. We look for no advantage in our relations with them
except the increased exchanges of commerce upon a basis of mutual
benefit. We regret every civil contest that disturbs their peace and
paralyzes their development, and are always ready to give our good
offices for the restoration of peace. It must, however, be understood
that this Government, while exercising the utmost forbearance toward
weaker powers, will extend its strong and adequate projection to its
citizens, to its officers, and to its humblest sailor when made the
victims of wantonness and cruelty in resentment not of their personal
misconduct, but of the official acts of their Government.

Upon information received that Patrick Shields, an Irishman and probably
a British subject, but at the time a fireman of the American steamer
_Keweenaw_, in the harbor of Valparaiso for repairs, had been subjected
to personal injuries in that city, largely by the police, I directed the
Attorney-General to cause the evidence of the officers and crew of that
vessel to be taken upon its arrival in San Francisco, and that testimony
is also herewith transmitted. The brutality and even savagery of the
treatment of this poor man by the Chilean police would be incredible if
the evidence of Shields was not supported by other direct testimony and
by the distressing condition of the man himself when he was finally able
to reach his vessel. The captain of the vessel says:

He came back a wreck, black from his neck to his hips from beating,
weak and stupid, and is still in a kind of paralyzed condition, and has
never been able to do duty since.

A claim for reparation has been made in behalf of this man, for while he
was not a citizen of the United States, the doctrine long held by us, as
expressed in the consular regulations, is:

The principles which are maintained by this Government in regard to
the protection, as distinguished from the relief, of seamen are well
settled. It is held that the circumstance that the vessel is American
is evidence that the seamen on board are such, and in every regularly
documented merchant vessel the crew will find their protection in the
flag that covers them.

I have as yet received no reply to our note of the 21st instant, but in
my opinion I ought not to delay longer to bring these matters to the
attention of Congress for such action as may be deemed appropriate.

BENJ. HARRISON.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 25, 18