The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11

The following is the part of Mr.. Sew
ARDS note to Mr.. ADAMS, July IL, 1863,
which was the subject of recent discussion
in Parliament:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,l
"a"ainS'on 'aiy L. 1908 t. tho
rulings of the chief baron of the exchequer in
the case of the Alexandria shall he affirmed so
as to regulate the action of her Majesty's Gov
eminent, the President will as he thinks, be
left to understand that there is no law in Great
Britain WHICH will be effective to preserve mu-
tual forbearance between the subjects of her
Majesty and the Government and people of the
United States in the only point where they are
exposed to infractiOn The fitting out Of the
Alabama and the Florida, as we'll as of the
Alexandria, will thus receive the sanction of
the Government and the United States will be
without any guaranty whatever against the in
discriminate and unlimited employment of cap-
isal, industry and skill, by British subjects, in
building, arming, equipping and sending forth
ships of-war from British ports to make war
against the United States.
l may safely protest. in behalf of the United
States. against the assumption of that position
by the British nation, because this government
with statute exactly similar to that of Great
Britain, does constantly hold itself able and
bound to prevent such injuries to Great Brit
ain. The President thinks il not impropcr TO
government the question whether, on appeal
to be made by them, Parliament might not con-
slider it just and eXpedient to amend the ex-
isting statute in such way as to effect what the
two governments actually believe it ought now
TO accomplish. In caae of such an appeal the
President would not hesitate to apply to Con-
gress for an equivalent amendment of the laws
OF the United States if her Majestv's govern
ment should desire such proceeding although
here such an amendment is not deemed nee
essary.
If the law of Great Britain must be left with.
out amendment, and be construed by the GOV.
eminent in conformity with the rulings of the
chief baron of the eXchequer, then there will
be LETT Tor the United States no alternative but
to protect themselves and their commerce
against armed cruisers proceeding from British
ports, as against the naval forces of public
enemy: and also, to claim and insist upon in
IDENTITIES for the injuries which such expedi-
tons have hitherto committed or shall hereaf.
ter commit against this government and the
citizens of the United States. To this end the
government is now preparing a naval force
with the utmost vigor; and if the national
navy, which it is rapidly creating, shall not be
sufficient for the emergency then the United
States must bring into employment such pri-
vate armed naval force as the mercantile ma
rine shall afford British ports, domestic as
well as colonial, are now open, under certain
restrictions. to the visis of piratical vessels
and not only furnish them Goals, provisions
and repairs. but even receive their prisoners
when the enemies Of the United States come
in to obtain such relief from voyages in which
they have'eIther burned ships they have cap
turcd, Or have even manned and armed them
as pirates, and sent them abroad rs auxiliaries
in the work of destruction Can it be an oc-
cs'sioh Tor either surprise or complaint that if !
ms condition OF things is to remain an! re.
,elve the deliberate sanction of the British
government the :avy of the United States
VIII receive instructions to pursue these enc
MES INTO the ports which thus, in violation of
he law OF nations and the obligations of neu-
rainy, become harbors for the Iirates? The
resident very distinctly perceives the risks
ma hazards which naval conflict thus main
aimed will bring to the commerce and even to
ne peace OF the two countries; nut he is
,Dliged TO consider that, in the ca-e supposed,
ne destruction of our commerce will probably
mount to naval war wa@cd by portion at
east OF the British nation against the Govern
ncnt and people of the United StatcS-a war
olerated though not declared or avowed by
he British Government if, through the ne.
essary employment of all our means of ma
ional defence, snch partial war shall become,
general one between the two nations, Ne
President thinks that the responsibility for that
,anful result will not fall upon the United
states.
In stating thus frankly the views of this
government, it is proper for me to add that it
; not the Presidents purpose to resort to the
measures of defence to which l
ave referred, unless they shall be rendered
necessary by final decision of the British gov
rnment, that it cannot and will not interfere
o restrain the hostilities which are now APP
pretended, nor will allow myself to suppose
hat her Majesty's government will for mo
nent conceive that anything have written
lpon this point is written in spirit of mere
on the contrary, while the pa
life and friendly disposition of her Britannia
Aajesty's government is fully appreciated and
elied upon, it is well understood that that
government is the last one in the world to yield
o vehemence what cannot be conceded to
,quty and justice. So, on the other hand, it
,ught to be understood that the United States,
f they could ever be presumptuous are sufi- :.
ienty chastened already by the scourge of
.ivl war to seek peace and friendship with
Great Britain and all other nations through /
my concession that is compatible with the
permanent interests of national life and
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