The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-12-11

| ly so in regard 10 states. An interference of
one in the affairs of another, is fruitful
source of family dissepsions and neighbor-
hood disputes; and the same cause affects
the peace, happiness and prosperity ofslates.
1t may be most devoutly hoped that the good
sense of the American people will ever be
ready to repel all such attempts, should they
ever be made.
There has been no material change in our
foreign relations since my last annual mes
sage 10 congress. With all the powers of
Europe we continue on the most friendly
terms. Indeed, it affords me much satisfac
ton TO state that at no former period has the
peace of that enlightened and important quar-
ter ofthe globe ever been, apparently, more
firmly established. The conviction that peace
Z is tue true policy Of nations, would seem to
be growing and becoming deeper among the
enlightened everywhere and there is no
people who have stronger interest in cher
ishing the sentiments and adopting the means
of preserving and giving it permaDence, than
those of the United States. Amongst these,
the first and most effective are, no doubt, the
strict observance of justice, and the honest
and punctual fulfilment of all engagements
But it is not to be forgotten that in the pres
/ IL
to be ready to enforce their observance and
fulflment, in reference 10 ourselves, than 10
observe and fulfil tn m, on our part, in re-
gard to others.
I Since the close of your last session, ne
gotiation has been formally entered upon be-
tween the Secretary of State and her Brit
annie Majes,y's Minister Plenipotentiarv and
Envoy Extraordinary residing at Washing
/ ton, relative to the rights of their respective
nations in and over the Oregon Territory.
That negotiation is still pending.-Should
| it, during your session, he brought to def.
mite conclusion, the result will be promptly
communicated to Congress. | would, how
ever, call your attention again to the RECON-
mendatlon contained in previous messages,
designed to protect and facilitate emigration.
The establishment of military posts at
suitable points upon the extended line of land
travel. would enable our citizens TO emigrate
in comparative safety 10 the fertile regions be-
low the falls Of the Columbia, and make the
provision Of the existing convention for the
joint occupation of the Territory by subjects
of Great Britain and the citizens of The United
States, more availab C than heretofore to the
latter. These places would continue places
oil rest for the weary emigrant, where he
would be sheltered securely against the dan
ger OF attacks from the Indians, and be ena-
bled to recover from the exhaustion of long
line OF travel. Legislative enactments should
also be made which should spread over him
the aegis of our laws, so as to afford protec-
ton to his person and property when he
shall have reached his distant home. In
this latter respect, the British Government
has been much more careful of the interests
Of such OF her people as are to be found in
that country, than the United States. She
has made necessary provision for their secu-
rlty and protection against the acts of the
vicously disposed and Iawless; and her emf.
grant reposes in safety under the panolpy of
her laws. Whatever may be the result of
the pending negotiation. such measures are
necessary. 1t will afford Inc the greatest
pleasure TO witness happy and favorable
termination to the ext sting negotiation, upon
terms compatible with the public honor; and
the best efforts of the Government will con-
tinue to be directed to this end.
1t would have given me the highest graft
fication in this,my last annual communication
to congress, to have been able to announce
to you the complete and entire settlement
and adjustment Of other matters in difference
between the United States and the Govern
ment of Her Britianic Majesty, which were
adverted TO in previous message.-It IS so
obviously the interest of both countries, in
respect to the large and valuable commerce
which exists between them, that all causes Of
complaint, however inconsiderable, should
be, with the greatest promptiiude, removed
that it must be regarded as Z cause of regret.
that any unnecessary delays should be per-
mitted TO intervene. Ii is true, that, in
pecuniary point of view, the matters
alluded TO are, altogether insignificant in
amount, when compared with the am, lie re-
sources OF that gre at naton but they never
theless, more particularly that limited class
which arise under seizures and deientions of
American ships on the coast of Africa, upon
the mistaken supposition INDUCED in at the
time the wrong was committed, of their be-
ing engaged in the slave trade.-deeply aft
ect the sensibilities of this government and
people. Great Britain having recognized
her responsibility TO repair all such wrongs,
by her action in other classes, leaves nothing
to be regretted upon this subject. as TO all
cases prior 10 the Treaty of Washington, than
the delay in making suitable reparation in
such fthem as fall plainly within the prin-
since adjusted. The injury inflicted by de-
lays in the settlement Of these claims, falls
with severity upon the individual claimants,
and makes strong appeal to her magnanimi-
ty and sense of justice for speedy settle
ment. Other matters, arising out of the
construction of existing treaties, also remain
unadjusted, md will continue to be urged up
on her attention.
/ The labors Of the joint committee appoint
ed by the two Governments TO run the divi-
ding line, established by the Treaty of Wash
ington, we're, unfortunately much delayed in
the commencement of the session, by the
failure of Congress at the last session, to
make timely appropriation of funds TO meet
the expenses Of the American party, and by
other causes. The United States Commits
sioner, however, expresses his expectation
, that, by increased diligence and energy, the
party will be able TO make up for lost
! time.
| We continue TO receive assurances of the
most friendly feelings OH the part of all the
other European powers: with each, and all
of whom, il is so obviously our interest to cul-
tivate the most amicable relations. Nor can
| L aQtlcIDate the occurrapna of