The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1818-12-24 00:00:00

THE BRITISH PRESS.

LONDON,

THURSDAY, Demurs 24. ISIS.

THE

Al ESSAG E.

A copy of the PRESIDENT'! Message, commu-
nicated on the 17th of last month to the Congress
of the United States of America, on opening the
present Session, has reached town. It is an inte-
resting paper, and possesses peculiar claims upon
the attention of this country. It commeutes by
congratulating the Congress on the commercial
prosperity of the United States, the abundant
harvest they have enjoyed, and on the improving
condition of the public revenue. Adverting then
to the foreign relations of the Union, the Paest-
DINT apprises the Congress of the commencement
of siegociatious with Great Britain upon the hue-
resting subject of a tontinercial intercourse. .4 As
the time," he observes, "limited for the operations, of
the Commercial Convention with Great Britain will
expire in July 'text, and it was deemed important that
there should be no interval during which that portion
of our commerce. which was provided for by that
Convention, should not be regulated either by ar-
rangement between the two Governments, or by the
authority of Congress, the Minister of the United
States at London was instructed early in the list
summer to invite the attention of the British Go-
vernment to the subject. Ile was instructed to
.propose also, that the tiegociation which it was
wished to open might extend to the general com-
merce of the two countries, and to every other inte-
rest awl unsettled differences between them, parti-
cularly those relating to impressment, the fisheries,
and boundaries, in the hope that an arrangement
might he made, on principles o 1 reciprocal advan-
tage, which might comprehend and provide in •
satisfactory bummer fur all these high concerns.
" 1 have the satisfaction to state, that the pro-
'load! was received by the British Government iu
the spirit which prompted it, and that a negneia-
tion has beets opened in London embracing all
these objects."
Ile then states, that previous to opening the ne-
gotiation, it was agreed that the Convention should
continue for a term of not less than eight years.
To the relations of the United States with Spain,
as next in interest and importance, the PRESIDIIIIT
then adverts. He justifies the conduct of General
JACKSON, in seizing on the Florida,. in a manner
that leaves no doubt of the perfect understanding
that prevailed upon this point between the General
and the Government. He dwells upon the excesses
which, he says, were committed by the Indians on
the citizens of the United States ; urging that
Spain could not uphold her power; that her au-
thority was confined to the walls of Pensacola and
St. Augustine; and that the capture and possession
of Amelia Island stood its • different situation from
the Florida,is as the former was taken from a band
of freebooters, who were not acknowledged by the
Governments of Buenos Ayres or Venezuela.—
Adverting again to the Florida., he observes, that
Spain had it always in her power to prevent these
disagreeable consequences, by the cession of the
Florida. to the United States; but the esters:its
committed by the Indians, its place of being re-
pressed by the Spanish Governor of Pensacola,
had been urged on by him. He furnished the ene-
tnies of the United States with provisions and mu-
nitions of war, and this was the occasion of his re-
moval to the Havannah. The United States, how.
ewer, were still disposed to peace. and had ordered
Pensacola to be given up unconditionally to any
Spaniard with proper authority.
St. Mark's being situated in the heart of the In-
dian territory, it stood in a different situation ; but
it would also be delivered up if Spain sent an ade-
quate force.
Having entered on this topic, the PRESIDENT
could not pass over the execution of the two British
stihjects, Messrs. ARBUTHNOT and A mnaurrse.,
which he notices in the following terms :—" Copies
of the instructions to the Commanding General ; of
his correspondence with the Secretary of War, ex-
plaining his motives and justifying his con-
duct, with a copy of the proceedings of the
Courts-Martial of the trial of ARBUTHNOT and
ANIMISTIC, and of the cones lence between
the Secretary of State and the ;Minister Plenipo-
tesitirsty of Spam near this Government, and of
the Minister Plenipotentiary of the UOitrd States
at Madrid with the Government of Spain, will be
I laid before Congress."

The PRESIDICNT apprises the Congress, that
the Coturniiwitmers had returned from South Ame-
rica, and the observations they had made regard-
ing the war between Spain and the Patriots will
be laid before Congress. He fuither obsei yea, that
there is no prospect of a termination of the war
in that quarter. Spam had, indeed, in a circular,
acquainted the United States dim the 4114pute be-
tween the Mother Country and the Col.mics would
he discussed at the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle ;
but the Allied Sovereigns wily offered their

vice: they would not 'fluid •ny assistance as to
military force ; they hail, on the contrary, recom-
mended conciliation.

He then Irate gre:►t E:itisfaci ion to
state. that am relation* w►th Fiance, Russia, and
the other Power.. continue on the most friendly
basis. The augmentation of our navy is advancing
with a steady progress."
Adverting to the unfortunate Indians, he says,
that Treaties were formed with some, and that
others would be reduced to subject►on. Ile goes
into a lung druid on the progress of the fortifica-
firm', and on the Increase of the navy, as sanctioned
by Congress. Another State, the Illinois, had been
added to the Union.
A minute statement is finally given of the pre-
sent internal situation of America, 'AO' is repre-
acute I as being of the most gratifying description.
Such is the substance of this State Paper, which,
whatever may be the feelings excited by the discus-
sion of the several topics ettiliraced in it, will un-
doubtedly be read with a lively interest. It pre-
sents s fl►ttering picture of tie. improving eninlition
of the Union, mill proves the inereasing respect with
which its concerns are reaardrif by the Powers of
the 0:41 IVorld. A NEM ut:m r's Alessage is gene-
rally a more satisfactory and colAtis exposition of
public affairs than a KING'S Speccli, still lie who
prepares it Stelll4 to hr more actuated with a sincere
desire of actually giving the Legisliitive Body me!
the people a general and cum►ltrrhru-ive view of
their internal state and external than of
aflet•ting to convey information, while the cooly
object of the wiper is to fulfil a public ceremony,
without disclosing one point of co►nn►ercial ur will-
tie :t1 interest.

The PitEsti:is:sea Message, or which we Inow
now communicated the substance, owes a consider-
able share or its unportancron least in this country,
to the notice it 'like. of the commercial regulatimis
that are now in farce between Great Britain and the
United States, mill the promise it holds out of is
speedy and happy removal of those antiquated prin-
ciples that interrupt the harnionv or the two coun-
tries, and suspend the enpyittent of tlinse mutual
blessings which a free intercourse is ca'cillated to
bestow. No principle seemw to us platwr than that
if we desire to carry on a trade with any country, it
would be of advantage that we %loathd carry it on
subject to its few restrictions and inymaltluns 84 pm.-
.ible. But how eau we In justice Or 111 common
sense hope that any other people will permit us to
enter their harbours and markets free aild unrestrict-
ed, if we on nor parts do not hold oust to them a si-
milar advantage? litre restrict, they will retaliate—
d we impose deities, they will Increase prices—and,
finally, if we close our harbours, they will prevent
our access to their markets. (Yoder any circum-
stances, a free trade thus considered, founded on
principles of strict reripruemts, is of advantage to
every country ; but in the present state of the trade
and manufactures of Great Britain, to us it must
be particularly beneficial. Who could entertain
the slightest appreliensious for the success of Bri-
tish capital and imlnstry, if ',laced in competiriiiii
with other tuitions? Are they not at this must, nt
a cause of irritation and alarm to almost every
people, and an object of vexatious and hostile taxa-
tion to almost every Government ? Our manufac-
turers do not complain of being excluded from
their native markets by the successful irruption of
foreign skill ; they are themselves the invaders of
what their foreign competitors would wish to have
regarded us their exclusive pritileges. The great
body of our people are not indignant at the too
great facility afforded to the introduction of foreign
produce, wlwtlirr articles of neves:sity or of luxury.
On the coilliary, the poor coultilain that impedi-
ments have been thrown in the way of their sliming,
at a fair and 1181Ur4l price, the blessings bestow-
ed by Providence oil more favoured countries ;
while the richer classes of society, whose wealth
entitles them to theiosjoyment of foreign luxuries,
ridicule the preposterous schemes that have hero
devised for compelling them to obtain, by indirect,
circuitous, and expensive means, the same articles,
that they might, if commerce were less fetteted,
have received for their just value.

The removal of commercial restrictions, there-
fore, in this country, could not be attended with any
disadvantages, while such it measure could not fail
of being highly popular. It would increase our
foreign trade, bring foreign capital to our shores,
and proportionally promote the productive !rowers
of our country. Our example would almost of
treceesity be followed by other nations, awl a free
intercourse, attended with mutual blessings, would
be established between distmt e tries. With
vexatious and unfriendly restric.intis, would be
removed a mans source of emataitiorni and jea-
lousies, and as commerce became exteaded, it
would promote the cwhisati of usaiversal peace.
It belongs to Great Britain and the United States
of America to commence this work of bessrvolence
and wisdom. The establishment of a reciprocal
commerce between the kindred people must elm-
sure their future harmony, and will effiect more
towards promoting' a lasting peace between them
thou mountains of parclimerit, drawn up with so-
I mockery iu the mime of the Almighty, and
prornisiog peace while they prepared the seeds of
future war.

The hopes long entertained of acquiring an 'inti-
mate knowledge of the interi,r of Africa, are likely
to be woo realized. A very intelligent and enter-

priaing Gentleman, newel unappalled
by the dangi r and difficulties of the undertaking,
and the failure ril many advetiture,s to penetrate
into the heart of that Continent, has recently
returned to England, after having overcome those
difficulties, and successfully explored the king-
dom of the Ashanteer, iu which lie resided fur
six mouths. During the first half of this in-
terval, he was incarcerated in a dungeon, and
expected hourly to be put to death. The King
of the AIIIANTEES was greatly interested by this
stranger, and had him often brought from his cell
to the Palace, fur the purpose of inquiring from
whence lie Caine anal the purpose of his visit.—
These interviews always took place in the dead of
the night, and upon one early occasion has MAJESTY
met Mr. flonEce half way in the dark. After re-
peated conversation his MAJESTY became quite
satisfied with respect to the intentions of the
stranger, who was liberated, and for the hist three
months of his star• lie resided at the Court,
and was treated with great kindness. Among
the curious and •aluable articles brought home
by Mr. llons:ca IS a Geographical History of
the Ash.sistee kingilolll. in the furtive language, and
arcancit of the travels and death of MustGo
PARK. fie represents the King of the A9IIAN
Tu.:9 as a most aide and intelligent man. His ob-
servations and questions, which were incessant, dis-
played strong natural discernment and intelligence,
and he was particularly anxious in his inquiries
respecting the policy of the European Govern-
meals.

The metropolis was again visited yesterday by a
heavy fog. It was not, however, so dense and
settled as that of Tltes(l3). ; there were in the
course of the day some ;night interval.. At night,
however, it oas not far Omit of the intense darkness
of Tuesday.
_ _

Yesterday the Disl,e Of YORK transacted military
hnsineas with the PRINCE REGENT, at Carlton
douse.

The Fad of LIVERPOOL, hail an sodience of the
raiNct Re i,NT yesterday, at Carlton House.
Yesterday, at one o'clock, a Cabinet Council was
held at the Foreign Office, in Downing-street„
which was iitteOil*o liv the same Cabinet Ministers
as that which w•-es held on Tuesday, at the house of
the Lord Outset:lA.oa, with the exception of the
Learei*:(l Lord. The Duke of WELLINGTON at
tended, The Cabinet sat but a short time in deli-
beration : they bridtie up and separated 50011 after
two o'clock. Lord CASTLEREAGH remained at his
office till u Lite hour, transacting business.
The Nlasiersliiii of St. Catherine's, near the
Tower, the gift of QuEEN, wheoever there
1.14 estalsh.l.metit having beet: founded by
ELF:AS*III, wife of Low. tan the Fitt, the wives
111 Soverelins kite ;ski ays been permitted
to nominal*. tl,e Master. If Colonel DisottowE,
the late :tia.ter, had died hef"re the bite QUEEN,
there can be no denht that Major-General TAY-
LOR, to whom the PRINCE ItEoENT has given
the office, would have received it from her MAJESTY,
the General having sib long tilled what was, perhaps,
the most cotitidensial office Ain't the KING. and
haring been also Secretary in heiself, The Master-
ship has hrt at uniformly colirep red upon persons of
snow tieittilutioli. It was held iii 1710, by the Earl
of FLYEastiAm.

Yr%terd.tv a Court of Director. was held at the
E ast u hen h.-0.-General the Hon.
Sir Ciunixs Cot.vt G.C. 11. was sworn in as
Commander in Chief of the C patty's forcer, and
Dl•n>l>er of Conned ut Bondi y. The General
afterwards dined with the Directors at the London
Tavern.
The tinder-mentioned Commanders took leave of
the Coup. previous to departing for their reaper.
live deatittlitinna ; viz.—
Ciptaiii T. Larkins, Marquis Camden ; Captain H. Scott,
Clinrks Grant ; Cept. C Alortlock, Lowthor Castle ; ('apt.
T. It nnlaile, Captain R. Nislwt, Es.rit ; and Capt.
K. S. I)4lrymple, Vanaittari—for Bombay and China.

The 521 regiment. which hits lately arrived in
Englshii from France. are expected to arrive in
Chester this day, to perform the duty at that gar-
rison.

Norwich Corn market on Saturday afforded a
sufficient supply of both Wheat and Bailey. Oats
were much in demand, and obtained a higher price
tlhin before.—The &hew of beasts on Saturday was
very large, the breed of several counties together,
besides cuusiderable Scottish droves ; prices are still
very high. Many of 11w sheep-pens were empty,
and im old Nurfolks were to be seen. For turkies
15d. to lad. per lb. NMI even 2t. was demanded;
hut the pike fell during the day.
The fog in which the metropolis was on Tuesday
involved extended to some distance into the vi-
cinity, where it was equally intense as in the city.
Several of the mail-coaches, particularly on the
western road, alter making their way with great
danger and difficulty out of town, were obliged to
stop and await a change of stain:inhere. Several
of them halted at Kensington and Ilaininersolith ;
fortunately, however, they were lint delayed many
I h. as shout eleven o'clock the fog dispersed,
snot it became a tine eh-sr night.
1 he report that a gentleman was killed during
the rog on Tuesday night. near Charing-cross, was
falor.eatiou is loin, int such, or any like circum-
stance having taken ;dare.
About half-past seven o'clock on Tuesday night,
as two of the mails were pawing along the Strand
during, the thick log, they rats against each other
just opposite to St. Clement's church, amid their
wheels by same accident got locked together. The
coachutau was Hung from one 01 them, but fortu-
nately escaped without any other Homy than a few
bruise-.; end the only further damage watch occurred
Icti.pri.eil to tine oldie leaders, who was thrown upon
his knees by the concussion, and was cut to one of
them so severely, that it WY% deemed impossible for
Iron to issuitiosie his journey that eveiting. The
mails with h f .Ilowril were each ',reverted by two
liiik-boys. and had the heads of their leaders held
by a assn who rau uu uloag with diem.