The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-06-23
EXTRADITION.

The President Omcially Announces the
Abrogation of the Extradition Treaty
with Great Britain.
President Grant last week sent to Con-
gress q message respecting the extradi-
ton treaty with Great Britain. After
stating at length the provisions of the
treaty, and criticising the action taken
by the British Government in the Wins
low and Brent cases, the President says
1t is with extreme regret that am now called
upon to announce to you that Her Ma jesty's
Government has finally released both of these
fugitives, Winslow and Brent, and set them ut
liberty thus emitting to comply with the pro-
visions and requirements Of the treaty under
which extradition of fugitive criminals is made
between the two Governments. The position
thus taken by the British Government if adj
hered to, cannot but be regarded as the abro-
CATION and annulment of the article of the
treaty on extraditirn. Under these circum-
stances, 1t will not, in my judgment, COM
port with the dignity or self respect of this
Government to make demands upon that
tive criminals nor to entertain any
requisition of that character from that Gov
eminent under the treaty. 1t will be q cause
OF deep regret IL a treaty which has been thus
beneficial in its practical operations, which has
worked so well and 30 efficiently, and which,
MISUNDERSTANDING the exciting Anu dt the same
time violent political disturbances of which
both countries have been the scene during it's
existence, has given rise to no complaints on
the psrt of either Government against either
It's spirit or its provisions, should be abruptly
terminated. It has tended to the protection of
society, and to the general interests of both
countries. It's violation or ann ulment would
be a retrograde step in international inter-
course. i have been anxious, and have made
efforts to enlarge it's scope, and to make new
treaty which would be q still more efficient
agent for the punishment and prevention of
crime; at the same time have felt it my duty
to decline to entertain q proposition made by
Great Britain, pending its refusal to execute the
existing treaty to amend 1t by practically con-
ceding by treaty, the identical conditions which
that Government demands under its act of
Parliament.
In addition to the impossibility Of the United
States entering upon negotiations under the |
menace Of an intended violation or refusal TO |
execute the terms of an existing treaty |
deemed it inadvisable to treat of only the one |
amendment proposed by Great Britain while |
the United States desires an enlargement of |
the list of CT lines for which extradition NAV be |
asked, and other improvements whicl, expo |
rience has shown might be embodied in new
treaty.
It is for the wisdom OF Congress TO deter.
mine whether the article 81 the treaty relating
70 extrsdition is to be any longer regarded az
obligatory on the Government Of the United
states, or az forming part Of the supreme law
n the land. Should the attitude of the British
government remain unchanged, shall not
without the expression of the wish of Congress
bat should do so, take any action either in
mailing or granting acquisitions for the sur
ender OF fugitive criminals under the treaty of
s42. Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) U.S.. GRANT.