Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-12-17


lowing proposition
"Privateering is and remains abolish
ed" and Blockades, in order to be
binding, must be effective, that is to say,
maintained by force, sufficient really,
to prevent access to the coast of the enc
my;' and to the declaration thus COM
posed of four points, two of which had
already beeh proposed by the United
States, this government has been invited
toaccede to by all the powers represented
at Paris, except Great Britain and Tur-
key. To the last two additional propo-
sitions-that in relation to blockades-
there certainly can be no objection. 1t
is merely the definition of what shall
constitute the effectual investment of
bloekaded place, definition for which
this government has always contended,
claiming indemnity for losses where
practical violation of the rule thus de-
fined has been injurious to our com
merce. As to the remaining article of
the declaration of the conference of Pa.
rs, that priyateering is and remains
abolished, | certainly cannot ascribe to
the powers represented in the conference
of Paris, any but liberal and philan-
thropic views in the attempt to change
the unquestionable rule of maritime law
in regard to privateering. Their propo-
sition was doubtless intended to imply
approval of the principle that private
property upon the ocean although it
might belong to the citizens of bellige-
rent State, should be exempted from
capture; and had that proposition been
so framed as to give full effect to princi-
pie, 1t would have received my ready
assent on hehalf of the United States.
Bat, the measure proposed is made
quate 10 that specific purpose. 1t is true
that if adopted, private property upon
the ocean would be Withdrawn from one
mode of plunder, but if left expose d.
meanwhile, to another mode, which
could be used with increased effective
ness. The aggressive capacity Of the
great naval power would be thereby aug
mented, while the defensive ability Of
other would be reduced. Though the
surrender of the means of prosecuting
hostlities by employing privateers, as
proposed by the conference of Paris, is
mutual in terms, yet, in practical effect,
il would be the REIMBURSEMENT Of right
of little value TO one class Of States, but
oi essential importance to another and a
far larger class. 1t ought not to have
been anticipated that measure, so in
adequate to the accomplishment of the
proposed object, and so unequal in its
operation, would receive the assent Of all
maratime powers. Private property
would be still left to the depredations of
the public armed cruisers
L have expressed readiness on the
part of this government, to accede to all
the principles contained in the declara-
ton of the conference of Paris, provided
that relating to the abandonment of pri-
watering can be so amended as to effect
the object for which, as is presumed, it
was intended, the immunity of private
property on the ocean from hostile cap
ture. To effect this object, it is proposed
to add 10 the declaration that "priva'eer-
ing is and remains abolished" the fol-
lowing amendment: "And that the pri.
vate property of subjects and citizens of
a belligerent on the high seas. shall be
exempt from seizure by the public armed
vessel of the other belligerent, except it be
contraband." This amendment has been
presented not only to the powers which
have asked our assent to the declaration
to abolish privateering, but 10 all other
maritime States. Thus far It has not
been rejected by any. and is favorably
entertained by all which have made any
communication in reply.
Several of the Governments, regard
ing with favo, the proposition of the Uni
ted States, have delayed definite action
upon il, only for the purpose of consult
with others, parties to the conference Of
Paris. have the satisfaction of stating,
however, that the Emperor of Russia has
entirely and explicitly approved of that
modification, and will CO operate in en-
deavoring to obtain the assent Of other
powers; and that assurance of a similar
puport have been received in relation to
the disposition of the Emperor of the
French.
The present aspect of this important
subject allows as 10 cherish the hope that
a principle sohumane in its character, SO
just and equal in its operation, so essen
lial to the prosperity of commercial ma
tions, and so consonant to the sentiments
of this enlightened period of the world,
will command the appreciation OF all
maritime powers, and thus be incorpora-
ted into the code of international law.
My views on the subject are more fully
set forth in the reply OF the Secretary of
State copy of which is herewith trans
mitted, to the communications on the sub
ject made to this government, especially
to the communication of France.
The government of the United States
has at all times regarded with friendly
interest the other States of America, for
merly, like the country, European colo
nies, and now independent members OF
the great family of nations. But the
unsettled condition of some of them, dis
tracted By frequent revolutions, and thus
of regular and firm admins
uation, has tended to embarrass occasion
ally our public intercourse, by reason OF
wrongs which our citizens suffered at
their hands, and which they are slow 10
redress.
Unfortunately, it is against the Re-
public of Mexico, with which it is our
special desire to maintain good under
standing, that such complaints are most
and although earnestly urg-
ed upon its attention. they have not as
yet received the consideration which this
government have right to expect
While reparation for past injuries has
been withheld, others have been added.
The political condition of that country,
however, has been such as to demand
forbearance on the pert of the United
States. l shall continue my efforts to