Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1858-07-08
United States and Great Britain.

United States and Great Britain.
Although it is generally understood
that England is disposed to maintain
amicable relations with this country,
and waive, so far as may be without vic
lation Of treaty regulations, searches OF
American vessels, yet the precise limit
alton of this claimed right, remains to
be settlel. That all right Of search,
visitation! or inquiry, in respect to the
character of vessels navigating the Gulf
of Mexico, is to be abandoned, canLot
be expected. Whatever concessions
England may be disposed to make, the
right Of visitation or inquiry in some
form, will not be surrendered; nor has
our government defined the exact limit
TO inquiry Of vessels bearing the Ameri-
can flag. The resolutions which passed
the United States Senate just prior to
the adjournment of that body, very
properly leave this question open. The
billigerent democracy of the country,
demand that England shall forbear all
search, visitation or inquiry; thus tax
ing off all restraints fromthe slave trade,
which civilized nations by common con-
sent have declared to be ranked with
piracy, Does the modern democracy
really wish the slave trade to be prose
cuted without molestation or hindrance?
1t would certainly seem to be so, since
1T proposes no measures for restraining
or suppressing the traffic. Besides, Eng
land does more in single month, to ar
rest this piratical commerce than the
United States does in years, if statisti-
cal accounts. may be relied upon. Does
the rampant democracy demand that the
United States shall violate or disregard
its treaty obligations, to employ its ma
val force in suppressing the slave trade?
We have a right to expect the United
States Government will honestly fulfil
its treaty stipulations until formally alb
rogated.
The British Secretary very properly
suggests the propriety Of convention
between the two governments, for the
purpose Of making regulations of some
sort for the detection Of vessels cngag-
ed in the slave trade, and for the protec-
ton of the American flag from the abu-
SEES Of those pirates, who assume it to
avoid molestation while engaged in this
infamous business. The suggestion for
such a convention is highly appropriate,
and deserving the favorable attention OF
our government. If the present admin
istration is sincerely DESTROYS to crush
ont the slave trade, here then is afford
ed an opportunity for mutual cooper
alton for that purpose. England and
the United States by united and ear
nest determination could completely an
initiate the abominable trade in less
nan ~ wv cllOllII. OHG VI tuS SlcdG'
est obstacles to the suppression of this
illegal commerce, is the fact that a great
majority of the slavers assume the flag Of
the United States, and thus proceed
with impunity. 1t would be no difficult
matter for the two governments to de
wise some plan of action by which these
lawless pirates might be seized and pun
ished.
1t is to be regretted that there are in
dications that this reasonable proposal
will not be met by our government
The benefits of southern labor, is con
sideration which the administration
must weigh, and it seems necessary t.
consult the slave-holding interest in The
premises. The e-opening of the slave
trade is a favorite measure by a consid
cradle portion of the South, and the ad
ministration, therefore, dare not engag,
in its overthrow, although it be sol
emn treaty obligation. Upon wha
principles this matter is to be finally set
tied, is yet question.
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