True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-12-15
VOL. 4-NO. 50.


principles Of International law upon this
subject as laid down by the government
of the United States, in the note Of the
Secretary Of Stale to the British minister
at Washington, April 10Th, 1863 which
secure the vessels Of the United States
upon the high seas from visitation or
search in the time OF peace, under any
circumstances whatever. The claim has
been abandoned in manner rejecting
honor on the British government. and
evincing a just regard for the law Of ma
tons, aud cannot fail 10 increase the ami.
cable relations between the two countries
The British government at the same
time proposed to the United States that
some mode should be adopted by mutual
arrangemen. between the two countries.
Of character which may be found effec-
tive withou, being offensive. for verifying
the nationality of vessels suspected on
good grounds, Of carrying false coIors,
they have also invited the United States
to take the initiative, and propose measures
for this purpose. Whilst declining to as
sumo so grave responsibility, the Secre.
tary Of State has informed the British
government! that we are ready to receive
any proposals which they may feel dis
posed to offer, having this object in viev,
and 10 consider them in an amicable spirit.
A strong opinion is however, expressed.
that the occasional abuse Of the flag of
any nation is an evil far less 10 be depre.
ciated than would be the establishment
Of any regulations which might be incom-
patable with the freedom Of the SEAS
This government has yet received no COM
muncatior specifying The manner in which
the British government would propose to
carry ou. their suggestion; and am in
clined to believe that no plan which can
be devised will be free from grave embar-
rassments. Still, shall form no decided
opinion on the subject until | shall have
carefully and in the best spirit examined
any proposals which they may think prop.
er TO make.
lam truly sorry that cannot also in
form you that the complications between
Great Britain and the United States, ari-
sing out Of the Clayton and Bulwer treaty
Of April. 1850, have been finally adjusted
Al the commencement of your last ses.
sion, l had reason to hope that emancipa.
} ting themselves from further unavailing
discussions, the two governments would
proceed to settle the Central American,
questions in practical manner, alike hon.
orable and satisfactory to both; and this
hope | have not yet abandoned. In my
t las. annual message, stated that overtures
had been made by the British government
3 for this purpose, in a friendly spirit which
l cordially reciprocated. Their proposal
was 10 withdraw those questions from di.
rect negotiation between the two govern
men's; but 10 accomplish the same obiec,
+. by negotiation between the British gov.
f ernment and each Of the Central American
republics whose territorial interests are
}, Immediately involved.
r The settlement was to be made in ac.
Q cordance with the general tenor of the in
9 depreciation placed upon tue Clayton and
+ Bulwer treaty BY the United States, with
!. certlin notifications. As negotiations are
!. still pending upon This basis, it would not
e be proper for me now 10 communicate
q their present condidi,ion. A final settle.
j.. ment Of these questions is greatly to be de-
n sired, as this would wipe ou. the last re.
IS naming subject ofdispute between the two
/. countries. gt
IS Our relations with the great empires of
b France and Russia as with all other gov.
10 ernments on the continent Of Europe, ex.
cept that of Spain, continue to be Of the
t. most friendly character.
.. With Spain our relations remain in an
\, unsatisfactory condition. In my message
ID Of December last informed you that our
le envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo-
i. ten,iary to Madrid had asked for his recall;
h and it was my purpose to send out new
$. minister 10 that court, with special instruc.
i, tions on all questions pending between the
i. two governments, and with a determine.
ly lion to have them speedily and amicably
Of adjusted, il that were possible. This pur.
lg pose has been hitherto defeated by causes
x. which | need not enumerate.
It's The mission 10 Spain has been intrust
as ed TO distinguished citizen Of Kentucky
,r. who will proceed to Madrid without de-
of lay, aud make another and final attemp
IN. to obtain justice from that government
ty Spanish officials, under the direc
mt control of the captain.general Of Cuba
have insulted our national flag, and il
10, repeated instances have. from time to tim
", inflicted injuries on the persons and prop
he erty Of our citizens. These have give
ID. birth to numerous claims against th
,st Spanish government, the merits OF whic
,ty have been ably discussed for series o
me years by our successive diplomatic. reF
srs resentatives.
tes Notwithstanding this, we have NJ
ion arrived at a practical result in any sing
l." instance, unless we may except The ca.
led OF the Black Warrior, under the Ia
the administration and that presented
outrage Of such character as would hal
ion justified an immediate resort 10 war. A
ent our attempts to obtain redress have 81,
the baaied and defeated. The frequent =