Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1849-12-27

alteration of the laws, which might have tcnden-
cy To impede the free transfer Of property i'm
sells between our citizens or the free navigation Of
those vessels laween different parts of the world,
when employed in lawful commerce, should be well
aud cautiously considered but trust that your wis
dom will devise a method by which our general
policy in this respect, may be preserved, and at
the Same time the abuse our flag, by means of sea-
letters, in the manner indicated, rnay be preven-
ted.
Having ascerained that there is no prospect of
the reunion of The FIVE States of Central America,
which formerly composed there public of that name
we have separately negotiated with some Of them
treaties OF amity and commerce, which will be laid
before the Senate.
A contract having been concluded with the State
OF Nicaragua, by company composed of American
citizens, for the purpose Demonstrating ship canal
through the territory Of that State, TO connect the
Atlantic aud Petite oceans, have directed the ne
gotiation of treaty with Nicaragua peugiug both
governments to protect those who shall engage in
and perfect the work. All other nations invited
by the State Of Nicaragua to enter into the same
treaty siipualons with her; and the benefit TO be
derived by each from such an arrangement, will be
the protection of this great inter oceanic communi.
cation against any power which might seek TO OBJ
struct il, to monOpolze its advantages. All states
entering into such treaty, will enjoy the right of
passage through the canal on payment of the same
tolls.
The work, if constructed under these guarantees
will become bond of peace instead of subject of
contention and strife, between the nations Of the
earth. Should the great maritime States of Europe
consent TO this arrangement, and we have
to suppose that proposition fair and honorable
will be opposed by any the energies ofiheir people
and ours will cooperate in promoting the success Of
the enterprise. do not recommend any appropra-
ton from the National treasury for this purpose nor
do believe that such an appropriation is necessary
Private enterprise, II properly protected, will COM
plete the work, should it prove;o be feasible The
parties who have procured the charter from Nica.a
qua, for its construction desire assistance from
this government beyond lis protection, and they pro-
fess that, having examined the proposed line ofcom-
munication, they will be ready to commence the UNI
dertaking whenever that protection shall be extend
! ed 10 them. Should there appear TO be reason, on
examining the whole evidence, to entertain ser-
doubt of the practicability Of constructing such
canal, that doubt could be speedily solved by an
actual exploration Of the route
Should such a work be constructed under the COM
protection of all nations for equal benefits all
it would be neither just eXpedient that any ma
| rtime Stale should command the communication.
The territory through which the canal may be OPEN
ed ought to be freed from the claims of any foreign
power. No such power should occupy position
that would enable hereafter TO exercise control
ling an Influence over the commerce OF the world,
or TO obstruct highway which ought to be dedicat-
ed to The common uses of mankind.
The routes across the Isthmus, at Tehauntepec
and Panama, also worthy of our serious consd-
GRAFTON. They did not fail TO engage the attention
of my predecessor. The negotiation cf The treaty OF
Gaudaloupe Hidago wac ''s!fuc'eo 10 oiier very
LARGE sum of mone,' for The right oil transit across
| tho Is,hmu. - lehauntepec. The Mexican Gov
erpn,,r, md not accede to tho proposition for tho
purchase Of the right Of way, probably because ii
had already contracted with private individuals tol
the construction of passage from the Guasacualcu
river to Tehauntepec. | shall not renew any pro
position 10 purchase for money, right which ought
to be equally secured 10 all nations, payment of
reasonable toll to the owners of the improvement
who would doubtless, be well contented with tina
compensation and the guarantees of the maritime
States VI the world, in separate treaties negotiated
with Mexico, binding her and them to project those
who should construct the work. Such guarantees
would do more to secure the ompetiOn of the com
municaton through the territory of Mexico than a
ny other reasonable consideration that could be of
fered and as Mexico herself would be the creates
gamer by the opening Oft his communication between
the Gulf and the Pacific ocean ii is presumed tina
she would not hesitate TO yield her aid in the name
proposed, to accomplish an improvement 50 import
ant to her own best interests.
We have reason to hope that the proposed railroad
across the Islhmus at Panama will he successful,
constructed, under the protection of The late treat,
with New Grenada ratified and exchanged by IN,
predecessor on the 10th day of June, IS4S whicl
guarantees the perfect neutrality of the Ishmus ant
the rights of sovereignty and property of New Gre
NADIA over that territory, "with view that the fire.
transit from ocean to ocean may not be interrupted
! or embarrassed" during the existence Of the treaty
Ii is policy TO encourage every practicable roui
across the lsihmus which connects North and Sout
America, either by railroad canal, which the en-
eTgy and enterprise of citizens may induce ther
10 complete; and consider ii obligatory upon me
adopt that policy, especially in consequence of tn
absolute necessity of facilitating intercourse wit
our possessions on the Pacific.
The position OF the Sandwich Islands, with refe
ence TO the territory the United States on the p;
clic the success Of our presevering and benevoer
citizens who have repaired to that remote quarter
outstanding the natives and inducing them to ado
system Of government and laws suited 10 their G.
paci,y and wants and the use made by our hume
Gus whale ships ofthe harbors Of the islands as pac
OF resort for obtaining refreshments and repairs a
combine 10 render their destiny peculiarly interes
ing TO US. II is our duty 10 encourage the author
ties of those islands in their efforts TO improve al
elevate the moral and political condition of the
habltants and we should make reasonable allowa
ces tor the difficulties inseparabe from this ia,
We desire that the islands NAV maintain their ind
pendence, and ihat other nations should concur wi
2 us in this sentiment. We cgald in no event be
different TO their passing under the dominion of
S other power The principal commercial States ha
IN this common interest, and it is TO be hoped Il
no one Of them will attempt TO interpose obsiac
: TO the entire independence Of the islands.
n The receipts into the treasury for the fiscal We
n ending on the thireth Of June last were. in cas-
i forty eight millions eight hundred and thirty lht
u sand nnety-seven dollars and fifty cents as, SO
II O91 SOD and in Treasury notes funded ten mill,
i eight hundred and thirty three thousand dolla
e (lO,e33,OOO,) makiugan aggregate Of fifty nine II
e lions six hundred and sixty-ihree thousand nine
: seven dollars and fifty cents, go sos ,Oo7 so y
: the expenditures, for the same time were, in ca
# f,rty Nv ,,;II;onc .o,e., L,..l-I = - "