Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1841-12-31
BLOOMINGTON IOWA, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 81, 1871

Btimdsc duu proper. I$OE Will lnuutre
doubt but that the serse Of justice of Great
Britain will constrain he. to make retribution
for any wrong, or loss, which any American
citizen, engaged in the prosecution of lawful
commerce, may have experienced at the hand
Of her cruisers, or other public authorities.
This Government, at the same time, will relax
no effort to prevent its citizens, if there be any
SO disposed, from prosecuting traffic so re-
voting to tie feelings of humanity. 1t seeks
to do no more than TO protect the fair and hon.
est trader from molestation aud injury; but
while the enterprising mariner, engaged in tho
pursuit Of an honorable trade, is entitled to itt
protection, it will visit with sondign punish
ment others OF an opposite character.
invite your attention to existing laws tbr
the suppression of the African slave trads, AID
recommend all such alterations as may esyese
them greatei force and efficacy, That the A
.merican flag is gross g-ahhssd by tle abanseas
ed and profigate of other nations, is but too
probable. Congress has, not long since, had
this subject under its consideration, and its
importance well justifes renewed and anxious
attention.
Rice Duties.
| also communicate herewith the copy Of
correspondence between Mr.. Stevenson and
Lord Palmerston, upon the subject so interest
ing to several Of the Southern States, OF the
rice duties, which resulted honorably to the
justice of Great Britain, and advantageously 10
the United States.
North Eastern boundary,
At the opening of the last annual session,
the President informed Congress of the pro-
ri, .h IaI Ia in
convention between this Government and that
Of England, with a view to the final settle
ment of the question Of the boundary between
the territorial limits of the two countries. |
regret to say that little further advancement of
the object has been accomplished since last
year; but this is owing to circumstances no
way indicative Of any abatement of the desire
of both parties to hasten the negotiation to Its
conclusion, and to settle the question In dispute
as early as possible. In the course of the ses-
sion, ii is my hope to be able to announce some
further degree Of progress towards the accom-
plishment of this highly desirable end.
The commission appointed by this Govern
ment for the exploration and survey of the line
of boundary separating the States Of Maine
and New Hampshire from the conterminous
British provinces is, it is believed, about 10
close its field labor; aud is expected socn to
report the results of its examination TO the De-
partment of State. The report, when received,
will be laid before Congess.
Foreign Relations.
The failure on the part Of Spain to pay with
punctuali.y the interest due under the Conven-
ton of 1884, for the settlement of claims be-
tween the two countries, has made it the duty
OF the Executive 10 call the particular atten-
ton Of the Government to the subject. A dis
position has been manifested by it, which is
believed to be entirely sincere, to fulfil its OBJ
legations in this respect, so soon as its internal
condition. and the sta 3 gifts finances will per
NIT. An arrangement is in progress, from
the result of which it is trusted that those OF
our citizens who have claims under the con-
vention, will, at no distant day receive the stip-
ulated payments.
A treaty of commerce and navigation with
Belgium was concluded and signed at Wash
ington, on the Goth March, 1910, and was du-
ly sanctioned by the Senate of the United
States. The treaty was ratified by his Belgian
Majesty, but did not receive the appreciation OF
the Belgian Chambers within the time limited
by its terms, and has, therefore, become void
This occurrence assumes the graver aspect
from the considerations that, in 1888, a treaty
was negotiated between the two Governments
aud ratified on the part of the United States
failed to be ratified on the part of Belgium. The
representative Of that government, at Wash
ington, informs the Department OF State that
he has been instructed to give explanation OF
the causes which occasionod delay in the APP
prevail of the late treaty by the Legislature, and
to express the regret of the King at the occur
renee.
boundary beitceen 1rras and tho U. 5.
The Joint commission under the Convention
with Texas, to ascertain the true boundary be-
tween the two countries, has concluded It's la
bors; but the final report of the Commissioner
of the United States has not been received. 1t
is understood, however, that the meridian line,
as traced by the commissioner, lies somewhat
further east than the position hitherto general
ly assigned to it, and consequently, includes
in Texas some part of the territory which had
heretofore been considered as belonging TO the
States of Louisiana and Arkansas.
The United States cannot but take deep
interest in whatever relates to this young but
growing Republic. Settled principally by en-
igrants from the United States, we have the
happiness to know that the great principles OF
civil liberty are there destined to flourish, IN,
der wise institutions and wholesome laws; and
that, through its example, another evidence is
to be afforded ofthe capacity Of popular lnstl-
tutions to advance the prosperity, happiness
and permanent glory Of the human race. The
great truth, that Government was made tor the
people, and not the people for the Government
has already been established in the practice
and by the example of these United States
and we can do no other than contemplate its
further exemplfcation by a sister republic,