St. Charles Republican intelligencer. (St. Charles [Charles City], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1856-12-18


which had already been proposed by
the United States, this government
had been invited to accede by all the
powers represented at Paris, except
Great Britain and Turkey.
TO the last Of the additional propo-
sitions-that in relation to blockades-
there can certainly be no objection.
1t is merely the definition Of what
shall constitute the effectual invest
ment of a blockaded place, definition
for which this government has always
contended, claiming indemnity for
losses where a practical violation of
the rule thus defined has been injurious
to our commerce. AS to the remain
ing article of the declaration of the
conference of Paris, "that privateer-
ing is and remains abolished,"-I GER
tainly cannot ascribe to the powers
in the conference Of Paris,
any but liberal and philanthropic views
in the attempt to change the unques-
tionable rule of maritime law in re-
gard to privateering. Their PROPOSE
ton was doubtless intended to imply
approval of the principle that private
property upon the ocean, although it
it might belong to the citizens Of a
belligerent state, should be exempt
from capture and had that proposition
been 30 framed as to give full effect
to the principle, it would have re-
ceived my ready assent on behalf of
the United States.
But the measure proposed is made
quate to that purpose. It is true,
that if adopted, private property upon
the ocean would be withdrawn from
one mode Of plumber, but left exposed
meanwhile to another mode, which
could be used with increased effective
ness. The aggressive capacity Of
great naval powers would be thereby
augmented, while the. defensive abili-
ty Of others would be reduced. Though
the surrender Of the means Of prose-
cutting hostilities by employing priva-
teers, as proposed by the conference of
Paris, is mutual in terms, yet in practi-
Cal effect, it would be the relinquish-
ment Of a right Of little value to one
class Of States, but of essential inn
portance to another and far larger
class. 1t ought not to have been an
ticipated that measure so inadequate
to the accomplishment of the propos-
ed object, and so unequal in its opera
ton, would receive the assent of all
maratime powers. Private property
would be still left to the depredations
Of public armed cruisers.
Ihave expressed readiness on the
part Of this GovenIment to accede to.
all the principles contained in the.
declaration of the conference of Par
is. provided that relating to the aban-
donment Of privateering can be So
amended as to effect the object for
which, as is presumed, it was intend
ed, the immunity Of private property
on the ocean from hostile capture. TO
effect this object it is proposed to add
to the declaration that privateering
is and remains abolished" the follow,
ing amendment "And that the pri-.
vate property Of subjects and citizens.
of belligerant on the high seas shall
be exempt from seizure by the public
armed vessels of the other belligerant
except it be contraband." This.
has been presented not
only to the powers which have asked
our assent to the declaration to abol-,
ish privateering, but to all other mar
atime state. Thus far it has not been
by any, and is favorably en-,
tertained by all who have made any
communication in reply. .
Several Of the governments, regard.
ing with favor the proposition of the
United States, have delayed definite
action upon it, only for the purpose of
consulting with others, parties to the
conference of Paris. l have the salts.
faction of stating, however, that the
Emperor of Russia has entirely and
approved of that modification
and will cooperate in endeavoring to,
obtain the assent of other powers and
that assurances of a similar purport
have been received 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 principle so humane in its char
acter, SO just and equal in it's operation,
50 essential to the prosperity of COM
mercial nations, and so consonant to
the sentiments of this enlightened Pc
Rod Of the world, will command the
of all maritime powers,
and thus be Incorporated into the code
Of international law.
My views on the subject are more
fully set forth in the reply of the Sec
rotary of State, a copy of which is
herewith transmitted to the communi-.
cations on. the subject made to this
government, especially to the commu-
of France.
The government Of the United States
has at all times regarded with friendly
interest the other States of America,
like this country, European
colonies, and now independent men,
bers Of the great family Of nations.
But the unsettled condition of some
of them, distracted by frequent revo-
buttons, and thus incapable of regular
and firm internal administration, has
tended to embarrass occasionally our
public intercourse, byreason Of wrongs
which our citizens suffer at their hands,