Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1844-12-25

state of the world, it is no less necessary
70 be ready to enforce their observance
and lulhlment, in reference to ourselves
than TO observe and fulfil them, on our
part in regard to others.
Since the close of your last session, a
negotiation has been formally entered upon
between the Secretary of State and her
Britannia Majesty's minister plenopotenti.
airy and envoy extraordinary residing al
Washington, relative to the rights of their
respective nations in and over the Oregon
territory. That negotiation is still pend
ing. Should it, during your session,
be brought to deinitive 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 emigration to that
territory. The establishment of military
posts at suitable points upon the extended
| line of land travel, would enable our GILL
zens to migrate in comparative safety to
the fertile regions below the falls of tho
Columbia, and make the provision of the
existing convention for the joint occupa-
ton Of the territory by subjeclst of Great
Britain, and the citizens Of the United
States, more available than heretofore 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 recover from the exhaustion Of
long line of travel Legislative enact
monts should also he made which should
spread over him the ugs Of our laws, so
as to afford protection to his person and
property when he shall have reached bis
distant bome. 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 county,
than the United States. She has made
necessary provision tor their security and
protection against the acts of the ylcOusIy
disposed and Iaw'ess; and her cmigraut
rep0ses in safety under the pan0pIy 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 happy and
favorable termination to the existing ne.
goliation, upon terms compatible with the
public honor, and the best ed1rts OF the
Government will continue to be directed
TO this end.
1t would have given me the highest
qualification, in This, my last annual com
munication to Congress, TO have been
aJle TO announce to you the complete aud
entire settlement and adjustment of other
matters in difference between the United
States and the Government of her Britain.
mic Majesty, which were adyerted to in u
previous message. 1t is so obviously the
interest Of both countries, in respect to the
large and valuable commerce which OK.
lists between them, that all causes Of com.
plant, however inConsderable, should be,
with the greatest promptitude, removed,
that it must be regarded as cause of re.
grct, that any unnecessary delays should
be permitted to intervene.
1t is true that, in a pecuniary point Of
view, the matters alluded to, are atogeth-
er insignificant in amount, when com.
pared with the ample resources of that
great nation; bat they, nevertheless, more
particularly that limited class which arise
under seizures and detenlons Of Amer-
can ships on the coast of Africa, upon the
mistaken supposilon INDUCED in at the
time the wrong was committed, Of their
being engaged in the slave trade, deeply |
affect the sensibiities Of this Government
and people. Great Britain having recog.
missed her responsibility to repair all such
wrongs, by her action in other cases,
leaves nothing to be regretted upon this
subject, as TO all cases prior to the treaty
Of Washington, than the delay in making
suitable reparaton in such Of them as fall |
plainly within the principle Of others,
which she has long since adjusted. The 1
injury inflicted by delays IN the settle.
ment Of these claimos, fall with severity
upon the individual claimants, and makes
a strong appeal to her magan.mity aud
sense OF justice for a speedy settlement
Other matters arising out of the consruc-
ton Of existing treaties, also remain IN
adjusted, and will continue to be urged /
upon her attention
The labors Of rhe joint committee op- /
pointed by the two Governments to run
the dividing line, established by the treaty
Of Washington, we're, unfortunately, much /
delayed in the commencement ol the sea- /
son, by the failure Of Congress, at the last
session, to make a timely appropriation Of.
funds to meet the expenses Of the Amed- |.
can party, and by other causes. TheI
United States commissioner, however, OK I.
presses bis expectation that, by increased /
diligence and energy, the party will be |
able 10 make up tor lostumc.
We continue to receive assurances of
the most friendly feelings on he part of.