The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-06-24
3 II - u a q 81 3 q n = " 8
BY MAGNETIC AND PRINTING TELEGRAPHS.
From Washington.

FROM warrington
GEN. SMITHS MISSION TO KANSAS-MARCY'S INSTRUC.
TIONs TO Mr. BUCHANAN ON THE SUBJECT OF FREE
SHIPS MAKE FREE GOODS, ETC.
WASHINGTON, June %, 1855.
Gen. Smith left last evening for Philadelphia but will
return in day two, when his instructions will be
completed, and he will proceed Immediately TO Kansas
lie eventually superscdes Col sumner from the fact that
he is senior officer. Col Sumner will, understand
main in command Of portion Of the troops.
As the new maritime law Of Europe is attracting
attention, send you Secretary Narcy's instructions
Mr. Buchanan the subject OF Free ships free goods
Mr. MARCY TO BUCHANAN
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON. August Z, 1854 (
SIR-The government Of the United States as you
aware has strenuously conended for the doctrine that
free ships make free goods contraband articles excepted
There is not. believe maritime power which has
Incorporated it in Of its TsaScs Bat Great Britain
which is the most considerable OF thee, has constantly
refused 10 regard il as rule Of International law Her
Admiralty courts have rejected H. and have followed
after them. When Great Britain aAl Frasse, at the
cnccment Of the present with Russia agreed to act
upon that principle for the time being this government
believed that fair occasion presented for obtaining
the general Of commercial nations TO recognize it
principle Of the law of nations
ntimation Of wish the part Of the United States
to accomplish this object conveyed to Mr. Seymour
our Minister to Russia, and by him made known to the
government OF that country The Emperor very prompt
y furnished his representative here with full power
make convention on the subject One entered into
the ODD day of July and concured in by the Senate
the 25th OF that month
by direction Of the President herewith send you
Iod Of similar convention to be proposed to her Br
fannie Maesty's government. France, well as other
powers, will also be invited TO enter into the same
rangement.
With view to prevent delays and embarrassment the
proposed agreement embraces but two rules. First
That free ships make free goods except articles contra
band OF war; and second that the property OF neutras
not being contaband found enemies vessels shall be
exempted from conscation. This latter rule is not like
the first contested yet there is an obvious proprety in
embracing both in the same arrangement. We're it
omitted il might be again questioned in consequence Of
the establishment Of the principle that the neutral Gag
protects the property under IT, An attempt might be
made TO infer from that principle that the tag determined
the character Of the property under it.
do not apprehcnd any serious opposition to the propo
sed convention except from Great Britain. But for her
resistance TO the principle that the neutral flag protects
property which covers, be not conraband, It would
long apo have regarded n well established rule of
international law. She has implicitly admitted is justice
by adopting the guide of her conduct IN the present
If it is fair towards neutrals TO act il it
will be difficult for her to devise good for not OBJ
serving IN all future am confident you will be
crnment Of Great Britain " adopt rule of interna
tiona law.
With this instruction you will receive the Presidents
full power to conclude the proposed convention.
am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
W. l.. MARCY.
The Seaiuel will not be issued 10 morrow is said
to be either sick dead from the neglect OF certain
friends who ardently supported it Immediately pre-
vous TO the nomination Of Mr. Buchanan.
Mr.. KeiM was prevented from replying TO Mr.. Burng-
anne to-day, owing TO the debate in the House being
strictly confined to the Territorial business pending and
objections being raised TO his doing by lis political
fri,n clnrd son