Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-03-22
A Manly Docam ent.

we puolSn5 DtlOHt tue message Oh
President Pierce to the House of Repre-
sentatlyes. in reply 10 call of that body
upon him for any information he might
have in regard to the seizure of tue
steamer Black Warrior; by the spani, ii
authorities at Havana, an account oil
which we published last week. In read
ing this document, we imagine we are
perusing President Pierce's Inaugural, SO
similar is the style, characterized by the
same plain, bold, straightforward lau-
guage, which no man can misunderstood
or condemn as un-Amsrican or uncalled
for by the times and occasion. We can
not refrain from expressing the gratifca-
ton we feel at the realization of our
hopes in regard to the foreign policy of
the present administration. 1t is exceed
ingly pleasing to see the weak, vascilla-
ting and timid course of the late admins.
trstion substituted by the manliness of the
present.
To the House of Representatives.:
In compliance with the resolution of
the House ofRepresentatiyes of the 10th
inst, herewith transmit a report of the
Secretary of State, containing all the in
formation received at the Department re-
Iative 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 instances ofaggres-
sion upon our commerce, violations OF the
rights of American citizens. and insults to
the national flag, by the Spanish autho-
rites in Cuba, and all attempts tor obtain
redresses have led to protracted, and as
yet, fruitless negotiations.
The documents in these cases are volu-
minous, and when prepared will be sent
to Congress. Those now transmitted re-
late exclusively to the Black Warrior, and
present so clear case of wrong. that it
would be reasonable 10 expect full inIem-
nifty therefor, as soon as this unjustiGable
aud offensive conduct shall be made
KNOWN to her Catholic Majesty's govern
mcnt; but similar expectations i'll other
cases have not been realized,
The offending party is at our do'r with
large powers for aggression, bucnone Is
alleged for PREPARATION. TIE sOurcc-oi re-
dress is in another hemisphere, and the
answer 20 our asst complaints made to the
Home Government. are but the repcti-
zion Of excuses rendered for inferior Off
Gals to their supcriors, in reply 10 repre-
sensations of misconduct. The peculiar
situation OF the parties has, undoubtedly,
much aggravated the aunoyances and in
iarirs which our citizens have suffered from
The Cuban authorities. Spain does not
seem TO appreciate, to its fall extent, her
responsibility for the conduct of these all
thoriticS. In giving very extraordinary
powers 10 them, she owes it to justice. and
her friendly relations with this govern
ment, TO guard with vigilance against the
exhorbitant exercise OF these powers, and
in case of injury to provide for prompt re
dress.
have already taken measures to pre-.
sent to the government Of Spain the'wan
ton injustice Of the Cuban authorities in
~ -l-'Hn.iAn and seizure of the BLACK
! Warrior, and TO demand indemnity for the
injury that has thereby been done to oul
citizens.
In view of the position Of the Island o
Cuba. is proximity to our coasts, and the
relation which it must ever bear to oul
commercial and other interests. it is vair
to expect that series Of unfrienllY act.
intri guing upon commercial rights. ant
the adoption Of policy threatening the no
nor and security of these States, can long
exist with peaceful relations.
In case the measures taken for the ami
cable adjustment of our difficulties will
Spain should unfortunately fail, 1 shall
not hesitate to use the authority anc
means which Congress may grant, to en-
sure the observance of our just rights, t
obtain redress for injuries received, ant
to vindicate the honor Of our flag.
In anticipation of that contingency
which earnestly hope may not arrive.
suggest TO Congress the propriety of au'
thorizing such provisional measures as thu
exigency may seem to demand.
FRANKLrN PIERCE.
Washington, March 5, 1854.
The list Of papers accompanying tn
report Of the Secretary ofStaIe to the Pre-
sident, include letters from Mr.. Robert
son, acting United States Consul at Ha
vana. to Mr.. Marcy, under the date Q
March Sd, and 9TH, with the protest o
the consi9nee and master of the Blacl
Warrior from Livingston. Cochrane 4
Co., dated March 18th. to Mr.. Marcy
Mr.. Sutherland to Mr.. Marcy, date'
March Sd.
Immediately after the reading of tn
message,
Mr.. Bayly rose. move the message
be referred to the Committee on Foreigr
Affairs and printed. l beg to say tina
my admiration is excited by the charac
Ger Of the message.
Motion agreed to.
The spirit of the message was receiv
ed with general favor by the House. pri
Na;ely expressed.
CO y Pn.h L. hoon a10s.a.