The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1856-12-04

bearing to reject, did not affrmativeIy act upon
the Overtures of the United States.
While the question was in this position, the
representatives Of Russia, France Great Brit
ain, Austria, Prussia, Sardinia and Turkey
assembled at Paris, took into consideration
the subject of maritime rights, and put forth
declaration containing the two principles
which this government had submitted nearly
two years before, to the consideration of mar
ltime powers, and adding thereto the follow
ing propositions: "Privateerine is and re-
mains abolished, . and "Diockades, in order to
be binding, must be effective, that is to say,
maintained by force sufficient, really, to pre-
vent access to the coast Of the enemy" and to
| the declaration thus composed of four points,
two OF which had already been proposed by
the United States this government has been
invited to accede by all the powers represent
ed at Paris, except Great Britain and Turkey.
10 the last ofthe two additional propositions
that in relation to blOckadeS-there can Ger
family be no objections 1t is merely the def
milton of what shall constitute the enectua in
vestment ola blockaded place, definition for
which this government has always cOntended
claiming indemnity for losses where a prac-
teal 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 privateering is and remains
abolished"-I certainly cannot ascribe to the
powers represented in the conference of Paris,
any but liberal and philanthropic views in the
attempt to change the unquestionable rule of
maritime law in regard to privateerng. Their
proposition was doubtless intended to imply
approval Of the principle that private property
upon the ocean, although it might belong to
the citizens of beligerent state, should be
exempted from capture; and had that PROPOSE
ton been so framed as to give full effect to the
principle, it would have received my ready as
sent on behalf of the United States But the
measure proposed is inadequate to that pur-
pose. 1t is true that if adopted, private prop
erty upon the ocean would be withdrawn from
one mode of plumber but left exposed, mean
while, to another mode, which could be used
with increased effectiveness The aggressive
capacity of great naval powers would be there
by augmented while the defensive ability of
others would be reduced. Though the sur
render OF the means of prosecuting hoStilities
by employing prlvateers as proposed by the
conference OF Paris, IS mutual in terms, yet
In practical effect, it wOule be the relinquish-
ment 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 a measure, so inadequate
and so unequal in its operation, would still
receive tho assent of all maratime powers
Private property would be still left to the dep
relations of the public armed cruisers.
have expressed a readiness on the part of
this government to accede to all the princi-
pies contained in the declaration of the con-
ference of Paris, provided that relating to the
abandonment of privateering can be so amen
ded as to effect the object for which, as is pre-
sumed, it was intended, the immunity for
private property on the ocean from hostile
capture. To effect this object, it is opposed
to add to the declaration that "pr1vateerinc
is and remains abolished" the following
amendment: "And that the private property
Of subjects and citizens of belligerent on
the high seas, shall be exempt from seizure by
the public armed vessels Of the other bellige-
rent, except it be contraband." This amend
mendment has been presented not only to the
powers which have asked our assent to the
declaration to abolish privateerng but to all
other maratime states. Thus far it has not
been rejected by any, and is Gvorably enter
tanned by all which have made any communi-
cation in reply.
Several of the governments, regarding with
favor the proposition of the United States
have delayed definite action upon it, only for
ties to the conference of Paris l have the
satisfaction of stating however, that the En-
peror Of Russia has entirely and explicitly
approved Of that modification, and will CO.
operate in endeavoring to obtain the assent of
other powers; and that assurances of SINH
lar purport have been received in relation to
the disposition of the Emperor Of the French.
The present aspect of this important sub.
ject allows US to cherish the hope that prn-
ciple so humane in its character, so just and
equal in its operation, so essential to the pros
perity of commercial nations, and so conso
nant to the sentiments of this enlightened pc
Rod of the world, will command the appro-
baton of all maratime 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 Secretary Of State,
copy of which is herewith transmitted, to the
communications on the subject made to the
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 now in
dependent 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 inter- /
nal administration, has tended to embarass oc-
casionally our public intercourse, by reason of
wrongs which our citizens suffer at their
hands, and which they are slow to redress.
Unfortunately ii is against the Republic of Mexico
with which it is special esre to maintain good
understanding, that such com piaints most numer
ous and although earnestly urged upon its ion,
they have not vet received the consideration which
this government had right expect. While repara
for past injuries has been withheld. others have
been added. The political condition of tne country