Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1837-12-14

interests of both courtves inpcrativelv re
Qnire that this question should be put Mt rest
IL is not To be disguised. that with full conf
dence, often expressed, in the desire of tn,
British Government, to terminate II, we az
apparently az iAr from its adjustment as W,
were at the time Of signing the treaty o
peace in 1888. The sole result Of long pen
ding negotiations, and perplexing nrbitra
tion, appears to be a conviction, on its part
that a conventional line must be adopted
from the imposSihility of ascertaining thu
trne one according to the description con
tanned in that treaty. Without coinciding il
this opinion, which is not thought to be wei
founded. my predecessor gave the stronges
proof Of the earnest desire of the United
States to terminate satisfactorily this dispute
by proposing the substitution Of convention
al line, if the consent Of the States intcreste,
in the question could be obtained. TO this
proposition. no answer has as yet been rc'
ceved. The attention of the British Gov
ernment has, however, been urgently invited
to the subject, and its reply cannot. am con-
fdent be much longer delayed. The gene
raj relations between Great Britain and the
United States are of tho most friendly char
acter, and | am well satisfied Of the sincere
disposition of that Government to maintain
them upon their present footing. This dis
position has also, ! am persuaded. become
more general with the people or England
than at any previous period. 1t is scarcely
necessary to say to you, how cordially it Is
rrciprocatcd by the Government and people
Of the United States. The conviction, ,whicl,
must be common to all, Of the injurious con
sequences that result from keeping open this
irritating question, and the certainty that It's
final settlement cannot be much longer de-
ferred. will. ! trust, lead to an early and sat
isfactory adjustment. At your last session, ]
laid before you the recent communications
between the two Governments, and between
this Government and that Of the State OF
Maine, in whose solicitudc concerning sub
ject in which she has so deep an interest
every portion Of the Union participates.
The feelings prodnccd by temporary in
tcrruption Of those harmonious relations be-
teen France and the United States, which are
due as well to the recollection offormcr times
rs to a correct appreciation OF existing inter
ests, have been happily succeeded by cor
dial disposition on both sides to cultivate an
active friendship in their future intercourse.
The opinion, undoubtedly correct,and stcadl-
ly entertained by Us, that the commercial re-
lntons at present existing between the two
countries are susceptible of great and recip
rocally beneficial improvements, Is obviously
gaining ground in France ;and am assured
of the disposition of that Government to favor
the accomplishment Of such an object. This
disposition shall be met in proper spirit on
our part. The few and comparatively unim-
portant questions that remain to be adjusted
between us, can, have no doubt, be settled
with entire satisfaction, and without difhcul-
ty.
Between Russia md the United States,
sentiments of good will continue to be mutu-
ally cherished. Our Minister recently nc-
credited to that Court, has been received
with a frankness and cordiallty, and with evi-
dences of respect for his country, which
leaves us no room to doubt the preservation
in future of those amlcabe and liberal rcla-
tions which have so long and so uninterrupt-
edly existed between the two countries. On
the few subjects under discussion between
us, an early and just decision is confidently
anticipated.
A correspondence has been opened with
the Government of Austria, for the establish
ment of diplomatic relations, in conformity
with the wishes of Congress, as indicated by
an appropriation act of the session OF 1857,
and arrangements made for the purpose;
which will be duly carried INTO effect.
With Austria and Prussia, and with the
States of the German empire,now composing
with the latter the Commercial League, our
political relations are of the most friendly
character, whilst our commercial intercourse
is gradually extending with benefit to all who
are engaged in it.
Civil war yet RACES in Spain, producing in
tense suffering to It's own people, and to 9TH
er nations Inconvenience and regret. Our
citizens who have claims upon that country
will be prcjudiced for a time by the condition
OF its Treasury, the inevitable consequence
OF long continued and exhaustIng internal
wars. The last instalment OF the interest OF
the debt due under the convention with the
Queen of SPAN has not been paid, and smi-
lar failures may be expected to happen, until
a portion of the resources of her kingdom can
be devoted to the extingushment of its for
eign debt.
Having received satisfactory evidence that
tonnage duties were charged
upon the vessels of the United States in the
ports of Portugal. proclamation was issued
on the ilth day of October last,i compliance
with the act OF May 25, 1882, declaring that
fact; Portuguese vessels in the United
States, previously to the passage of that act,
,re accordingly revived.
The act OF July 4, 1886, suspcnding the
duties upon the produce Of
Portugal, was passed upon the application of
hat Government, through its representative
,crc, under the belief that no similar discr'-
nination existed in Portugal to the prejudice
,fthe United States. Iregret to state that
'uch duties are now enacted in tnat country
lpon the cargoes of American vessels and
Is the act referred to vests no discretion IN
he Executive,it is for Congress to determine
lpon the cxprdlency Of further legislation On
b" subject. Against these determinations,
,Heotng the vessels Of this country and their
.argoes, ,seasonable remonstrances was made.
- -...... ,hc D.,.,u.,n.ao 10.