Bedford inquirer and chronicle. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1854-1857, 1856-12-12


both in Europe and America
Their proposition was doubtless intended
to imply approval Of the principle that pri-
yate property upon the ocean. although il.
| might belong TO the citizens of bcllige r.
ent State, should be exempted frcm capture.
and had that proposition been SO framed as
to give full effect to the principle, il would
have received my ready assent on behalf Of
the United States. But the measure pro-
posed is inadequate to that purpose. 1t is
true that it adopted, private property upon
the ocean would be Withdrawn from one
mode of plunder but left exposed, mean
while, to another mode, which could be used
with increased effectiveness. The aggres-
sive 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 hostilities by employing priva
teers, as proposed by the conferenceof Paris
is mutai in terms, yet, in practical effect, it
would be the REIMBURSEMENT of right Of
| little value to one class of States, but of
essential Importance to another and far
larger, class. 1t ought not to have been
anticipated that measure, SO Inadequate
! TO tie accomplishment Of the proposed OBJ
ject, and so unequal in its operation, would
receive the assent of all maritime powers
Private property would be still left to the
depredations Of the public armed cruisers.
Several of the governments, regarding
with favor the proposition of tho United
States, have delayed dcfuite action upon it,
only for the purpose of consulting with
others, parties to the confederence Of Paris,
| have the satisfaction of stating, however,
that the Emperor of Russia has entirely
and explicitly approved of that modifca-
tion, and will cooperate in endeayoring to
obtain the assent Of other powers; and that
assurances of similar purport have been
received in relation to the disposition of the
/ Emperor Of the French.
The present aspect of this important sub
ject allows US to cherish tho hope that
principle SO humane in its character, so just
and equal in its operation, so essential to
the prosperity of commercial nations, and
so consonant to the sentiments of this en-
lightencd period Of the world, win command
the appreciation of all maritime powers, and
thus be incorporated into the code Of inter
national law.
Ny views ON the subject are more fully
set forth in the reply of the Secretary of
State, copy of which is herewith transmit
ted, to the communications on the subject
made to this government, espeeially to the
communication of France.
The government of the United States
has at all times regarded with friendly in
terest the other States of America, former
ly, like this country, European colonies,
and now independent members of the great
family of nations. But the unsettled con-
dition OF some Of them, distracted by fire.
quent revolutions, and thu incapable OF
regular and firm internal administration,
has tended to embarrass occasionally our
public intercourse, by reason of wrongs
which our citizens suffer at thoir hands, and
which they are slow to redress.
| Unfortunately, it is against the republic
Of Mexico, with which it is our special
desire to maintain good understanding
that such complaints are most numerous
and although earnestly urged upon its at
tention, they have net as yet received th,
consideration which this government had q
right to expect. While reparation for pas
injuries has been withheld, others hav,
been added. The political condition of tbs.
country, however, has been such as to de
mand forbearance on the part of the Unite,
States. shall continue my efforts to pro
cure for the wrongs of our citizens that re
! dress which is indispensable to the continu
ed friendly association of the two repub-
: lies.
The peculiar condition of affairs in Nj.
} caragua in the early part of the presen
: year, rendered it important that this gov
} ernment should have diplomatic relation.
with that State. Through its territory ha
been opened one of the principal thorough
fares across the Isthmus connecting Mort
and South America, ON which a vas
e amount of property was transported, and
D which our citizens resorted in great nun
bers, ia passing between the Atlantic an
e Pacific coasts Of the United States. Th
e protection Of both required that the exist
: ing power in that State should be regarde
J as a responsible government: and its minis
{ ter was accordingly received. But he rt
/ manned here only short time.
Soon thereafter the political affairs Of N
e caragua underwent unfayorable change, an
) became involved in much uncertainty an
e confusion. Diplomatic representatives frol
,f two contendipg parties have been recent
G sent to this government; but. with the in