Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1856-01-08

GATE OF the treaty, Great Britain had any pos.
sessions there other than the limited peculiar
establishment at the Balize and maintain that
II she had any then, they were surrendered by
the convention. This government recognizing
the obligations of the treaty has of course de-
sired to see it executed in good faith by both
parties In the discussion, therefore has not look
ed to rights which might assert independents
ly of our geographical position and of other cir
cumstauces which create for US relations to the
/ Central American States, different from those
OF any European State.
The British government in its last communi-
cation to the L. s., still declares that it sees no
reason why concihatory spirit NAV not enable
the two governments to overcome all obstacles
to satisfactory adjustment of the subject.
| Assured of the correctness of the construction
OF the treaty constantly adhered to by this gov
ernment, and resolved to insist on the rights OF
t\e United States and actuates by the same de-
sire which is avowed by the British government.
/ TO remove all causes of serious misunderstand-
I ing between the two nations associated by so
many ties Of interest and kindred it has ap-
peared to me proper not TO consider an amicable
solution OF the controversy hopeless There
IS, however, reason 10 nappTehend that with
Great Britain IN the actual occupation of the
despued territory and the treaty therefore prac-
ucallv null SO far regards our right, this in
ternatlonal difficulty cannot long remain unde-
termlned without involving in serious danger
TINT friendly relation which 1t is the interest as
we'll as the duty of both countries to cherish
and preserve. 1t viii afford me sincere cratifi-
cation If future efforts shall result in the sue
cess anticipated. l speak with no more conf
dence than the aspect of the case permits me
now to entertain.
/ am required to notice another question be-
tween the United States and Great Britain
which has grown out of the war in which she is
engaged with Russia, and which induced her to
attempt TO draw recruits from the United States
1t Is the settled policy of the West to maintain
/ rtt.I .lr
from time to time occur among the great powers
of the world. Performing all the duties of neu-
/ trails towards TIE respective belhgerent States
we may reasonably expect the mnot to interfere
with the lawful enloyments of its benefits, not
wlthstanding the existence of such hostilities
Our citizens retain the individual right to
contine all their accustomed pursuits by land OF
sea, at home or abroad, subject only to such re-
strlctlon as relates TO the laws OF war; the us
age of nations and special regulations may i'm
pose, and 1t Is our recognized right that ter
rtorIal jurisdiction shall not be invaded bv eth
er of the belligerant parties for the transit of
their armies, the operations of their fleets, the
levy OF troops for their service, the fitting out Of
cruisers by against either, or any other Incl
/ dent OF war.and these undenlable rights of neu-
ua1Ity, individuals and the United States Will
under no circumstances surrender. Ia pursu-
ance OF this policy the United States does not
forbid her citizens to carry for either of the bel
hgerant powers, articles contraband of war, am
unltion OF war or soldiers on board their private
ships for transportation although in doing the
individual citizen exposes his property or per-
son to some of the hazards of war, his acts do
not involve any breach of national neutrality
nor of themselves inplicicate the government
4 Thus during the progress of the present war in
Europe, citizens without national responsibility
have sent gunpowder and arms regardless
of the destruction of those articles. Our
merchantmen, and have been and still continue
to be largely employed by Great Britain and by
France, IN transmitting troops, provisions and
and munitions of war to the seat of military
operations and bringing home their sick and
wounded soldiers. But such of our mercantile
marine as engage III this do not compromise our
neutral relations wish Russia.
/ But municipal law, in accordance with
/ the law of nations, peremptorily forbids not
only foreigners, but our own citizens TO fit out
/ within the limits of the United States vessel
to commit hostilities against any State with
which the United States are at peace, or to in
crease thc force OF any foreign armed vessel in
tended for sGch hostIHtles against q foreign
State Whatever concern may have been felt
/ by either OF the belligerent powers lest private
armed cruisers or other vessels in the service of
one might be fitted cut in the ports of this
country, TO deprcdatc the property OF the
other all such fears have proved to be ground
/ less. Our citizens have been withheld from any
such act or purpose by good faith and by respect
to law. While the laws of the Union are thus
/ peremptory III Their prohibition Of the equipment
/ or armament Of belllgerent armed cruisers, they
provide not less absolutely that person shall,
under the territory or jurisdiction of the United
States enlist or enrol himself for hire, or retain
another person to enlist enrol himself, or go
/ bevcnd the limits or jurisdiction of the United
States with intent to Ge enlisted entered into
the service of any foreign State, either as sol
diers, marines, or seanen, On board Of any yes
sci of war, or letter of marqne.
These cnactmentS also, IN strict conformation
with the of which declares that
State has right to raise troops for land or sea
service in another State without that State 5
consent and that whether forbidden by munich
pal law not, the very attempt TO do it without
such consent, Is an attack upon national sover-
eighty: such beng the public rights and NUM-
! cipal law of the United States 10 solicitude on
the subject was felt bv this Government, when
q wear since, the British Parliament passed an
act for the enlistment OF foreigners into the ser
vice of Great Britain. Nothing the face OF
this act or in its public history, indicated that
the British Government proposed to attempt re-
/ cruiting III the United States, nor did II even
give information of such intent to tins Govern
nent. 1t was matter Of surprise, therefore, to
find subsequently the engagement of persons
within the United States, to proceed to Halifax
in the province of Nova Scotia, and there enlist
in the service of Great Britain. Ordinary lega'
steps Were Immediately taken to arrest and pun
ish parties so concerned, and put an end TO acts
so Infringing on the municipal law, and deroga-
tory TO our sovereignty.
Meanwhile suitable representations on the
subject were addressed 10 the British Govern
ment. Tkereupon it became known by the ad.
mission Of the British Government itself, that
the attempt TO draw recruits from this country
originated with it, or at least had its approya
or sanction, but it also appeared that the public
agent engaged Is under stringent instructions
not to violate the municipal law of the Unitee
States. 1t is difficult to understand how i
should have been supposed that troops could bc
raised here by Great Britain :" without violating
the municipal laws" The unmistakable oblec
of the law was to prevent every such act which
if performed, must be in violation of the law.
In the meantime the matter acquired addi
tional importance by the enlistments in th'
f United States not being discontinued, and tn,
: disclosure of the fact that they prosecuted
upon systematic plan devised by official au
t thority; that recruiting rendezvous had beer
: opened in our principal cities, and depots fo
the reception of troops established on our from
tiers and the whole business conducted unde
the supervision and by the regular co-operatiol
2 of British Officers, Civil and Military, in tn
+1