The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-12-14

the Guh or MEXICO ana the ddlaceut seas. lneSo
acts were the more injurious and annoying, as these
waters are traveFsed by large portion of the COM
and navigation of the United States and their
free and unrestricted is essential TO the coast
wise, trade between different States of the Union.
Such vexaous interruptions could not fail to excite
the feelings of the country and require the inter-
position of the government. "Reminiscences were
addressed to the British government against these
violations of our rights of sovereignty, and naval
force was at the same time ordered to the Cuban
waters. with directions to protect all vessels of the
United States tho high seas from search or de-
tention by the vessels Of war of any other nation"
These measures received the unqualified and even
enthusiastic appreciation of the American people.
Most fortunately, however, collision took place,
and the British government promptly avowed its
recognition of the principles of international law
upon this subject, laid down by the government
of the United States i'm the note of the Secretary of
State to the British Minister at Washington, IF
April TO- 1855 which secure the vessels of the u.
States upon the high seas from visitation search
in time of peace. under any circumstances what
ever. The claim has been abandoned in a manner
rejecting honor the British Government, and
evincing just regard for the law of nations. and
cannot fail to strengthen the amicabe relations be-
tween the two countries.
The British government. at the same time, pro-
posed to the United States that mode should be
adopted. by mutual arrangement between the two
countries, of character which may be found effect
i've without being offensive for verifying the nation
atty of vessels suspected good grounds of carry
States to take the initiative, and propose measures
for this purpose Whilst declining to
grave a responsibility, the Secretary of State has in
formed the British government that we are ready to
receive any proposals which they may feel disposed
to Offer having this object in view, and to consider
them in amcable spirit. A strong opinien is ex-
pressed, however, that the occasional abuse of the
flag of any nation is evil far less to be depreca
ted than would be the establishment of any regula-
tons which might be Incompatible with the freedom
of the government
communication specifying the manner in which the
British would propose to carry out their
Suggestion; and | am inclined to believe that no
plan which can be devised will be free from grave
embarrassments. STILL 1 shall form no decided
opinion on the subject until shall have carefully
and in the best spirit examined any proposals which
they may think proper to make.
am truly sorry that cannot also inform you that
the complications between Great Britain and the
United States, arising out of the Clayton and Bull
treaty of April 1850, have been fully adjusted
Our relations with the great empires Of France.
Russia, and all other governments the continent
of Europe. except that of Spain continue to be of
the most friendly character.
SPAIN AND CUBA.
With Spain our relations remain in an unsatsfac-
tory condition. In my message of December last,
Informed you that envoy extraordinary and
minister plenpotentiary to Madrid had asked for
his recal and it was my purpose to send out
minister to that court, with special instructions
all questions pending between the two governments.
and with the determination to have them speedily
and amicably adjusted, if possible. This purpose
has been hitherto defeated by causes which need
not enumerate.
The mission to Spain has been entrusted to a
distinguished citizen of Kentucky who will proceed
to Madrid without delay, and make another aud
final attempt to obtain justice from that government.
Spanish officials, under the direct control of the
captain general of Cuba, have insultcd national
flag. and in repeated instances have from time to
time inflicted injuries on the persons and property
of our citizens. These have given birth to numer-
claims against the Spanish government, the
mert<ofwhich havebeen ably discussed for seriesof
years, by successive diplomatic representatives
Notwithstanding this, we have not arrived at
practical result in any single instance. unless we
may except the of the Black Warrior under
rage of such character would have justified an
immediate resort to war. All our attempts to OBJ
tain redress have been bafled and defeated. The
frequent and oft-recurring changes in the Spanish
ministry, have been employed for delay
We have been compelled to wait, again and again
until the new ministry shall have had time to inyes-
tigate the justice of our demands.
Even what have been denominated "the Cuban
claims" in which more than hundred of our citi-
directly interested, have furnised excep-
ton. These claims for the refnnding of duties
unjustly exacted from American vessels at different
houses i'll Cuba, long the year 1874. The
principles upon which they rest manifestly equi
table and just that alters period of nearly years
1854 they recognized by the Spanish
Proceedings afterwards instituted their
amount, and this finally fixed according to their
statement (witE which satisied) at the
of 5 ,635 %. Just at the after delay
of ii years, when had reason to expect that this
would be repaid with interest, have received
proposal Offering to refund third Of that amount
but without interest if would accept this in full
satisfaction The offer is also, accompanied by decar
alton that this indemnifcation is founded on any
of strict justice; but made special favor
One alleged for procrastinaton in the examina
ton and adjustment of our claims, arises from OBJ
stacle which it is the duty of the Spanish government
to remove Whilst the captain-general of Cuba is in
vested with general despotic authority in the govern
examine and redress wrongs committed by officials I'M
der his CONTROL citizens of the United States In
stead of making complaints directly him at Ha
vana obliged to present them through our min
lister at Madrid. These then referred back to the
captain general for nformaton and much time is tn
consumed in preliminary investigations and pom
dcnce between Madrid and Cuba, before the Spanish
government will consent to enter into negotiations
Many of the difficulties between the two governments
would be obviated, and long train of negotiation
avoided if the captaingeneral invested with au-
thOrity to settle questions of easy solution the spot
where all the facts freh and could be promptly and
satisfactorily ascertained. We have hitherto in vain
urged upon the Spanish government, to confer this
power upon the captain general, and minister to
Spain will again be Instructed to urge this subject on
their notice In this respect, different
siton from the powers of Europe. Cuba almost with
In sight OF our shores; commerce with it is
greater than that of other nation including Spain
ITSELF and our citizens in habits of daily and ex
tended personal intercourse with every part of the