Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1833-12-05

changed the liberal provi,ons Of the treaty are in
full force and, under the encouragement which they
have received, hourishng and increasing commerce,
Welding its benefits the enterprise of both nations,
affords to each the Just recompense of wise and
adds new motives for that mutual friendship which the
two countries have hitherto cherished towards each
other.
II affords me peculiar satisfaction to state that the Go
yernment of Spain has at length yielded TO the justice
of the claims which have been so long urged in behalf OF
citizens and has expressed willingness 20 provide
an ndemnicatlon, AS the proper amount can be
agreed upon. Upon this latter point, it is probable
understanding had taken place between the Minister OF
the United States and the Spanish Government, before
the decease os the late King OF Spain and unless that
may have delay its completion there IS reason to
hope that it may be my power 10 snnodnce to you ear
ly your present session, the conclusion OF convention
upon terms not less favorable than those entered for
sim lar obi ects with other nations. That act of justice
would we'll accord with the Character OF Spain, and is
due to the United States from their ancient friend II
could fail to strengthen the sentiments OF 4my and
good will between the nations. which is much
the wish ofhe United States to CHERISH and 50 truly the
interest of both to maintain.
By the first section OF act OF Congress, passed
the 18th July, 1852 the tonnage duty Spanish ships
arriving from the ports Of SPAN, limited the duty
pay able American vessels in the ports of Spain pre-
yous the goth October, 1917, being five cents per
ton. The act was intended give effect on our side
arrangement made with the Spanish Government by
which discriminating duties OF Tonnage were TO be abo-
lshed in The ports OF the United States and SPAIN on the
vessels OF the two nations Pursuant to that arrange
ment, which carried into effect the part of Spain
on the Goth OF May 1882, by royal ORDER dated the
29h April 1882, American vessels IN the ports of Spain
have pad i've cents per ton which rate of duty also
paid in those ports by Spanish ships but as American
vessels pay tonnage duty in the ports of the United
States the duty of five cents pay able in ports by
Spanish vesse 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, the less bound by the obra-
tons of good faith to the discrimination aud
recommend that the act be amended accordingly. As
the royal Order above alluded to- includes the ports of
the Bdlcaric aud Canary Islands, well as those of
Spain, it would that the provisions of the act of
Congress should be equally extensve and that for the re.
payment OF such duties may have been improperly re-
ceiyed, addition should b. made to the sum appropra.
ted at the last session OF Congress for efunlng 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
carried on between the United States and those Islands,
particularly the former, this discrimination causes serious
injury to one OF those great national interests which
has been considered essential part OF our policy to
cherish, and has given rise to complaints the part Of
merchants. Under instructions given our Minister
ut Madrid earnest representations have been made by
him to the Spanish Government upon this subject and
there is expect, from The friendly disposition
which is entertained towards this country, that bene-
cial change will be produced. The disadvantages how
ever, 10 which shipping is subjected by the opera
ton OF these discriminating duties, requires that they be
met by suitable counervIng duties during your prc-
sent sesslon--power being at the time vested in
the President TO modify discontinue tncIn as the dis
eliminating duties American vessels their cargoes
may be modified or discontinued at those Islands Init.
nations have been given the Spanish Government that
the United States may be obliged to resort to such mea
as are OF ssary selt-deience and there is no
toapprehend that would be unfvurably
The proposed proceeding, it adopted, would not be per
mted, however, III any degree, TO induce a relaxation in
the efforts OF Minister effect repeal of this ire
gularty, by friendly negotiation and it might serve to
give force to his repre- senaos by showing the dangers
to which that valuable trade exposed by the obstrtc-
tons and burtlens which system of discriminating and
countervalling duties necessarily produces.
The selection and preparation OF the Florida archives
for the purpose of being delivered to the United
States, IN conformity with the royal order, mentioned
IN my last annual message, though progress has
yet been completed. This delay has been produced
partly by which unavoidable, particularly
the prevalence of cholera at lIavana measures have
been taken which is believed will expedite the deye-
| ry OF those important records.
Congress were informed, at the opening Of the last ses
sion, that, owing, alleged embarrassmens in
the finances OF Portugal consequent upon the civil war
IN "tch mat nation was engaged payment had been
made OF only one iustamcnt of the amount which the
Portuguese Government had stipulated to pay for indem
nynB our citizens Tor property Illegally captured in the
blockade OF ierceIra Since that time, postponcnent
for years, with interest OF the remaining install
ments, requested bv the Portuguese Government:
and consideration, it offered stpulae that rice of
the United States should be admitted into Portugal at
tue same duties as Brazilian rice Being satisfied that no
better arrangement could be made, my was Civ
en- and royal order of the King OF Portugal was ac
corlngy issued ON the 4th of February last for The re
duchon OF the duty on rice OF the United States 1t wou
give me great pleasure if in speaking of that country in
whose prosperity the United States arc 50 much interest
ed and with whom long subsistmg, extensive, and mu.
tuay advantageous commercial intercourse has strength
ehed the relations OF friendship could announce you
the restoration OF its internal tranquility.
| subsequently to the commencement of the last ses
sion OF Congress the final ins'ament payable by Den
mark, under the Convention OF the 26h day of March
$780, was received The Commissioners for examining
The CLAIMS have since terminated their Iabors and their
awards nave been paid at tae Treasury as they have
been called for The justice rendered to oar citizens by
that Government, IS thus completed, and a pledge is
thereby afforded for the maintenance of that friendly in
tercourse becoming the relations that the two nation.
mutually bear to each other,
Il IS satisfactory to inform you that the Danish Govern
ment have recently issued ordinance by which the
commerce with the Island of ST Croix placed on more
roerAl footing than heretofore. This change cannot
,sl -" prove beneficial To the trade between the United
go and that colony and the advantages likely to
LII MU may lead to greater relaxatons in the colo.
MAJ systems other ,tinus