Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1849-12-27
The Presidents Message.
M F. s 6 A GE

Sixty years have elapsed since the establishment
of this Government, and the Congress Of the Uni
ted States again assemblies to legislae for an en-
pre of freemen. The predictions Of evil prophets,
who formerly pretended TO ioretell the downfall of
our institutions, ale now remembered only to be
derided, and the United Safes of America. at this
moment, present to the world the most stable and
permanent Government on earth.
Suchis the result OF the labors of those who have
gone before u.s. Upon Congress will eminently
depend the future maintenance of our system ot
free government, and the transmission OF It, unlm-
paired, to posterity
We are at peace with all the world, and seek to
maintain our cherished relations OF amity with the
rest of mankind. During the past year, we have
been blessed, by kind Providence. with an abun-
dance of the fruits of the earth; and, although the
DESTROYING angel for a time, visited extensive por-
tons Of our territory with the ravages Of dread
full pesuence, yet, the Almighty has at length
deigned 10 stay his hand, and to restore the
tiuable blessing ofgeneral health to people who
have acknowledged his power. deprecated his
wrath. aud implored his mericifu! protection.
While enjoying the benefits OF anicable inter-
course with foreign nations, we have not been in
sensible to the distractions and wars which have
prevailed IN other quarters OF the world. 1t is
proper theme of thanksgiving to Him who rules
the destines Of nations, that we have been able to
maintain, amidst all these contests an independent
and neutral position towards all belgerent pow
erS.
Our relations with Great Britain are of the most
friendly character. In consequence of the recent
alteration of the British navigation acts, British
vessels, from British and other foreign ports, WILL
(under our existing laws) after the first day of
January next, be admitted To entry in our ports
with cargoes OF the growth, manufacture, or pro-
ductIon OF any part OF the world, on the same terms
as TO duties, inposts and charges as vessels of
ba ,ui,h hpir and
vessels will be admitted to the same advantages
in British ports, entering therein on the same terms
as British vessels. Should no order in council
disturb this Legislative arrangement, the late act
of the British Parliament, by which Great Britain
is brought within the terms proposed by the act
of Congress of the Isl of March, lS47, it is hoped
will be productive OF benefit to both countries.
A slight interruption Of diplomatic intercourse
which occurred between this Government and
France, | am happy 10 say has been terminated,
and our Minister there has been received. Ii is
therefore unnecessary 10 refer now, to the circum
stances which led To that interruption. need not
express 10 you The sincere satisfaction with which
We shall welcome the arrival Of another Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from
a sister republic, to which we have so long been,
and still remain, bound by the strongest ties of
amiiy.
Shortly after had entered upon the discharge
OF the Executive duiies was appriZed that war
steamer, belonging to the German Empire, was
being fitted out in the harbor OF New York, ith
the aid Of some Of naval officers, rendered un-
der the pc, mission of the late Secretary of the Ma
w. This permission was granted during an ar
misice between that Empire and the Kingdom Of
Denmark, which had been engaged in the Schles-
wig Holsten war Apprehehsive that this act of
intervention, on our part, might be viewed as a
violation OF neutral obligations incurred by the
treaty with Denmark and Of the provisions Of the
act of Congress of the Goth April, 1918, | direc-
ted that no further aid should be rendered by any
agent or officer of the Navy; and instructed lhe
Secretary Of Stale to apprize the Minister of the
German Empire accredited to this Government,
ofmy determination to execute the law Of the Uni
ted States, and to maintain the faith of treaties
with all nations.
The correspondence, which ensued between the
Department Of State and the Minister Of the Ger
man Empire, is herewith laid before you. The
execution Of the law and the observance of the
treaty were deemed by me TO be due to the honor
of the country, well TO the sacred obligations
OF the Constitution. shall not fail to pursue the
same course, should similar case arise with any
other nations. Having ayowed the opinion, on
taking the oath of office, that, in disputes between
conflicting foreign governments, II Is our interest,
not less than our duty, TO remain strictly neutral
] shall not abnndon il. You will perceive, from
the correspondence submitted to you, in conexion
with this subject, that the course adopted in this
case has been properly regarded by the beligerent
powers interested in the matter.
Although Minister of the United States TO the
German Empire was appointed by my predecessor,
in August, l64o, and has, for long time, been in
attendance. at Ffankfort-on the Maine and al
though Minister, appointed to represent that En-
pire, was received and accredited here, yet no
such Government as that of The German Empire
has been defnitivey constituted. Mr.. Donelson,
several months, in the expectation that union of
the German States, under one constitution or form
of government, might, al length, be organized. 1t
is believed, by those well acquainted with the ex-
listing relations between Prussia and the States of
Germany, that no such union can be, permanently,
established without her co operation. In the event
OF the formation Of such union, and the organi-
zaiion OF central power in Germany, of which
she should form part il would become necessary
70 withdraw our Minister at Berlin; but while
Prussia exists an independent kingdom, and
diplomatic relations maintained with her, there
can be no necessity for the continuance Of the
mission TO Frankfort. ] have, therefore, recalled
Mr.. Donelson, and directed the archives of the
legation, at Frankfort. to be transferred to the
American legation at Berlin.
Having been apprized that considerable mum.
Der OF adventures were engaged in fitting out a
military expedition, within the United States,
against foreign country; and believing from the
best information ] could obtain, that it was des-
tined TO invade the island Of Cuba, | deemed it
due to the friendly relations existing between the
United States and Span: to the treaty between