Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1844-12-13

their QOilcSIlC may w "a 'ANliJ3
secretly encouraged with view to undermine
the Union. Such opinions may become the
foundation of political parties, until at last, the
conflict Of opinion, producing an alienation OF
friendly feeling among the people OF the dIt1er-
ent states, may involve in one general deStruc-
ton the happy institutions under which we live
1t should ever be borne in mind, that what is
true in rgard to individuals, is equally so in re-
gard to states. An interference Of one in the
affairs of another is the fruitful source Of family
discussions and neighborhoOd disputes; and the
same cause affects the peace, happiness and
prosperity of states. 1t may he most deyoutIy
hoped that the good sense of the American peo-
pie 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 animal message
to congress. With all the powers OF Europe
we continue on the most friendly terms. ln-
decd, it affords me much satistaCt on to state,
that at no former period has the peace OF that
enlightened aud important quarter OF the globe
ever been apparently, more firmly established.
The conviction that peace is the true policy OF
nations, would seem to be growing and becom-
ing deeper amongst the enlightened everywhere;
and there is no people who have stronger inter-
est in cherishing the sentiment and adopting
the means of preserving, and giving it per-
Amongst these, the first and most effective are,
no doubt, the strict observance of justice, and
the honest and punctual fuIflment of all en-
gagements. But it is not to be forgotten that,
i'll the present state of the world, 1T is no less ne
cessary TO be ready to enforce their Observance
and fulflment, in reference to ourselves, than
to observe and fulfil them, on our part, IN re-
gard to others.
Since the close of your last session, negot-
alton has been formally entered upon between
the secretary of state and her Britunc ma es-
ty'S minister plenpotentary and envoy extraor-
binary residing at Washington, relative to the
rights of their respective nations in and over the
Oregon territory. That negotiation is still
pending. Should it, during your session, be
brought to a definite conclusion, the result will
be promptly communicated to congress. |
would, however, again call your attention to
the recommendations contained in previous
messages, designed to protect and facilitate en-
graton TO that territory.
The establishment of military posts at sulta-
BILE points upon the extended line of land travel
would enable our citizens to migrate in compar-
alive safety to the fertile regions below 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 availa-
BILE than heretofore to the latter. These posts
would constitute places Of rest for the weary
emigrant, where he would be sheltered secure
ly against the danger of attack from the Indians,
and be enabled to recover from the exhaustion
of a long line of travel. Legislative enactments
should also be made which should spread over
him the Rgis Of our laws, so as to afford pro-
lection TO his person and property when he shall
have reached his distant home In this latter
respect the British government has been much
| tboi f lph Of hnr
| pie as are to be found in that country than the
United States. She has made necessary pro-
vision for their security and protection against
the acts of the viciously disposed and laWless !;
and her emigrant reposeS in safety under the
panoply of her laws. Whatever may be the
result Of the pending negotiation, such measures
are necessary. 1t will afford me the greatest
| pleasure to witness a happy and favorable ter
mination to the existing negotiation, and the
best efforts of the government will continue to
| be directed to this end.
1t would have given me the highest gratlfica-
ton, in this, my last annual communication to
congress, to have been able to announce to you
the complete and entire settlement and ADJUST
ment Of other matters in difference between the
| United States and the government OF her Brl-
tanic majesty, which were adverted to IN pre-
vious message. 1t is so obviously the interest
of both countries, in respect to the large ana
valuable commerce which exists between them,
that all causes of complaint, however inconsld-
cradle, should be, with the greatest promptI-
tude, removed,-tha it must be regarded as
cause of regret that any unnecessary delays
should be permitted to intervene.
1t is true that, in a pecunlary point OF view,
the matters alluded to are altogether lnsgnlfi-
cant in amount, when compared with the ample
resources of that great nation; but they, never
theless, more particularly that limited class
which arise under seizures and detentlons of
American ships on the coast of Africa upon the
mistaken supposition INDUCED in at the time
the wrong was committed of their being en-
gagged in the slave trade,-deepy affect the
sensibilites of this government and people,
Great Britain having recognized her RESPONSE
lbllity to repair all such wrongs, by her action
in other cases, leaves nothing to be regretted
upon the subject as to all cases prior TO the
treaty of Washington, than the delay in max
ing suitable reparation in such Of them as fall
plainly within the principle of others which she
has long since adjusted The injury inflicted
by delays in the settlement of these claims falls
with severity upon the individual claimants
and makes strong appeal to her magnanimty
and sense Of justice for speedy settlement
Other matters, arising out of the construction
ofexistng treaties, also remain unad justed, ant
will continue to be urged upon her attention.
The labors of the joint commission ap
pointed by the two governments to run the di
viding line, established by the treaty of Wash
ington, were, unfortunately, much delayed il
the commencement ofthe season, by the failur
of congress, at its last session, TO make tmel
appropriation of funds to meet the expenses o
the American party, and by other causes. Th
United States commissioner, however, expires
SEES his expectation that, by increased diligence
and energy the party will be able to make u
for lost time.
We continue TO receive assurances of tn
most friendly feelings on the part of all the 9th