless
negotiations. The documents in these cases
have been voluminous, and when prepared
will be sent to Congress. These now trans
mitted relate exclusively to the seizure of the
Black Warrior, and present so clear a case of
wrong that it would be reasonable to expect
full indemnity therefor as soon as this unjus-
tifiable 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:
hut none it is alleged, for reparation. The
source of redress is in another hemisphere,
and the answers to our just complaints made
to the home government, are but the repeti
ton Of excuses rendered by inferior officials
to their superiors, in reply to representations
of misconduct. The peculiar situation of the
parties. has undoubtedly much aggravated
the annoyance and injuries which our citi-
zens have suffered from the Cuban authori-
ties and Spain does not seem to appreciate
to its full extent her responsibility for the
conduct of these authorities.
In giving very extraordinary powers to
them, she owes it in justice, and to her friend
ly relations with this government, to guard
with great vigilance against the exorbitant
exercise of these powers, and, in case of inju-
ries, to provide for prompt redress. I have
already taken measures to present to the gov
ernment of Spain the wanton injury of the
Cuban authorities in the detention and sci
zure Of the Black Warrior, and to demand
Immediate indemnity for the injury which has
thereby resulted to our citizens. In view of
the position of the Island of Cuba, its prox-
unity to our coast, the relations which it
must ever bear on our commercial and other
interests, it is in vain to expect that a series
of unfriendly acts, .infringin on our CONNER
cial rights, and the adoption of policy
threatening The honor and security of these
States, can long exist with peaceful relations.
In case the measures taken for an amicable
adjustment of our difficulties with Spain
should unfortunately fail, shall not hesitate
to use the authority and means which Con-
gress may grant to insure the observance of
our just rights, to obtain redress for injuries
received, and to vindcate the honor of our
flag. In anticipation of that contingency.
which 1 earnestly hope may not arise, sug-
gest to Congress the propriety of adopting
such provisional measures as the exigency of
the case may seem to demand.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Washington, March Is, 1854 80