Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1856-12-06


val Of the principle that private property upon the
ocean, although 1t might belong to the citizens ola
beligerent state, should be exempted from capture;
aud had the proposition been so framed as to give
effect to the principle, 1t would have received my
ready assent on behalf of the United States But
the measure proposed is inadequate to that purpose
1t 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the ocean would be Withdrawn from one mode of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 lie used with increased effective
ness. The aggressive capacity ofgrcat naval pow
ers would be thereby augmented, while the defen-
siye ability Of others would be reduced. Though
the surrender Of the means Of prosecuting host-
ties by employing privateers, as proposed by the
conference Of Paris, is mutual in terms, yet in
practical effect, it would be the REIMBURSEMENT of
right of little value 20 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 accomplishment Of
the proposed object, aud so unequal in It's opera
ton, would receive the assent Of all maritime pow
ers. Private property would be still left to the
depreiations of the public armed cruisers.
have expressed a readiness the part Of this
government, to accele to all the principles oontan-
cd in the declaration of the conference Of Paris,
provided that relating to the abandonment Of pri-
watering can be amended to effect the object
for which, IS is presumed, it was intended, the I'M
munity Of private property on the ocean from hos
tile capture To effect this object II is proposed to
remains abolishcd," the following amendment
''And that the private property of subjects and
citizens OF be lligerent tho high seas, shall be
exempt fran seizure by the public armed vessels
Of the other beligercnt, except it be contraband"
This amendment has been presented not only to the
powers which have asked our assent to the de;la-
ration to abolish priyateerng, but to all other mar
itne states Thus far 1t has hot been rejected by
any, and is fayorably entertained by all which
have made any communication la reply.
Several Of the governments, regarding with IA
the proposition Of the United States have de-
layed definite action upon it, only for the purpose
Of consulting with others, parties to the conference
ofParis- have the satificton Of stating, how
ever, that the Emperor Of Russia has entirely and
explicitly approved Of that modification, and will
cooperate in endeayoring to obtain the assent Of
other powers and that assurances Of u similar
purport have been received in relation to the dis
position Of the Emperor Of the French.
The present aspect Of this important subject al
lows us To cherish the hope that principle 50 hu-
name in its character, 50 just and equal in its op
Grafton, SO essential to the prosperity Of commerce.
al nations, aud so consonant to the settlements Of
this emil ghtenel period Of the world, will command
the approbation u all maritime powers, and thus
be incorporated into the code Of international law
My views on the subject more fully set forth
in the reply of the secretary Of state, copy Of which
is herewith transmitted, to the communications on
the subject made to this government especially to
MEXICO AND NICARAGUA.
The government Of the United States has at all
times regarded with rcndyinterest the other states
of America, formerly, like this country, European
colonies, and independent members Of the great
family Of nations. But the unsettled condition Of
some of them, distracted by frequent revolutions,
and thus incapable Of regular and firm internal adj
ninistration, has tended to embarrass occasionally
our public intercourse, by reason Of wrongs which
our citizens suffer at their hands, and which they
are slow to redress
Unfortunately it is against the Republic of Mex
leo, with which it is our specal desire to maintain
good understanding, that such complaints arc
most numerous; aud although earnestly urged up
its attention, they have not as yet received The
consideration which this government had right
to expect. While reparation for past injuries has
been withheld, others have been added The po-
tticsl condition of that country, however, has beer
such as to demand forbcarancc the part of the
United States | shall continue my efforts to pro-
cure for the wrongs of our citizens that redress
which is indispensable to the continued friendly
ISOLATION Of the two republics.
The peculiar condition of affairs in Nicaragua in
the early part Of the present year, rendered it i'm
portant that this government should have diplo-
matte relations with that state. Though its terri
tory had been opened one Of the princpa thorough
fares across the isthmus connecting North and
South America, which q vast amount Of prop
erty was transported, and to which our citizens
sorted in 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 a respon-
sble government; and its minister was according
ly received. But he remained here only short
time Soon thereafter the political affairs Of the
Nicaragua underwent unfayorable change, and be
came nsolyel in much uncertainty and confusion
Diplomatic representatives from two contending
parties have been recently sent to this government
but with the imperfect information possessed, !
was not possible to decide which was the govern
mcnt de facto; and awaiting further Developments
have refused to receive either.
TIE TROUBLE Win NEW GRANADA.
Questions Of the most serious nature are pending
between the United States and the republic Of Ne'
Granada. Tie government Of that republic under
took, year since, TO impose tonnage duties on for
eign vessels in her ports, but the purpose was re
sisted by this government, rs being contrary Il
existing treaty stipulation with the United States
and to rights Conferred by charter upon the Pana
ma railroad company, and was accordingly relin
pushed at that time, 1t being admitted that oui
vessels were entitled tobe exempt from tonnag
duty in free ports of Panama and Aspinwall. But
the purpose has been recently revived, on the par
of New Granada. by the enactment of n law to sub
ect vessels visiting her ports to the tonnage dut.
of f1rty cents per ton; and, although the law hai
not been put in force, yet the right to enforce it i
still serted, and may, at any time, be acted oil
by the government ofthat republic.
The Congress of New Granada has also enacted
law during the last year. which leyies tax of NOR
than three dollars every pound of mail matte
transported across the lsthmus. The sum thu
required to be paid on the mails of the United State
would be nearly two millions Of dollars annually
in addition to the large sum payable by contract t
the Panama railroad company. IL the only objec
ton to this exaeton were the exorbitancy of il
amount, it could not be submitted to by the Unite
States.
The imposition of it, however, would Obyiousl
contravene our treaty with New Granada, and in
fringe the contract of that republic with the Pana
ma railroad company. The law providing for thi
tax was, by its terms, to take effect on the first Q
September last, but the local authorities on the is
thmus have been induced to suspend its execution
and toawat further instructions the bjcct iroI
the government Of the republic l am not yet I'D
vised of the determination of that government.