Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1856-12-05

lt IS merely the deflnltlon OF what snail
constitute che eeffectualinveStment of block
AIDED place-a definition for which this gov
ernment has always contended, claiming IN
demnity for losses where a practical violation
of the rule thus defined has been injurious
toour, commerce. As to the remaining ar
ticle of the declaration of the Conference of
Paris-that privateering is and remains
abolished--I certainly cannot ascribe to the
mowers represented in the Conference Of
Paris, any but liberal and philanthropic
views IN the attempt to change the unques-
tionable rule of maritime law in regard to
privateering. Their proposition was doubt
less intended to imply approval of the prin-
ciples that private property upon the ocean,
although it may belong to the citizens of
belhgerent State, should be exempted from
capture; 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 meas
ure proposed is inadequate to that purpose.
1t is true if adopted private property up
on the ocean would be withdrawn from one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 aggressive
capacity of great naval powers would there
bT be augmented, while the defensive ability
of Others would be reduced. Though the
surrender of the means of prosecuting la
bilities by employing privateers as proposed
by the conference of Paris is mutual in terms,
vet in practical effect it would be the reGn-
quishment 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 the accom-
plishment Of the proposed object and so uu-
equal in its operation would receive the as
sent of all maritime powers Private prop
erty would be still left to the depredations
of the public armed cruisers. | have ex-
pressed a readiness in the part of this good
to accede to all the principles contained IN
the declaration of the conference of Paris
provided that relating to the abandonment
of priyateering can be so amended as to ef-
feet the object for which, as is presumed it
was intended, immunity of private property
on the ocean from hostile capture. To eff
feet this object it is proposed to add
to the declaration that privateering is and
remains abolished. The following amend
ment that the private property of subjects
and citizens of beligerent on the high
seas shall be exempt from seizure by the
public armed vessels of the other beligerent
except it be contraband.
This amendment has been presented, not
only to the powers which have asked our
assent 10 the declaration to abolish priva-
teering, but to all the other maratime States.
Thus far it has not been rejected by any, but
is favorably entertained by all which have
made any communication in reply. Sever
al of the Governments regarding with favor
the proposition of the United States, have
DELAYED definite action upon it, only for the
purpose of consulting other parties to the
Conference of Paris. have the satisfac-
ton Of stating, however, that the Emperor
of Russia has entirely and explicitly approx
ed of that modification, and will cooperate
in endeayoring to obtain the assent of other
powers, and that assurances have been re-
ceived of a similar purport in relation to the
disposition of the Emperor of the French
The present aspect of this important subject
allows us to cherish the hope that princi-
pie so humane in its character, so Just and
equal in its operations, so essential to the
prosperity of commercial nations, and so
consonant to the sentiments of this enlight-
ened period of the world, will command the
appreciation of all maratime powers, and
thus be incorporated into the code of inter
national law.
Nv views on the subject are more fully set forth in the
reply Of the Secretary ofstae copy which is herewith
transmitted to the communication the subject 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 formerly like this country European Colonies
and Independent members Of the great family ofna
tions but the unsettled condition Of of them dis
tracted By frequent revolutions and thus incapable ofre
uar and firm internal administration hasten embarass
occasionally public intercourse by Of wrong
which our citizens suffer at their hands, and which they
are slow to redress.
Unforunaelv ii is against the Republic Of Mexico with
which it is special desire to maintain good under
standing that such complaints most numerous altho
earnestly urged upon its attention they have not vet
received the consideration which this Government had
right to expect while reparon for past injuries has been
withheld others have been added The political condition
of that country however has been suehss to demand for
bearance the part Of the United States shall contn-
eerts to procure for the wrongs Of our citizens that
redress which indispensable TO the continued friendly
-sOoiation Of the two Republics
The peculiar condition Of affairs in Nicaragau the
fv part present wear rendered it important that this
Government should have diplomatic relations with that
State Through its territory had been opened one Of the
principles thOrougfares the Misunderstanding
North America-in which amount Of property
transported and to which citizens resored IN great
numbers great numbers in passing between the Atlantic
and Pacific coasts Of the United States. The protection OF
both required that the existing power in that State should
be regarded Irresponsible Government and its Minister
accordingly received but he remained here only short
time Soon thereafter the political affairs of Nicaragua
underwent unfsvorahe change and became involved in
nT-.1ar ~ nrtfg-
tons the contendng parties have been recently sent
% this Government but with the imperfect information
possessed not possible to decide which the Gov
ernent defacto, and awaiting further Developments,
have refused to receive either.
Questions ofa serious nature pending qetween the
United States and the EePublic Of New Grenada The
government Of that Republic undertook, year since to
impose tonnage duties foreign vessels in her ports but
the purpose resisted by this government being con-
tr to existing treaty sipatiOns withthe United States
road Company, and accordingly relinquished at the
time it being admitted that vessels entitled to be
exempt from tonnage duty in the free ports of Panama and
Aspinwa but the purpose has been recently revived
the part of New Granada by the enactment Of law to sub
ect visiting ports TO tonnage duty Of40 cents
yet the right TO norce It is s asserted and may at any
time be acted by the government of that Republic The
Congress OF New Granada has also enacted during the past
year. law which eves tax gilmore than three dollars
every pound Of mail matter the lstmus
The this requires TO be paid the mails of the United
States would be nearly 600 900 dollars annually in ad
don TO the large payable by contract to the Panama
R. r. Co. Hthe only objection to this exactOn the
orany Of the amount could not he Submitted to by the
United States The imposition Of II however, would obvi
ously contravene treaty -h New Granada, and in
fringe the contract ofthat Republic with the R. R. Co.
The providing for this by its terms to take