Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1854-03-25
THE BLACK WARRIOR CASE,
Presidents Message.


Jul tLAt j itdy tHc
WASHINGTON, March l6.-President Pierce
has transmitted the following message to the
House of Representatives in reference to the
Black Warrior case:
In compliance with a resolution passed by the
House of Representatives, | herewith transmit
the report of the Secretary of State containing
all the information received by the Department
| relative to the seizure of the Black Warrior at
Havana, on the 28th ult.
There have been in the course of a few years
| past many other instance Of aggression upon
our commerce, violations Of the rights of
American citizens, and insuls to our national
flag by the authorities ofCuba, and all attempts
to obtain redress for them have led to protrac-
ted and ~fruitless negotiations.
The documents in these cases have been very
voluminous, and when they are prepared they
will be sent to Congress.
Those now transmitted relate exclusively to
the seizure of the Black Warrior, and they pre-
sent so clear case of wrong that it might rea-
sonably be expected that full indemnity should
be made for it, as soon as this unjustifiable and
offensive conduct should lie made knownt TO Her
Catholic Majesty's Government.
But similar expectations in other cases have
not been realized.
The offending party is at outdoors with large
powers for aggression, bat none, it is aIledsed,
for reparation.
The source for redress is in another hemis-
phere, and the answers made to our first com-
plants made to the Home Government are but
repetitiOns of the excuses rendered by inferior
officials to their superiors, in reply to repre>
sensations as to their misconduct.
This p~eculiar situation of parties has undenia-
bly, much aggravated the annoyance which our
citizens have suffered from the Cuban authori.
ties, and Spain does not appreciate, to the full
extent, her responsibility for the conduct of her
authorities.
In giving very extraordinary powers to them,
she owes it to justice and to her friendly rela-
tons with this Government to guard with great
vigilance against any exorbitant exercise of
those powers, and in case Of injuries to provide
for prompt redress.
| have already taken measures to represent
to the Government of Spain the wanton injury
done by the Cuban authorities by the detention
and seizure of the Black Warrior, and to de-
nand immediate indemnity for the injuries
which have thereby resulted to our citizens.
In view OF the position of Cuba, its proximity
to our coast, the relations which it must ever
bear TO our commercial interests, it is vain to
a series OF unfrlendly acts, the infringing
of our commercial rights, and the adoption ola
threatening the honor and security of
these States can long consist with peaceful rela-
lions.
In case the measures | have taken for an
adjustment of Our difficulties with
Spain should unfortunately fall, | shall not
hesitate to use the authority and means which
.ongTess may grant to insure the observance
If our just rights, or obtain redress for injuries
eceived and viii vindicate the honor of our fac.
In anticipation of that contingency, which,
hope may not arise, | would suggest
O Congress the propriety of adopting such pro-.
isIonary measures as the exigency of the ease
pay seem to demand.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
The message was referred to the Committee
n Foreign Affairs, and ordered to be printed.