The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1876-06-29
Our EXtraditiOn Treaty With
Great Britain.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT.


WASHINGTON, d. c., June 20.-The
to-day sent a message to the Sem
ale and House of Representatives respect
ing the Extradition Treaty with Great
Britain. After stating at length the pro-
visions Of the Treaty, and criticising the
action taken by the British Government in
the Winslow and Brent cases, the President
says:
1t is with extreme regret that l am now called
upon 10 announce TO you that Her Majesty's
Government has finally released both OF these
iugitives. Winslow and Brent. and set them at
liberty, thus emitting to comply with the pro.
visions and requirements Of the Treaty under
when iUi The sA'radition Of fugitive Grim
ments. The position thus taken by the
British Government, II adhered to, can not
Dut De regarded as an abrogation and annul.
ment OF the article in the Treaty on extradition.
tnder these s 1t will not, in my
Judgment, comport with the dignity or self re.
spect OF this Government to make demands upon
mat Government for the surrender of criminals,
nor entertain any requisition OF that character
from that Government under treaty. II will
be a cause OF deep regret II the Treaty which
mas peer aus beneficial in its practical opera.
uon, which has worked so well and so efficient.
~ ,and which Notwithstanding the exciting, and
at times violent. political disturbances of which
both countries have been the scenes during its
existence, has given rise 10 no complaints on
me part Of 'lther Government, against either
its spirit or Its provisions, should be abruptly
terminated. 1t has tended to the protection OF
society. and TO the general interests of both
countries. Its abrogatlon and anuulment would
be q fetrograde step in international intercourse.
1 nave been anxious and have made an
enort 10 enlarge its scope, and to make another
treaty which would be a still more efficient
agent for the punishment and prevention OF
crime. At the same time / have felt IL my duty
70 decline 10 entertain a proposition made by
Great Britain pending Its refusal to execute
me existing Treaty. TO amend 1t by prac.
tically conceding by treaty the Identical condi.
tons which that Government demands
under It's act OF Parliament. In addition to the
impossieility OF insisting upon entering upon
negotiations under the menace Of an Intended
violation, or 4 refusal TO execute the terms Of
an existing treaty, l deemed 1t inadvisable to
treat only the one amendment proposed by
treat Britain. While the United States desires
an enlargement of the list Of crimes for which
extradition may be asked, and other improve.
ments watch experience has shown might be EN-.
boiled In a new treaty, 1t is for the wisdom OF
Congress TO determine whether the article OF the
Treaty relating to extradition Ia 10 be any longer
regarded as obligatory on the Government of the
United states, or as forming part OF the supremt
iaw OF the land. Should tho attitude Of the Brit.
lsh Government remain unchanged, l shall not
without an expression Of the wish of Congress
that should do 80. take any action either il
making or granting acquisitions for the surren
der OF might've criminals under the treaty OF 1912
Respectfully submitted. u. S, GRANT.