The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1856-12-11

war-Russia--aA well as several neutral
powers, promptly aeccrcd to these pro- I
positions; and the two other principal bel
Britain and France
having consented to observe them for the Il
present occasion, a favorable opportunity
seemeito be presented for obtaining n
eral recognition of them both in Europe
and America.
But Great Britain and France. in com
mon with most of the states of Europe.
while forbeariug to reject, did not affirm
atively act upon the overtures of The Unit
ed States.
While the question was in this position.
the Representatives of Russia, France,
Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, Sardinia,
and Turkey. assembled at Paris. took in
to consideration the subject of maratime
rights. and put forth declaration contain
ing two principles which this government
had Submitted, nearly two years before, to
the consideration of maratime powers. and
adding thereto the following propositions
l"Prvateering is and remains abolished"
| and "Block AIDES, in order to be binding,
must be effective. that is to say, maintain
ed by force, sufficient really. to prevent
access to the coast of the enemy" and to
the declaration TINS composed of four
pionts, two of winch had already be,
proposed by the United States, this gov
enment has been invited to accede by all
the powers represented at Paris, except
Great Britain and Turkey. To the last oil
the two additional propositions-that in
relation to block adeS--there can certainly
be no objection. 1t is merely the dehni-
ton of what shall constitute the effectua
investment of blocka,ie'i place. def
milton Tor which this government has al
ways contended, claiming indemnity tor
losses where practical violation OF the
rule thus defined has been injurious to our
commerce.
i As to the remaining article Of the de.
claration of the conference of Paris, ''that
privatee.ing is and remains abolished, -
[ cert@niy cannot ascribe to the powers
represented in the conference of Paris. any
but liberal aud philanthropic views in the
attempt to change the unlnestionable rule
of maritime law in regard to. .prl7ateerlng
Their proposition was doubtless intended
to imply approval of the princi lie that
private property upon the ocean, although
it might belong TO citizens OF belligerent
state, snould be EXEMPTED from capture;
and had that proposition been SO framed
as to give full effect to the principle, i!
would have received my ready assent on
behalf of the United States. But, the
measur, proposed is inadequate to that
purpose. 1t is true that it adopted, pri
vate property upon the ocean would be
withdrawn from one mo lie Of pluEder. but
lett exposed mean while to another mode
whi:h could be used with increased etfec
tiveness.
The aggressive capacity of great naval
/, powers would be thereby greatly augment
ed. while the defensive ability OF other,
coull be reduced. Though the surrender
of the means of prosecuting hostilities b,
3 mp lying rivateers, as proposed by th
\ nerence of Paris, is m tual in terms
+ yet. in practical effect, it woald be the re
: Iinqulshment of right OF little value t.
e one class of states, but of essential import
5 ance to another and far larger class. |
ought not to have been antici pate that
o measure, SO inadequate to the accomplish
! menr OF the proposed object. and so un
l. equal in its operation. would receive tn
e assent Of all maritime powers, Privat
IS property would be still left to the depred
/, ations Of the public armed cruisers.
re- have expressed readiness on the pal
1t of this government to accede to all th
Is principles contained in the declaration a
The conference Of Paris, provided that re
h lating to the abandonment of privateerin
lie can be SO amended as to effect the objet
for which, as is presumed, it was intended
/, the immunity of private property on til
l. oceans from hostile capture. To efet
l. this object, tits proposed to add to the d.
le claratien that "privateering is and remain
As abolished" tho following amendmen
IN And that the private property of subject
J. aud citizens o: belligerent on the hig
lie seas, shall be exempt from seizure b, tt
a public armed vessels of the other bellig
IN rent, except it be contrabanl." Th
as amendment has been presen;el not only
4 the powers which have asked our asser
at to the declaration to abolish privateerins
v. but to all other maritime states. Th,
ne far it has not been rejected by any. an
is favoraoly entertained by all which ha,
I'd male any communication III reply.
5 Several of the governments, regardir
ic with favor the proposition OF the Unite
n States, have delayed de6nitive action Vi
til on it, only for the purpose of censultir
SO with others. parties to the Conference
n Paris. have the satisfaction of Stain!
to however. that the Elnpelo or of Russia h
p entirely and explicitly approved of tn
nd modification, and will cooperate in e
as deavoring to obtain the assent of 9th
at pow RS; and that assurances of simil
m purport have been received in relate
ny to the disposition of the Emperor of t
IS French.
in The present aspect of this importa
ch subject allows as to cherish thu hope th
MS principle so humane in its character,
- just and equal in its o, ,eration. SO essen
est al to the prosperity OF commercial natior
ON and SO consonant to the sentiment, of ii
OF en- lightened period of the appreciation
,e- all maritime powers. and thus be incorpe
n ated into the code OF international law
b- My views on the subject are more full
IA set forth in the reply of the Secretary
De- State. copy OF which is herewith trar
ars mitted, to the communications on the su
be ject made to this government, especial
ia to the communication of France.
be The Government of the United Stat
,rv has at all times regarded with friendly
terest the other States of America, forl