The document titled "Compact of Friendship and Commerce between the United States of America and the Royal Government of Lew Chew," ratified and made public by President Franklin Pierce on March 9, exemplifies an important historical agreement between the United States and the Ryukyu Kingdom (Lew Chew). This compact, an official treaty, marks a significant diplomatic relationship between the two nations during the mid-19th century.
During the mid-19th century, the United States, under President Franklin Pierce, engaged in active diplomacy with various nations and entities across the globe. The Compact with the Royal Government of Lew Chew (modern-day Okinawa) was part of these diplomatic efforts, aimed at establishing formal relations and promoting commerce and friendship between the two parties.
The compact likely includes provisions related to trade, navigation, and mutual cooperation in diplomatic matters. Such treaties typically delineated terms for trade agreements, outlined the rights and responsibilities of each party's citizens within the other's territory, and established protocols for dispute resolution and protection of interests.
Ratification and Legal Formalities
President Franklin Pierce, acting under the advice and consent of the Senate, ratified the compact, affirming the United States' commitment to uphold its terms faithfully. The document would have been affixed with the seal of the United States and publicly announced to ensure its observance by all concerned parties.
The compact between the United States and the Royal Government of Lew Chew represented a significant milestone in diplomatic relations during a period of increasing globalization and international engagement. It provided a framework for peaceful interaction, facilitated trade opportunities, and contributed to the mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and the Ryukyu Kingdom.
In conclusion, the "Compact of Friendship and Commerce between the United States of America and the Royal Government of Lew Chew" reflects a pivotal moment in U.S. diplomatic history. Signed and ratified during the presidency of Franklin Pierce, it underscored the commitment of both nations to foster friendship, promote commerce, and uphold international law. This document stands as a testament to the enduring importance of diplomacy in maintaining global relations and advancing mutual prosperity.
Original article:
Compact of Friendship and Commerce between the United States of America and the Royal Government of Lew Chew
https://catalog.archives.gov/id/19027412
Record Group 11: General Records of the United States GovernmentSeries: Perfected TreatiesFile Unit: TS 194 AO: Compact, in English and Chinese, with Presidential Proclamation and U.S. Instrument of Ratification
And whereas the said Compact had been duly ratified on both parts:
Now, therefore, be it known that I Franklin Pierce, President of the United States of America, have caused the said Compact to be made public, to the end that the same and every clause and article thereof may be observed and fulfilled with good faith by the United States and the citizens thereof.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed:
Done at the City of Washington this ninth day of March in the year of Our Lord one thousand
consent to the ratification of the said Compact.
Now therefore I, Franklin Pierce, President of the United States of America, having seen and considered the said Compact, do, in pursuance of the [obscured and illegible- possibly aforesaid], advice and consent of the Senate, accept, ratify and confirm the said Compact and every clause [obscured and illegible] thereof.
In [obscured andillegible] whereof I have caused the seal of the United States of America to be hereunto affixed
Given under my hand,
at the City of Washington
this ninth day of
March in the year [complete document and transcription at link]
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