Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-12-03

vgaton and commerce. concluded on the sixth of DE
cember last, and sanctioned by the Senate before TIT
close of its last session. The ratfcatons having beer
since exchanged the liberal provisions of the treaty are
now in full force; and, under the encouragement which
they have received, Furnishing and increasing com
merce, yielding its benefits to the enterprise of both ma
tons, affords to each just recompense of wise measures
and adds motives for that mutual friendship which
the two countries have hitherto cherished towards eaci
other.
1t affords peculiar satisfaction to state that the Go
vernmen of Spain has at length yielded to the justice OF
the claims which have been long urged in behalf OF
our citizens, and has expressed willingness to provide
an indemncation, the proper amount can De
agreed upon. Upon this latter point, it probable All
understanding had taken place between the Minister OF
United States and the Spanish Government before the
decease ct the late King of Span and unless that event
may have delayed its completion, there to hope
that may be in my power to you, early IN
your present session. the conclusion of Convention
upon terms not less favorable than those entered into Tor
similar objects with other nations. That act OF justice
would well accord with the character Of Spain and is
due to the United States from their ancient friend IL
could not fail to strengthen the sentiments of amty and
good will between the two nations which it is much the
wish OF the United States to cherish, and truly the III
teres of both to maintain.
BY the first section of the act of Congress passed on
the 18th July, 1852, the tonnage duty Spanish ships
arriving from the ports of Spain, limited to the duty
payable American vessels the ports Of Spain, pre-
vious to the both October, 1917 being five cents per
ton The act was intended to give effect, on our SIDE
arrangement made with the Spanish Government by
which discriminating duties OF tonnage TO be abo
shed in the ports OF the United States and Spa on the
vessels of the two nations. Pursuant that arrange
men, which was carried into effect the part OF SPAIN
on the 10th of May 1882, BY royal order dated the
29th April, 1882 American vessels in the ports OF SPAN
have paid five cents per ton which of duty is also
paid in those ports by Spanish ships; but, American
vessels pay tonnage duty in the ports of the United
States the duty of five cents payable in our ports by
Spanish vessels under the act above mentioned IS really
discriminating duty operating to the disadvantage Of
Spain. Though complaint has yet been made on the
part of Spain, not the less bound by the obga
tons of good faith to the discrimination; and
recommend that the act be amended accordingly AS
the royal order, above alluded to, includes the ports Of
the Balearc and Canary Islands, well as those OF
Spain, it would that the provisions of the act OF
Congress should be equally extensive; and that for the re-
payment of such duties may have been improperly re-
ceived, addition should be made to the sum aPpropr-
aed at the last session Of Congress for reundg dscr
mnatng duties.
As the arrangement referred to- however, did not en-
brace the Islands of Cuba and Porto Rico, discriminating
duties, to the prejudice of American shipping continue
to be levied there From the extent OF the commerce car
red between the United States and those Islands, par
ticulary the former, this discrimination causes serious IN
jury of those great national interests which has
been considered essential part policy to CHERISH
and has given rise to complaints on the part OF our mer
chants Under instructions to our Minister at Madr,
w
Spanish Government upon this subject, and there rca-
to expect from the friendly disposition which is en-
terained towards this country, that beneficial chanSe
will be produced The disadvantage, however, to which
shipping by the operation OF these discf
mating duties requires that they be met by suitable coun-
tervang duties during your present session-Po~er be-
ing at the same time vested in the President to modify or
discontinue them the discriminating duties on American
vessels their cargoes may be modified or discontinued
those Islands. lnlimatons lave been given to the Span
sh Governments that the United States may be obliged to
resort such of necessary self defence
and there reason to apprehend that would DC "-
favorably received. The proposed proceeding, II adopt
cd would not be permitted however, in any degree to
induce relaxation in the efforts of Minister 70 effect
repeal of this rregulay, by friendly negotiations; and
it might to give force to his representations by
showing the dangers to which that valuable trade Is
exposed by the distractions and burhens which system
of discriminating and counervalng duties necessarily
produces.
The selection and preparation of The Florida archives,
for the purpose of being delivered to the u States,
in conformity with the royal order, mentioned IN my
last annual message though in progress has yet been
completed This delay has been produced partly by
causes which unavoidable, particularly the preva-
ence of cholera at avana but have been taken
which it is believed will expedite the delivery OF those
important records.
Congress were informed, at the opening of the last
son that, "owng, alleged to embarrassments M
the finances of Portugal consequent upon the civil war
in which that nation engaged" payment had been
made of only instalment OF the amount which the
Portuguese Government had stipulated pay for indem-
ufyng citizens for property illegally captured in the
blockade Of Tercera Since that time, postponement
for years. with interest of the remaining install
ments, requested by the Portuguese Government;
and consideration it offered to stipulate that rice
of the United States should be admitted into Portugal
at the duties Brazilian rice. Being satisfied that
no better arrangement could be made, my consent was
given; and royal order of the King of Portugal was ac-
cordngy issued the 4th Of February last for the re-
ducton Of the duty rice of the United States 1t would
give great pleasure if in speaking of that country, in
who's: prosperity the United States much interest
ed, and with whom long subsstng, extensive, and mu-
tua advantageous commercial intercourse has strength
encd the relations of friendship could announce to you
the restoration of its internal tranquility.
Subsequently to the OF the last session
of Congress the final nsmen payable by Denmark, I'M
der the Convention Of the 2S day Of March, 1880, was
received The Commissioners for examining the claims
have since termnsd their labors and their awards have
been paid the Treasury they have been called Tor
The justice rendered to citizens by that Government
is thus completed, and pledge is thereby afforded for
the maintenance of that friendly intercourse becoming
the relations that the nations mutually bear to each
| other.
1t satisfactory to inform you that the Danish Govern
ment have recently issued ordinance by which the
commerce with the Island of St Croix is placed more
liberal footing than heretofore. This change cannot a
to prove beneficial the trade between the United States
md that COLONY and the advantages likely flow from