Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1854-03-29
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

Concerning me Seizure Of me Black Warrior.
FF To The House of Representatives
In compliance with the resolution Of the
House Of Representatives Of the lth inst, |
herewith transmit q report Of the Secretary Of
State, containing all the information received at
the Department in relation to the seizure of the
Black Warrior at HAVANA on the 2Sth ut.-
There have been in the course of q few years
past, many other instances Of aggression upon
our commerce. violations of the rights Of Amer
lean citizens, and insults to the national flag by
the Spanish authorities in Cuba, and all attempts
to obtain redress have led to protracted and
fruitless negotiations. The documents in these
cases have been voluminous and when prepared
will be sent to Congress. Those now trans
mitted relate exclusively to to the seizure Of the
Black Warrior, and presents so clear case Of
wrong that it would be reasonable to expect full
indemnity therefore as soon rs this unjustifable
and offensive conduct shall be made known TO
her Catholic Majesty's Government; but SINH
lar expectations in other cases have not been re.
allied. 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 hemis-
phere, and the answers to our just complaints
made TO the Home Government. are but the rep
to their superors in reply to the representations
of misconduct. The peculiar situation of the
parties has undoubtedly much aggravated the
annoyances and injuries which our citizens have
suffered from the Cuban authorities, and Spain
does not seem to appreciate to its full extent her
responsibility for the conduct of these auhori-
ties. In giving very extraordinary powers to
them, she owes it to justice and to her friendly
relations with this Government, to guard with
great vigilance against the exorbtant exercise
Of these powers, and in case of injuries, to pro-
vide for prompt redress. have already taken
measures TO present to the Government Of Spain,
the wanton injury Of the Cuban authorities in
the detention and seizure of the Black War
rior, and to demand immediate indemnity for
the injury which has thereby resulted to our cit
liens.
In view of the position Of the island Of Gu
ba, its proximity to our coast, the relations which
it must ever bear TO our commercial and other
interests--it is vain to expect that a series of
unfriendly acts, infringing our commercial rights
and the adoption of policy threatening the hon.
or and security of these States, can long consist
with peaceful relations. In case the measures
taken for amicable adustment of our difficulties
with Spain should unfortunately fail, | shall not
hesitate to use the authority and means which
Congress may grant, 10 insure the observance of
our just right to obtain redress for injuries re-
ceived, and to vindicate the honor of our flag.
In anticipation of that contingency, which l
earnestly hope may not arise, suggest to
Congress the propriety of adopting such provis-
ional measures as the exigencies Of the case
may seem to demand.
(Signed) FRANKLIN PIERCE.
WASHINGTON, March Is, 1854.