The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-06-24
RIGHT OF SEARCH QUESTION IN ENGLAND
AND DUTY OF THE UNITED STATES.

The question is discussed by the Engl sh
papers, and has attracted the attention of Pa.
lament The general impression there seems
to be, that the accounts have been exaggerated,
but strong assurances are given that repatriation
shall be made, and measures be Immediately
taken 10 remove all cause of irritation to the
American Government. From a colloquy be-
tween Lord Clarendon and the Earl of Msmes-
bury, the present Secretary of Foreign Affairs,
i: appears that no new instructions have been
issued to the British cruisers. The latter re-
marked
" entirely agree with what my noble friend
has said as to the American flag being con-
stsntly prostituted TO cover the slave trade, and
other illegal acts, and think it is highly de.
srable that some agreement should be made
between the two co untries, by which it may be
distinctly understo cd what proceedings ought
TO be taken by their Ulcers, respect yely, for
ffec,ually discov eI ing the impositions to which
have alluded, and which will not be often
slve to honest traders. 1t is to that point have
directed the attention of the Government of
the United States, and that no later than in q
conversation which l had this morning with
the American Minister, and think may say
there has rot been any great difference of views
between Us. After that conversation has bee n
reported to the United States Government, at
ter the delivery of the despatch which 1 have
written to Lord Napier, and after the orders
That have been sent to our officers in those
seas, L hope there will be no repetition of such
acts as have been described to us, whether truly
or not. In these circumstances, l feel that this
country need remain under no apprehension
that anyt ming will occur to break the alliance
that 80 happily exists between the two coun.
trIea."
While the resolutions reported in the Senate
by MIR. Mason we're under consideration, Mr..
Wade, who concurred in the doctrine Of the
report and the principles set forth by the reso-
iutions, asked why some arrangement might
not be made by the two Governments, which,
without conceding any important principle,
would prevent the prostitution of our dag by
the slave trader? ME-. Mason was not pre-
pared 90 Say that some such arrangement was
not possible. 1t must be observed that the
same point was submitted by the British Min.
lister to MIR. Dallas, and the statement is made
that there was no very great difference of views
between them. Gen. Cass, it may be recolIected.
thought the efforts of both nations, by arm ed
squadrons on the coast of Africa, to sunpre az
the traffic. had failed, and intimated that the
most effective mode of dealing with the sub
ject would be to close the ports of Cuba against
the Introduction of slaves. As Great Britain
cannot do such an act in the Territory of a
Sovereign Power, it may be thought that she ia
carrying cut the policy of the suggestion by
ho Of kbok al
ing slavers before they can land their cargoes.
But this does not justify or excuse the claim
to visit American vessels-nor will it induce
this Government to tolerate any molestation
OF our commerce, no matter what the object.
Still, we must not forget that we have more
than one duty to perform. We must protect
the purity while we mairtain the independence
OF our flag. We must be as anxious to SUD-
press crime as to prevent the establishment of
British police on the high seas. While we
DENY the right of any Power to visit our yes
seis IN time of peace, it is incumbent on rs to
deVise' or agree to, some arrangement, limited
IN 'ime and latitude, guarded against abuses,
oy which the SLAYER aud pirate NAV be nre.
vented from finding shelter under the sacred.
ness of our dag. Had we an Administrator
ze'.lously bent on punishing the scou,d,e,s
VINO shield their vilainy by the frsudu.
lent assumption Of our flag, the world would
have no cause to complain of us. WHY not
terminate the agreement wi itch binds us 10
maintain a certain number of vessels on the
coast OF Africa, concentrate on whole force in
the waters about Cuba, and max an effort, once
for all, honestly and in good fsi tb, to put down
the accursed traffic, so far as it may seek pro-
lection under the American fsg7 Better EN-
ployment could not be found tor our cruisert-
none so noble and benefceat.