Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-05-19

inio the law Oh nAtlous.
The same consideration which has induced
her Britannia majesty, in concurrence with the
Emperor OF The French, 10 present il as conces-
sion In the present war--the desire 10 preserv,
the commerce OF neutrais from all unnecessary
obstruction VIII, y Is presumed, have equa,
weight win The beligerents in any future war
and satisfy them that the claims OF the principal
maritime powers while. neutral, TO have il recog
Missed as rule OF international law, are wei
founded, and should be no longer contested
10 settle the principle that free ships make free
goods, except articles contraband OF war aud 10
prevent II from being called again in question
from any quarter under any circumstances th.,
United States are DESTROYS 10 unite with other
powers IA declaration that u shall be observed
by each hereafter as a rule OF International law
The exemption OF the property OF neutras, moi
contrab md, from seizure and confscalion. when
laden on board an enemy's versel, is right nov
generally recognised by the law OF nations. Tn,
President Is pleased 10 perceive, from the decla
ration OF her Britannia majesty. that the course
be pursued by her cruisers will moi bring il int,
question in the present war
The undersigned is directed by the President
10 stale 10 her maIesly's minister 10 TIN. govern
ment, that the United States, while claiming b..
full enjoyment OF their rights as neural power,
will observe The strctest neutrality towards each
and all the bellIgerenls The laws Of this country
impose severe restrictions NOT only upon It's own
citizens, but upon al persons who may be resi-
dentS within any OF The territories of The IJnileu
Otates dSdihSt cvuipplHS pFlVdtceTS. receiving
commissions, or enllsng therein, Tor the purpos,
OF taking pari in any ioi elgn war. II j. not ap
prehenued that there Will be any at empl TO viola,
the laws but should The just expectation of III,
President be disappointed he Will not fail in hls
duty 10 use all the pow er with which he is invest
ed TO enforce obedience 10 them Considerations
OF interest aud the Obligations Of duty alike give
assurance thai the cltlzens oi The United States
viii IN no way conpronn the neutrality of lben
country by participating IN The contest in which
the principal powers OF Europe are now unhappl.
ly engaged"
Next In the documents follow the British orders
in council and letters from Mr. Buchanan relative
10 the subject, aud replies by Mr. Marcy 10 The
same. Also, from Mr.. Mason, and replies by Mr.,
Marcy.
Among the documents are letters to Mr. Marcy
from The charges d'aiaires Of Denmark. and OF
Sweden and Norway in identical terms, informing
INN that the sincere desire OF those governments
severaily, is TO preserve intact The relations OF
friendship aud good understanding which now
happily reign between them and all The govern
nlents OF Europe.
Mr. Marcy replies 10 each that 'sthe govern,
ment and people OF tins country feel deep solic
tude In the events now transporting in Europe, no,
oniy on account Of the general anxiety they occa-
sion 10 those powers more nearly exposed TO the
menaced evils, but also having most import
aut Interior bearing upon the United States
MIR. Schroeder, Charge 10 Sweden. writes letter
10 Mr. Marcy communicating copy OF the SWe-
inerce OF SM eden.
The concluding document in the series is let
Ter from MIR. Marcy 10 Mr. Seymour, minister 10
Russia. dated May y, 1854, in which he says :: III
IS the seiiled purpose OF this government 10 pur-
sue such course during the present war IN
Europe as will give no cause 10 either bell gerenl
party 10 complain and il sincerely hopes neither
VIII give This country any ground for dssalsiac-
lion TIL. danger of misunderstanding is much
less with Russia than with Great Britain and
France. | believe, however, these latter powers
are DESTROYS 10 pursue fair and liberal course
towards the United States. You will observe thai
there is a suggestion In the enclosed for conven-
uon among The principal maritime nal ons 10 unit,
IN declaration that free ships should make free
goods. except articles contraband OF war l
have thrown out the suggestion 10 Great Brit
ain and France 10 adopt this as a rule to be
observed in all future wars. Should Russia,
Great Britain and France concur with the United
States in declaring this 10 he the doctrine of the
law of nations | do not doubi that the other ma
lions of the world would at once give their con-
sent, and conform the practice 10 it. If fair
opportunity should occur The President requests
you 10 ascertain the views of his majesty the
Emperor OF Russia on the subject"
On motion of Mr. DEAN, the message and ac-
complaining documents We're referred 10 the Com
mitlee on Foreign Affairs and ordered TO be
printed.
CIVIL VS.. MILITARY SUPERINTENDENT.
committee TO inquire into the subject OF, military
superintendency over civil works, reported the les
timony relative 10 the national armorie-; which
was ordered 10 be printed. The committee, he
said desired the printing of the documents for
their own convenience, before making up their
report.
NEBRASKA AND KANSAS BILL.
The House resolved itself into Committee OF
the Whole on the state of the Union, Mr. OLDS
in the Chair, and resumed the consideration the
bin 10 organize the Territory of Nebraska and
Kansas; the question being on the substitute of.
| fered by Mr.. RICHARDSON.
| Mr.. BANKS, prompted by his conscience and
Judgment. as well as by the almost united voice oil
the people of Massachusetts, felt called upon 10
do whatever lay in his power 10 prevent the es-
| tablishment Of governments for Nebraska and
Kansas. He entered into an argument 10 prove
the constitutionalIty Of the Missouri compromise
of 1920 and declared that all agitation on the sub
Ject of slavery had risen out OF desire propa-
gate an institution offensive 10 a portion of the
people of the country, without-any clear and ex-
press right given 10 that institution under the
Constitution.
Mr. MILLER. of Missouri spoke in favor oil
the bill and replied to the charge that the south
now propro>ed TO violate solemn compact en-.
tered into in 1920 He thought that this charge
came with an i'll grace from gentlemen of the
north especially from those who were the sue
cessors Of men who were anxious 10 violate a
solemn treaty made with France in 1903. uhe one
under which acquired this territory by al
tempting 10 drive portion of that property from
The limits Of The State Of Missouri, which France
had expressly guaranteed should be secured to
inhabitants possessing II He replied TO several
Of The points advanced in the speech of his col,
league, MIR. Benton j and in conclusion commended
| that this measure would expe from the halls OF
Congress the agitating subject of slavery, and this
was the reason why he should give his vote in
favor of the hill.
Mr. PARKER opposed the bill. He offered
from gentlemen who had expressed their opinion
that this measure would if passed, quiet slavery
agitation. ltwuuld have contrary effect. Slavery
would go TO the Territories, 1.-THE Missouri restrc
ton should be removed He appealed TO the
south 10 pause before they vote for this measure,
which threatens disastrous consequences
Mr.. PECKHAM, after avowng himself ma
tional democrat said he was :" hard.o He com.
planned of the disraraging remarks which had been
made by certain souther,. gentlemen against that
wing otthe demo ratio party. The administration
could lay down no democratic course for him but
il il could, il would not be difficult al all TO find
himself somewhere standing with the admini>ra-
ton, for the adninistrato on had been found on
every side of il. The administration was said 10
be unit. This is gross libel on the administra.
ton. Ii can only he unit on the principle OF the
Il