The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-08-11
spain and the United states.
MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES.


MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES.
WASHINGTON, August 1.-The following mes
sage was sent to the Senate this afternoon, in re-
ply to resolution ofinquiry adopted by that body
this morning
10 the Senate of tie United States:
hasten to respond briefly 10 the resolution OF
the Senate OF this date, requiring the President TO
inform the Senate, if in his OPINION it be net in
compatible with the public interest, whether any
thing has arisen since the date of his message to
the House of Representatives of the 18th OF March
last, concerning our relations with the Govern
menl OF Spain, which in his opinion may dispense
with the Suggestions therein contained, touching
the propriety of provisional measures by Con-
gress 10 meet any exigency that may arise IN
the recess of Congress affecting those relations.
In the message to the House of Representa-
ves referred 10. avaIled myself of the occasion
to present the following reflections and susges-
tons
+" 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 inter.
ests, it is vain to expect that series Of unftiendly
acts infringing commercial rights, and the
adoption of policy threatening the honor and
security of these States, long exist with peace
full relations.
q" In case the meaaures taken for the amcable
adjustment Of our difficulties with Spain should
unfortunately fail, shall not hesitate to use the
authority and means which Congress may grant
TO insure the observance Of our just rights TO OBJ
tain redress for injuries received, and vindicate
the honor Of our flag. In anticipation Of that con-
hgency which | earnestly hope may not arrive
suggest to Congress the proprety of adopting
such provisional measures as the exgency may
deem to demand.''
The two Houses of Congress may have antici.
pated that the hope then expressed would be real
lied before the period Of adjournment and that
our relations with Spain would have assumed
satisfactory condition to remove past causes
Of complaint, and afford better security for tran.
guilty and justice in the future.
am constrained TO say that such is not the fact.
The formal demand for immediate PREPARATION in
the case Of the Black warrior, instead of having
been met on the part of Spain by prompt satisfac-
ton, has only served to call forth justification Of
the local auorities Of Cuba and thus 10 transfer the
responsibility for their acts on the Spanish gov
eminent itself.
Meanwhile information not only reliable in its
nature, but Of official character received to
the effect that preparation was making within the
limits of The United States, by private Individuals
under military organization for descent upon the
Island of Cuba, with view to wrest that colony
from the domain Of Spain. International comfy,
the obligations Of treaties, and the express prov-
sions of law, alike required in my judgment that
all the constitutional power Of the Executive should
be exerted to prevent the contamination OF such
violation Of positive law, and of that good faith
on which mainly the amicabe relations of neigh
boring nations must depend.
In conformity with these convictions of public
duty proclamation was issued 10 warn all per-
sons not to participate in the contemplated enter
prise, and to invoke the nerposition in their be-
half Of the proper officers of the Government.-
No provocaton whatever can Justify private exhi-
billions Of hostility against country at peace with
the United States. The power to declare war is
vested by the Constitution in Congress, and the
experience Of past history leaves room to
doubt that the wisdom of this arrangement of
Constitutional power will continue to be verified,
whenever the national interest and honor shall
demand resort to ultimate measures Of redress.
Pending negotiations by the Executive, and be-
fore the action OF Congress, individuals could not
be permitted to embarrass the operations of the
one and usurp the powers OK the other Of these
ieposltaries OF the functions Of Government.
have only to add that nothing has arisen
since the date Of my former message to dispense
with the suggestion therein contained touching
the propriety Of provisional measures by Congress.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Washington, August /, 1854.