Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1856-12-06

tanned bY force sufficient really to preye6t access
to the coast OF the enefy;'' and to til ,deeaSston
thus COMPOSED OF Tour points, two Of which had
afeaHy oeeh proposed by the United States, this
government II as been invited to aceede by all the
powers represented at Paris, except Great Britair
and turkey. 10 the last OF the two additional
propositions--that in relation to adcs--t there
can certainly be no objection. 1t is merely the de-
hntlon OF what shall constitute the etectua invest
inent Of blockaded piece, q definition for which
tins government has always cantended, Claiming
indemnity Tor 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 Il and remains abolished."'o certainly cannot
sacf5e to the powers represented in the conference
OF Paris any but liberal and philanthropc views in
the ATTEMPT to change the unquestonabe rule Of
maritime law IN regard to priyateci;ng 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
beiiigerent State, should be exempted from cap
ture; and lad that proposition been so framed s
to give tuii 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 " true that II adopted private
property upon the ocean would be withdrawn from
one mode OF piunder. but lett exposed, meanwhile
to another mode, which could be used with nereas-
cd 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
hostiities by employing priva teers proposed by
the conference OF Paris y matpa in terms; yet, in
practical effect, il would lie the REIMBURSEMENT Of
right OF little value to one class OF States; but CT
essential Importance to another end a far larger
class. 1t ought not to have been anticipated that
a measure so inadequate tc the accomplishment of
the proposed object, aud SO unequal in its opera
ton, would receive the assent OF All maritime paw
ers Private property would be still LETT to the de-,
preeati1ns OF the public armed cruisers.
have expressed a readiness On the part Of this
government 70 aecede to all the principles contain
ed II the declaration oil the conference of Paris
provided that the ONE relating to the ahandcnment
oil pflvateeiins can be So atnende - te elect tie
OBJECT Tor winch, as Is presumed it was intended
tue Immunity OF private property ON the ocean
from hostile capture To effect this object, it is
proposed to add to the declaration that .'priea-
teering 10 and remains abolished 4" the following
amendments "And that tbe private property ct
subjects and citizens OF helligerent en- the high
seas, shall be exempt from seizure by the public
armed vessels OF the other begcrents, except it be
contraband.' This amendment has been Presented
not only to tue powers which have asked our ssseu
to the declaration to abolish privatcering, but to
all other maritime States Thus far ii has not beer
reeteed b. any, aud is iayorably entertained by
all which have made any communication in reply.
Several of the governments, regarding with IA
vor the proposition of the United States, have de-
layed detinitive action upon it, eny for the pur-
pose OF consulting with others parties To tae con-
ference of Paris | have the abstraction of stating
however. that the emperor of Russia has entirely
and explicitly approved Of that modification, and
will co-eperatc IN enaeayoiing to obtain tn assert
ofothcr nownrs ..snfl tl,at assuranees Of . nijrf
perport have been received in relation t. tue DIS
nositon of the Emncror of tbe French
The nresent astrct nj this imnnrtant sul,ioet al
lows us to cherish the hone that prnciple 50 hui
maue in its character so lust and equal in its ope-
ration so essential 10 the prosperity Of commercial
nstjors ant, SO copsonant tn the sentiments &c this
crii oftened narind of the werid will eompsnd tho
annTobafion al all maritime noyer cad tins he IN
cornorated into the code of international law
Aiv views on the sl,;,ct are more fnilv set f,f h
/.
which is herelyth trst,stittpd To the conrlunc %
tons on the subject M etc this Govern nert cspe-
ciaIly To the eolnuDuniention of Efenca =.
Vls ant ,,f ia, Ilnit.,d >strtas hrs ell
+intnS Tcgardnd With tri4ndlv ;ctarest The otbnr
Ststes al America. formerly like this country
Furtnaa,- eolo,ip, ard now independent rte,4 hrs
of the great family OF nations hut tan unsettled
condition of so,eet.f tArfn distracted Nv fremont
reYoltions and TINS incapa bic al regular and trm
internal ADMINISTRATION. has tended to enlbarrass
occasionally our public intercourse by reason .,f
,vrona. which eur citizens sui,r at their h;,.ris
ard which they are SLOW 10 redress.
UnIorfunutoIy. il Is AGAINST the Repnblic Of Mey.
ico with which il Is our s5ecia esre to tpajntqina
good understanding that such complaints are most
Su,naro,,s. md nfIon4h earnestIq ugre4l upon It's
attention ttey hgYe pot a Vet rseeYsd The coasj-
dar,ti.,u :, lsi Ms yatrf,m,,t Ind tiFbt 10 ev
meet While rsnarsfius t,Ir psst i4iuIirs Inn been
withheld, others have been added The uolitienl
condition of thar country however; has been sfeh
esto demen4 ferbearatce IN tie f,f-t a IN. rpitd
Ssates. sAal continue NV efforts to prpcare TOR
the wrongs Of our citizens that redress which is ip-
disnenssh tf4the continued friendly f,suce tim Of
the tive republics.
Tie peculiar condition of sfTsirs in Nicaragua in
the early part Of the present wear, rendered il i-
portant thai tins government should have dWlo.
ingtic relations with that state. THROUGH il, terri
tory had been upenud one ol the principal thorough
fares across tie istlinus connecting North and
Sonth America, on which a vast amount OF proper
ty was transported, and 10 which citizens re.
sorted in great numbers in passing between the at
lantie and Pacific Goa. r. al the Lited States Tho