Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1845-12-11

section of the act, it is provided that
all limitations Of Port, or any other
wines, "shall be subject TO the duty
provided for the genuine article" I'm
itations ofPort VINE, the production of
! France, are imported 10 some extent
into the United States; and the gov
eminent of that country now claims
that, under correct construction ofthe
act, these limitations ought not to pay a
higher duty than that imposed upon
the original Port wine Of Portugal. 1t
appears 10 me to be unequal and UNI
just, that French limitations of Port wine
should be subjected to duty Of fifteen
cents, while the mere valuable article
from Portugal should pay duty of six
cents only per gallon. | therefore re-
commendto Congress such legislation
as may be necessary to correct the inc
quality.
The late President, in his annual message
of Dec. last, recommended an appropriation to
satisfy the claims Of the Texan government ag-
ainst the U. S., which had been previously ad-
justed, so far as the powers Of the executive
extend These claims arose out of the act of
disarming body Of Texan troops under the
command of Major Snively, by an officer in the
service of the u s., acting under the orders of
our government and the forcible entry into
the custom-house at Bryarly's landing, on Red
river, by certain citizens CT the u. S., and TAX
ing away therefrom the goods seized by the
collector ofthe customs as forfeited under the
laws Of Texas. This was liquidated debt,
ascertaIned to be due to Texas when an indie
pendent State. Her acceptance of the terms of
annexation proposed by the =. S. does not dis
charge or invalidate the claim. recommend
that provision be made for its payment.
The Commissioner appointed to China dur
ing the special session of the Senate in March
last, shortly aferward- set out on his mission
in the .. S. ship Columbus. On arriving at
Rio de Janeiro on his passage, the state Of his
health had become so critical, that, by the ad-
vice Of his medical attendants, he returned to
the U. S. early in October last. Com. Biddle,
commanding the East India squadron, proceed
ed on his voyage in the Columbus, and was
charged by the commissioner with the duty of
exchanging with the proper authorities the rat
ifcatons of the treaty lately concluded with
the Emperor of China. Since the return of
the commissioner to the U. S., his health has
been much improved, and he entertans the
confident belief that he will soon be able to
proceed on the mission.
Unfortunately, differences continue to exist
among some of the nations of South America,
which, following our example, have establish
ed their independence, whilst in others, dis
sensions prevail. 1t is natural that our symp-
athies should be warmly enlisted for their well
fare; that we should desire that all controver-
sizes between them chould he amcaBv adjust
ed, and their governments administered in
manner that shall protect the rights, and pro-
mote the prosperity of their people. 1t is con-
trary, however, to our settled policy, to inter
fere in their controversies, whether external or
internal.
! have thus adverted to all the subjects con-
nected with onr foreign relations, to which
deem it necessary to call your attention. Our
policy is not only peace with all, but good will
towards all the Powers of the earth. While
&c are just to all, we require that all shall be
just to US. Excepting the differences with
Mexico and Great Britain, our relations with
all civilised nations are of the most satisecto-
ry character. 1t is hoped that in this enlight-
ened age, these differences may be amicably
adjusted.
(Io be concluded neat areek