Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-12-12

| continue on the most friendly terms. Indeed, ii
affords me much satisfaction to state, that at nc
former period has the peace of that enlightened
and important quarter of the Globe ever been, ap.
paren,ly, more firmly established. The convic-
ton that peace is the true policy of nations, would
seem to be growing and becoming deeper amongs,
the enlightened every where. and there is no peo-
| pie who have stronger interest in cherishing
the sentiments, and adopting the means of pre-
| serving and giving II permanence, 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 pSnctual fulflment
of all engagements. But il is not be forgotten
that, in the present state of the world it is no less
necessary TO be ready TO enforce their observance
and fulilment, in reference TO ourselves, than 10
observe and fulfil them, on our part, in regard TO
others.
! Since the close Of your last session, negotia-
ton has been formally entered upon between the
Secretary OF State and Her Britannia Majesty IS
Minister Plenpotentiary and Envoy Extraordin-
AIRY residing at Washington, relative 10 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
dehntive conclusion, the result will be promptly
communicated TO Congress. l would, however,
again call your attention TO the recommendations
contained in previous messages, designed 10 pro-
tsct and facilitate emigration 10 that Territory
! The establishment Of military posts at suitable
points upon the extended line ofiand travel, would
enable our 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 of the TerriA
tory by subjects Of Great Britain, and the citizens
of the United States, moro available than hereto.
fore to the latter These posts would continue
| places of rest for the weary emigrant, where he
would be sheltered securely against the danger
| OF attack from the Indians, and be enabled to re-
cover from the exhaustion Of long line Of travel.
Legislative enactmentS should also be made
which should spread over him the egs of our
laws, so as to afford protection to his person and
| property when he shall have reached his distant
home. In this latter respect, the British Govern
ment has been much more careful of the interests
oil such OF her people as are to be found In that
country, than the United States. She has made
necessary provision for their security and protec-
ton against the acts OF the viciousy disposed and
iawless; and her emigrant Ieposes in safety under
the panoply Of her laws. Whatever may be the
result of the pending negotiation, such measures
are necessary. IL Will afford me the greatest plea
sure to witness happy and favorable terminal on
10 the existing negotiation, upon 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
com ete and entire settlement and adjustment of
other matters in difference between the United
States and the Government of Her Britannia
Majesty, which were adverted to .in a previous
message. Ii 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 nconsderable,
should be, with the greatest promptitude, remov.
ed-that 1t mus: be regarded a cause of regret,
that any unnecessary delays should be permitted
TO intervene. 1t is true that, in pecuniary point
oil view, the matters alluded to, are altogether,
insignificant In amount, when compared with the
ample resources OF that great nation; but they,
nevertheless, more particularly that limited class
which arise under seizures and detentions OF
American ships on the coast of Africa, upon the
mistaken supposition INDUCED in at the time the
wrong was committed. of their being engaged in
the slaye-trade,deeply affect the sensibiliies OF
this Government and People. Great Britain ha v.
ing recognized her responsibility to repair all such
wrongs, by her action in other cases, leaves moth
| Ing TO be regretted upon this subject, as to al
cases prior to the Treaty of Washington, than the
delay in making suitable preparation in such of
them as fall plainly within the principle of O.
theirs, which she has long since adjusted. The
injury inflicted by delays in the settlement OF
these claims, falls with severity upon the indi-
vidual claimants, and makes strong appeal to
her magnanmity and sense of justice for a speedy
settlement. Other matters arising out Of the
construction OF existing treaties, also remain I'M.
adjusted, and will continue to be urged upon her
| attention.
The labors of the joint committee appointed
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, a,
tne last session, to make timely appropriation
OF funds TO meet the expenses of the American
party, and by other causes. The United States
Commissioner, 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 on the part of all the other Euro.
| pean powers with each, and all of whom, il is
so obviously our interest to cultivate the mos
amlcable relations. Nor can anticipate the oc
| currence OF any event which would be likely in
any degree, to disturb those relations. Russia
the great northern power under the judicjou.
sway of her Emperor, is constantly advancing In
the road OF science and improvement while
France, guided by the councils of her wise SOW
ereign, pursues course calculated 10 consolidate
the general peace. Spain has obtained breath
ing spell OF some duration from the internal con
WILSON'S which have, through so many wears
marred her prosperity while Austria, the Meth
erands, Prussia, Belgium, and the other power.
OF Europe. reap rich harvest of blessings from
the prevailing peace.
! informed the Houses of Congress- in nv mes
sage OF December last. that instructions had beer
given 10 Mr.. Wheaton, our Minister at Berlin, &c
negotiate treaty with the Germanic States com.
posing the Ioll Veren, fit could be done-stp-
uatng. as far as it was practicable to accomplish
1t, Tor reduction of the heavy and onerous du-
tles ieVied on our tobacco, and other leading ar.
| hcles oil agricultural production (; and yielding
in return, on our part reduction Of duties on such
articles the production Of their industry, as should
not come into competition, or but limited one
with articles the product Of our manufacturing in
dustry.
l
The Executive, In giving such instructions,
considered itself as acting in strict conformity
| with tbo xyisb Of