The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1854-03-29
BENTS MESSAGE CON-
lG THE SEIZURE OF
BLACK WARRIOR
0use of REPRESENTATIVES

House of Representatives
In compliance with the resolution Of the
House of Represent itives Of the 1lth inst, |
herewith transmit q report Of the Secretary Of
State, con aiming all the information received
at the Department in relation to the seizure of
the Black Warrior at Havana on the 23th ut.
There have been in the course of fey years
past many other nstancea Of aggression upon
our commerce, violations of the rights Of Amer.
lean citzens, and insults to the national flag by
the Spanish authorities in Cuba, and all attempts
to obtain redress haVe led to protracted and
frntless negotiations. The documents in these
cases have been volunnious, and when prepar-
ed will be sent 10 Congress. Those now lrans-
mitted relate exclusively to the seizure of the
Black Warrior, and present So clear q case of
wrong that it yeuld be rea sonable to expect full
indemnity therefor as as this unjust'fia-
BILE 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 hemis.
phere, and the answers to just complaints
made to the Home Government, are but the
repetition OF excuses rendered by inferior ofi-
Gals to their snperiors IN reply TO representa-
tions Of misconduct The peculiar situation of
the parties has undoubtedly much aggravated
the annoyances and injuries which our citizens
have suIered from the Cuban authorities, and
Spain does not seem to appreciate to its tpll ex-
tent her responsibility for the conduct of these
| authorities. In giving very extraordinary pow.
ers to them, she owes it to justice and to her
friendly relations with this government to
guard with great vigilence against the exorhi-
| tant exercise of these powers, and in case OF
| injuries, TO provide for prompt redress have
already taken measures to present to the Gov
eminent of SPAN, the wanton injury of the Gu
ban authorities in the detention and seizure Of
the Black Warrior, and to demand immediate
indemnity for the injury which has hereby re-
| suited to our citizens.
In view Of the position of the island of Cuba,
its proximity to our coast, the relations which
| it must ever bear TO our commercial and other
interests--it is vain to expect that series Of
unfrendly acts, infringing our commercial rights
and the adoption Of q policy threatening the
honor and security Of these States, can long
consist with peaceful relations. In case the meas:
ures taken for amicable adjustment of difficult
ties with Spain should unfortunately fail, shall
: not hesitate to use the authority and means
which Congress may grant, to insure the obser;
vances Of just right to obtain redress for in
iuries received, and to vindicate the honor OF
| our flag. In anticipation of that contingency,
which | earnestly hope may not arise, l sug-
gest to Congre's the proprety of adopting such
, provisional measures as the ezigencies oil Ing
case may 10 demand
. (Sgned) FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Washington, March 10. 1854