The Sun.
London, England, 1863-12-21 00:00:00

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGI,

THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.
BY TELEGRAPH VIA. HALIFAX,
NEW YORK, Dec. 10, Afternoon.
President Lincoln's Message says that the British
Government, as was further expected, has exercised
its authority to prevent the departure of new hos-

tile expeditions from British ports. The French
Emperor, by similar proceedings, promptly vindi-
cated the neutrality which he proclaimed at the
beginning of the contest.
Blockade questions have been discussed and
accommodated in a spirit of frankness, justice, and
national goodwill. Oar Prize Courts, by the im-
partiality of their adjudication, have commanded
the respect and confidence of maritime Powers.
An important question, involving the maritime
jurisdiction of Spain in the waters surrounding

Cuba has been debated without reaching agreement,
and it is proposed to refer the question to the arbi-
tration of a friendly Power.
The rights of aliens in America are partially
defined by treaties with some Governments. In
no instance, however, is it stipulated that in the
event of civil war foreigners residing within the
lines of the insurgents are to be exempted from the
rule which classes them as belligerents, in whose
behalf their Governments cannot expect any privi-
leges or immunities distinct from that character.
Such claims, however, have been put forward on
behalf of foreigners residing here the greater part

of their lives.
The Message states that the receipts during the
year from all sources, including loans and the
balance in the Treasury at the commencement of
the year, were 900,000,000 dole. The disburse-
ments during the year were 895,000,000 dols. The
receipts from the Customs were 69,000,000 dals.,
and from the internal revenue 37,000,000 dols. The
amount received from loans was 776,000,000 dole.
The disbursements in the War Department
amounted to 590,000,000 dole., and for the Navy
Department to 63,000,000 dole.
Over 1,000 vessels have been captured since the
blockade was instituted. The naval force consists
of 518 vessels, 75 of which are iron-clads.
100,000 freed slaves are in the Federal service,
half of them bearing arms.
MT. Lincoln declares that whilst he remains in
his present position he Shall not attempt to retract
or modify the Emancipation Proclamation, nor
return to slavery any person who is freed by that
proclamation, or by any act of Congress.
The Message further says :
" In the midst of other cares we must not lose
sight of the fact that war power is our main reliance,
and that to that power alone we can look for a time
to give confidence to the people in contented regions
that the insurgent power will not overrun them.
Until that confidence is re-established, little can be
done anywhere for what is called ' reconstruction.'
Hence our chief care must be directed to the army."
President Lincoln's proclamation contains the
following additional provisions for State Govern-
ments formed in accordance with the terms of the
proclamation ;
" State Governments may make any provision in
relation to negroes which shall recognise and declare
their permanent freedom, provide for their educa-
tion, and which may yet be consistent as a temporary
arrangement with their present condition as a
laborious, landless, houseless class. State Govern-
ments may retain the name of the State, and the
same boundary, constitution, and general code of
laws as existed before the rebellion, subject to the
modification made neeessary by the conditions of
he proclamation,"

TEC BRAZILIAN AND RIVER PLATE

MAILS.

BUENOS AYRES, Nov. 12

The long-talked-of National Debt Bill has at
last been passed. Holders of claims, &c., against
the late National Government will, on proving their
demands, be entitled to receive 6 per cent. bonds,
which, it is thought, will be ultimately introduced
on the London Exchange.
The currency has suffered a still further deprecia-
tion, owing to the rejection by the Chambers of the
bill authorising a foreign loan. The discussion of
the bill excited strong party feeling. The measure
was rejected, from the conviction that if the loan
was obtained in England, even on the most favour-
able terms, so long as the Bank was left under
ffi7 tho
control of the Government the public had no under
cient guarantee that the proceeds of the loan would
be applied for the purposes for which it was
made.
The works of the Buenos Ayres Northern
Fernando,Rail-
and the
way are almost finished to San
The Western
company is doing a large business.
Railway has over ten miles of t e extension com-
pleted, but owing to the scarcity of hands the works
progress but slowly.ithout
teri oalp.trsovoifnctehseisnwe
The state of theublie
change. In the distant r r
Penaloza still defies the authority of the National
Government. In the province of Corrientes cotton
top let and a very good crop is
planting is the sole
espected.
It is stated on good authority that Brazil is con-
centrating largo bodies of men at various points on
the Oriental frontier, and that 10,000 Brazilian
I troops are about to enter the Baude, Oriental to
assist the lawfully established Government of the
country to put down the revolution.
The Buenos Ayres Standard of the 11th says :--

- - - .
6, We are happy to assure our readers that there is
every proix.:bility of peace being conoluded through
the mediation President Mitre and the
Mini:iter. • Tae terms have been drawl? up' andl3raziliari