Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-10

: Ihe treaty between the Unlteu states ana Ure'
Britain of the 5th of June, 1854, which went in
effective operation in 1856, put an end to causes
irritation between the two countries, by securir
to the u States the right of fishery on the coast
the British North American provinces equal
those enjoyed by British subjects. Besides the si
nal benefits Of this treaty to large class Of our ci
zens engaged in pursuit connected to no incors si
cradle degree with our national prosperity an
strength, il has had a favorite effect upon otht
interest; in the provision it made for reciproc
freedom of trade betweeen the United States an
the British provinces in America.
The exports of domestic articles to those proyii
ces during the last year amounted to more tha
TWENTY-FIVE million dollars, exceeding those of ii
preceding year by nearly seven million dollars
and the imports therefrom during the same perio
amounted to more than twenty one million-an II
crease of six million upon those OF the previous yea
The improved condition Of this branch OF ou
commerce is mainly attributable to the abore-mer
toned treaty.
Provision is made in the first article of that trea
ty for a commission to designate the mouths of riy
| ers to which the common right OF fishery, on tn
coast of the United States and the British provin
ces, was not to extend. This commission has bee
employed part of two seasons, but without muc
progress in accomplishing the object for which
was instituted, in consequence OF serious differ
ence of opinion between the commissioners, not on
ly az to the precise point where the rivers terml
nate, but in many instances as to what constitute
river. These difficulties, however, may be over
come by resort to the umpirage provided for by th
treaty.
The efforts perseveringly prosecuted since tht
commencement of my administration to relieve oul
trade to the Baltic from the exaction OF Sound due
| by Denmark have not yet been attended with sue
cess Other governments have also sought to obtair
n like relief to their commerce, and Denmark wal
thus induced to propose an arrangement to all the
European powers interested in the subject and the
msnner in which her proposition was received, war
ranting her to believe that satisfactory arrange
ment with them could soon be concluded, she made
strong appeal to this government for temporary
suspension of definite action on its part in conslde
ration of the embarrassment which might result to
her European negotiations by an immediate ADJUST
ment Of the question with the U. States This re-
quest has been acceded to, upon the condition that
the sums collected after the 18th Of June last, and
until the 10Th of June next, from vessels and car
goes belonging to merchants are to be consider
ed as paid under protest and subject to future ad-
justment There is reason to believe that an ar
rangement between Denmark and the maritime
powers of Europe the subject will be soon concu-
ded, and that the pending negotiation with the u.
States may then be resumed and terminated in a
satisfactory manner
With Spain no new difficulties have arisen nor
has much p; ogress been made in the adjustment OF
pending ones.
Negotiations entered into for the purpose oe re-
lieying our commercial intercourse with the Island
of Cuba of some of its burdens, and providing for
the more speedy settlement of LEGAL disputes grow
ing out of that intercourse, have not yet been at
tended with any results.
Soon after the commencement of the late war IN
Europe, this government submitted to the conside-
ration of all maritime nations, two principles Tor
the security of neutral commerce one, that the
neutral flag should cover enemies goods except
articles contraband of war and the other, that
neutral property board merchant vessels OF bel
lgerents should be exempt from condemnatlon,w with
the exception of centraband articles. These were
not presented as new rules of international law /;
having been generally claimed by neutrals, though
not always admitted by belligerents. One OF the
parties to the war-Russia-as well as several neu-
trail powers, promptly acceded to these PROPOSE
tions and the two other principal belligerents,
Great Britain and France, having consented to OBJ
serve them for the present occasion, favorable
opportunity seemed to be presented for obtaining
a general recognition Of them both in Europe and
America. 80
But Great Britain and France, in comm,n with
most of the States of Europe, while forbcaring to
reject did not afirmatively act upon the overtures
of the U. States.
While the question was in this position, the rep
rasentatives OF Russia, France Great Britain, Aus
tria. Prussia Sardinia and Turkey, assembled at
Paris took into consideration the subject of mari
time rights and put forth declaration containing
the two principles which this government had sub
mitted, nearly two years before, to the consdera-
ton of maritime powers, and adding thereto the
following propositions ''Privateering is and re-
mains abolished" and .'bockades, in order to be
binding, must be etfective-that is to say, main
tanned by force sufficient really to prevent access
to the coast Of the enemy;" and to the declaration
thus composed OF four points, two OF which had
already been proposed by the United States, TINS
government has been invited TO accede by all the
bowers represented at Paris, except Great Britain
and Turkey. To the last of the two additional
propositions-that in relation to blockades-there
can certainly be no objection. 1T is merely the de-
finition of what shall constitute the eectua invest
ment of blockaded place, a definition for which
this government has always contended, claiming
indemnity for losses where practical violation OF
the rule thus defined has been injurious to our COM
merce. As to the remaining article OF the decla-
ration of the conference Of Paris, THAT priyateer-
| ing is and remains abolished" certainly cannot
ascrbe to the powers represented in the conference
of Paris any but liberal and philantropc views in
the attempt to change the unquestionable rule OF
maritime law in regard to privateering. Their pro-
position was doubtless intended to imply approval
of the principle that private property upon the
ocean, although it might belong to the citizens OF
belIirerent State, should be exempted from cap
ture; and had that proposition been so framed as
to give full effect to the principle, it would have
received my ready assent on behalf OF the United
States. But the measure proposed is inadequate
to that purpose. 1t is true that il adopted private
! property upon the ocean would be withdrawn from
one mode Of plunder. but left exposed, meanwhile,
to another mode which could be used with increas-
ed effectiveness. The aggressive capacity OF great
naval powers would be thereby augmented, while
the defensive ability Of others would be reduced
Though the surrender OF the means OF prosecuting
hostiiities by employing prvateers, is proposed by
the conference of Paris, is mutual in TERMS yet, In
practical effect. it would be the REIMBURSEMENT ol
right of little value to one class OF States; put oil
essential Importance to another and far larger
class 1t ought not to have been anticipated that
n measure so inadequate to the accomplishment OF
the proposed object, and go unequal III Its opera
ton would receive the assent OF all maritime paw
ers Private property would be still let to the de-
predations OF the public armed cruisers.
have expressed readiness on the part of thi:
Government to accede to all the principles contain
ed il the declaration OF the conference of Paris
provided that the one relating to the abandonment
| of priyateering can be amended as TO effect the
object for which, as is presumed, 1t was intended
the immunity OF private property ON the ocean
from hostile capture. To effect this OBJECT, II Is
nroposed to add to the declaration that "priva-
| teerinr is and remains abolished" the following
| amendment "Aud that the private property OF
subjects and citizens of belligerent on the high
seas shall be exempt from seizure oy the pubilc
armed vessels OF the other belgcrcnts, except 1t be
contraband" This amendment has been presented
NOT only to the powers which have asked our assent
To the declaration to abolish priyateering, but to
all other maritime States. Thus far 1t has not been
rn;etced by any, and is favorably entertained by
| ali which have made any communication III reply.
Several of the governments, regarding WIN Ia
vor I the proposition of the United States, have de-
layed deinitve action upon it, enly tor the the pur-
mise of consulting with Others parties to the con-
terenca of Paris have the satisfaction of stating,
the aes%r C Sa G h"san modcsn sas enrs sa
.. on onorate in endeayorng TO obtain the assent
of of" other powers and that assurances of similar
purport have been received in relation te the dis
| nnos;,;on of the Emperor OF the trencll.
The nresent aspect of this important subject al
lows US cherish the hope that principle n 50 hu
a;on so essential 10 the prosperity of commercial
nations, and to the sen sentiments of of this
annrobatiou of all maritime powers and thus De In
cpp,d cpprpmorated into the code ofinsernatonal law.
the sss sssssay are Of sa u Get eepS SF1 o
IN ;ns ;s herewith transmitted, to the communica
tions on the subject made to this government, espe-
ca the mi ,%a ntad Of Sate, has a. all
.;a, ane segarded with friendly interest the other
states State Of America, formerly, like this country,
nd