Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1844-12-06


hey ever be made.
There has been no material change in our To-
reign relations since my last Annual Message to
Congress. With all the Powers of Europe we con-
tlnue on the most friendly terms. Indeed, it af-
lords me much satisfaction to state, that at ne for
mer period has the peace of that enlightened and
important quarter of the globe ever been, apparent
ly, more firmly established. The conviction that
peace IS the true policy of nations would to be
growing and becoming deeper amongst the enlight-
ened every where; and there is no people who have
stronger interest in cherishing the sentiments, and
adopting the means of preserving and giving it per-
manence, than those fthe United States. Amongst
these, the first and most effective are no doubt the
strict observance of justice, and the honest and
punctual fulflment of all engagements. But it is
not to be forgotten that in the present state Of the
world it is no less necessary to be ready to enforce
their observance and fulflment, in reference to
Selves than to observe and fulfil them, on our part
in regard to others.
Since the close of your last session, negotiation
has been formally entered upon between the Secre-
taly of State and Her Britannia Maesys Minis
ter Plenipotentarv and Envoy Extraordinary resld-
ing at Washington, relative to the rights of their
respective nations in and the Oregon territory.
That negotiation is still pending. Should it, du-
ring your session, be brought to defnitve concIu-
sion, the result will be promptly communicated to
Congress. would, however, again call YOUR atten-
ton to the recommendations contained in previous
messages, designed to protect and facilitate gra
ton to that Territory. The establishment of mill
taro posts at suitable points upon the extended line
of land travel, would enable citizens to migrate
IN comparative safety to the fertile regions below
the falls of the Columbia, and make the provision
of the existing convention for the joint occupation
nj no nv IF lin nd
the citizens of the United States, more available
than heretofore to the latter. These posts would
constitute places of rest for the weary emgrant,
where he would be sheltered securely against the
danger of stack G n the Indians, and be enabled
to recover from the exhaustion of long line OF
travel. Legislative enactments should also be made
which should spread over him the 4gis of laws,
as to afford protection to his person and proper
tV when he shall have reached his distant home. In
this latter respect the British Government has been
much more careful of the intererts of such Of her
people are TO he found in that rounry, than the
United States. She has made necessary provision
for their security and protection against the acts OF
the vciousy disposed and awless; and her emigrant
reposes in safety under the panOply OF her laws
Whatever may be the result of the pending nego-
tiatIon, such measures necessary twill afford
me the greatest pleasure to witness happy and IA
vorabe termination to the existing negotiation up
terms compatible with the public honor; and the
best efforts of the Government will continue to be
directed to this end.
1t would have given me the highest qualification,
in this, my last annual communication to Con
gress, 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 Government of Her Britannia MaJes-
ty, which We're adverted to in previous message
t. A. hath
respect to the large and valuable commerce which
exists between them, that all causes of complaint
however inconsderable, should be, with the great
est promptitude, removed that it must be regard
ed as cause of regret, that any unnecessary delays
should be permitted to intervene. 1t is true that
in pecuniary point of view, the matters alluded
to, are altogether, insi gnifcant in amount, when
compared with the ample resources OF that grea.
nation; but they, nevertheless, more particularly
that limited class which arise under seizures and
detentons of American ships on the coast OF AtrI-
Ca upon the mistaken supposition INDUCED IN al
the time the wrong committed, of Their beng
engaged in the slave-trade,-deeply affect the svn
sibiIities of this Government and People. Grea
Britain having recognized her responsibility to re-
pair all such wrongs, by her action in other cases
leaves nothing to be regretted upon the subject, a
to all cases prior to the Treaty of Washington
than the delav in making suitable PREPARATION IL
such of them as fall plainly within the prlnclpl
, of others, which she has long since adjusted. Th
injury inflicted by delays in the settlement these
claims, fall with severity upon the individual cal
mants. and makes strong appeal to her magma
nlmty and sense of justice for speedy settlement
, Other matters arising out Of the construction O
existing treaties also remain unadjusted, and WI
continue to be urged upon her attention.
, The abOrs of the joint commission apponte
by the two Governments to run the dividing line
established by the Treaty of Washington, were
unfortunately, much delayed in the commence
ment of the season, by the failure of Congress,
is last session, to make timely appropriation {
funds to meet the expenses of the American part,
fand by other causes. The United States Con
, missioner, However, expresses his expectation tina
I by increased diligence and energy, the party WI
: be able to make UP for lost time.
We continue to receive assurances of the mo
q, friendly feelings on the part of all the other Eur
pean powers; with each, and all of whom, 1t is
. obviously our interest to cultivate the most annie
bic relations. Nor can anticipate heoccuTenC
= of any event which would be likely, in any degre
II to disturb those relations. Russia, the great mort
o ern power, under the judicious sway OF her En-
; peror, is constantly advancing in the road Of Sc
: ence and Improvement; while France guided
>, the councils of herw wise sovereign pursues cour
;, calculated to consolidate the general pesce Spa
% has obtained breathing spell of some duratlt
>, from the internal commissions which have, throus
!. so many years, marred her prosperity; while Al
= tria, the Netherlands, Prussia, Belgium, and Il
:. other powers of Europe, reap a rich harvest
70 bIessiongs from the prevailing peace.
- informed the two Houses of Congress in n
- message of December last, that instruction h
=. been given to Mr.. Wheaton, our Minister at Be
- lin, to negotiate treaty with the Germanc Stat
~ composing the Zoll Verein, if it could be done
stipulating, far as it was practicable to accol
s. plsh it, for reduction of the heavy and onero
or duties levied on our tobacco and other leading
a. ticles of agricultural production; and yielding,
Of ArntinS