Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-03-18
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE TO CONGRESS
ON THE LATE AFFAIR AT CUBA.

THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE TO CONGRESS
ON THE LATE AFFAIR AT CUBA.
The following is copy of the Message transmit
ted to Congress on Tuesday by the President in re
gard to the confscation of the American steamer
"Black Warrior" by the authorities of Cuba:
WASHINGTON, MARCH Is, 1854
To the Horse of Representatives:
In compliance with the resolution of the House
of Representatives of the 10th instant, herewith
transmit report of the Secretary of State contain
ing all the information received at the Department
in relation to the seizure of the Black Warrior at
Havana on the 2Sth ultimo .",..
There have been, in the course of few years
past, many other instances of aggression upon our
commerce. violations of the rights of American citi-
zens, and insults to the national flag by the Span
ish authorities in Cuba, and all attempts to obtain
redress have led to proracted and as yet frutless
negotiations. The documents in these cases are
voluminous, and when prepared will be sent to
Congress. @,".
Those now transmitted relate exclusively to the
seizure of the BLACK Warrior" and present so
clear case of wrong that it would be reasonable to
expect full indemnity therefor as soon as this un-
justifabe and offensive conduct shall be made
known to her Catholic Majesty 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
rapar~tion. The source Of redress is IN another
hemisphere, and the answers to our just complaints
made to the Home Government are but the repeti-
ton of excuses rendered by inferior officials to their
suPerlors In reply to representations of miscon-
duct. The peculiar situation of the parties has
doubtedly much aggravated the annoyances and in
juries which our citizens have suffered from the
T,la ~ IL.
precate to its full extent her responsibility for the
conduct of these authorities In giving very extra
ordinary 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 of injuries to
provide for prompt redress. Iii"
| have already taken measures to present to the
Government of Spain the wanton injury of the Gu
ban authorities in the detention and seizure of the
"Black Warrior" and to demand immediate in
demnity for the injury which has thereby resulted
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 commercial and other interests, it
Is vain to expect that series of unfrendly acts in
frnging our commercial rights and the adoption of
policy threatening the honor and security of these
States can long consist with peaceful relations.
In case the measures taken for amicable adjust
ment of our difficulties with Spain should unfortu-
nately fail shall not hesitate to use the authority
and means which Congress may grant to ensure the
observance of our just rights, to obtain redress for
injuries received, and to vindcate the honor of our
flag
In anticipation of that contingency, which I earn
esty hope may not arise, suggest to Congress the
propriety of adopting such provisional measures as
the exigency may seem to demand.
FRANKLIN PIERCE
Accompanying the above Message were several
documents, which were sent to the Printer before
copies could be taken. They consist of communi
cations from the acting American Consul at Hava-
ma, and from the officers, agents, and owners of the
confscated steamer, as follows: .~
Mr.. Robertson (acting Consul of the United States at
Havana) to Mr.. Marcy with accomplishments March /,
1854.
The to the same, with Accomplishments March 3,
1854 ...
The the same extract with translation, March
1854 '...
Protest of the consgnee and master of the Black War
rior, March I, 1854 ''.
Messrs Livingston, Crocheron Co. to Mr. Marcy with
accompeniments, March II, 1854
Mr.. Sutherland to Mr.. Marcy, with accompaniment,
March 49, 1854.