The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1849-12-27

The saneuinsry Civil War, " hich the Re.
public Of Venezuela, has for sometime past,
been carrying on, has been closed. In its
progress, the rg hts of some Of our citizens,
resident, or travelling there, have been vio-
lated. The restoration of order, will afford
the Venezuelan Government an opportunity
to examine and redress those grievances,
and others of long standing, which our Rep
resentatives at Caracas, has hitherto inef.
iectual]y urged upon the attention of that
Government.
recommend the Observance of the same
course towards all other American States.
The United States are the great Ameri-
can power, to which, as their natural ally
and friend, they should always be disposed
to look for mediation and assistance, in
the event ofany collision between them and
any European nation; as such we may Of
ten kindly mediate in their behalf, without
| entangling ourselves in foreign wars or un-
necessary controversies, whenever the faith
OF our treaties with any Of them shall re-
quire our interference. sse
The extension Of the coast of the United
States upon the Pacific, and the unexampled
rapidity with which the inhabitants of Cali
fornia especially are increasing in numbers,
have impaired new consequence to our re-
lations with the other countries whose terri
tory borders upon that ocean. It is probable
that the intercourse betwe cen those countries
and our possessions in that quarter, particu.
larly with the Republic Of Chill, will be-
come extensive, and mutually advantageous
in proportion as California aud Oregon shall
increase in population and wealth. 1t is
desira BILE, therefore, that the Government
should do everything in its power, 10 foster
and strengthen its relations with those States;
and that the spirit of ami'y between them
and the United States should be mutual and
cordial
A new convention has been negotiated
with Brazil, providing for the satisfaction of
American claims on that government, and
twill BE- submitted to the Senate.
Since the last session Of Congress we
have received an Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary from that Empire,
and our relations with her are founded upon
the most amicable understanding.
Your attention is earnestly invited to an
amendment of our existing laws, relative to
the African slave trade with view to the
successful suppression Of that barbarous
ira ffic. 1t is not to be denied that this trade
is still in part carried on by means of YES
sells built in the U. S. and owned or naviea.
ted by some of our citizens.
The correspondence between the Depart
ment of State, and the Minister and Consul
of the United States, at Rio De Janeiro
which has from time TO time been laid be
fore Congress, represents that it is custom
airy device to evade the penalties of the
laws. Vessels sold in Brazil, when provi
ded with such papers, by the Consul, insteat
cfreturning to tue United States, for the reg
lister, proceed at once, to the coast of Africa
for the purpose of obtaining careoes O.
slaves. Much additional information of the
same character has been recently communi
Gated to the Department of State. It ha.
not been considered the policy, of our laws
to subject An American citizen, in a for
eign country, who purchases vessel bull
in the United States, to the Inconvenience
of sending her home for a new register, be
fore permitting her to proceed on her voy
age.
Any alteration Of the laws which might
have tendency to impede the transfer O
property in vessels, between cur citizens
OF the free navigation of those vessels be-
tween different ports Of the world, wher
employed 10 lawful commerce, should be
carefully considered; but trust your wis
dom may devise method by which oul
general policy, in this respect, & at the same
time, the abuse of flag will, by means O
sealed letters in the manner indicated, bt
prevented.
Having ascertained that there is no pros
pect of a re union Of the five States Of Cen.
trail America, which formerly composed the
Republic of that name, we have separated,
negotiated with some of them, treaties O.
amity and commerce, which will be lait
before the Senate.
A contract having been concluded will
the State of Nicaragua by company O
American citizens for the purpose of con
structing ship canal through the territor,
of that State, to connect the Atlantic AM
Pacific oceans, l have also directed tn,
commencement Of negotiations with tn,
! Stale Of Nicaragua, pledging both govern
ments to protect those who shall engage /,
it and perfect the work. All other nations
are invited by the State of Nicaragua to en-
ter into the same stipulations with us, ant
the benefits to be derived by and from sucl
an arrangement, will be the protection o
this great ocean communication against an,
power which might seek to obstruct it, O.
to monopolize its advantages.
All states entering into such treaty will
: enjoy the advantages of passing through th
canal, on the payment Of the same tolls; tn
work, if constructed on these guarantee s
will become bond Of peace, instead of
subject of emulation and strife between III
nations Of the earth. Should the great mar
: thine states of Europe consent to this ar
rangement, and we have no reason to sup
pose that a proposition so fair and honorable
will be opposed by any, the energies Q
their people and ours will co operate in pro
noting the success ofthe enterprise. / d.
not recommend any appropriation from tn,
National Treasury for this purpose, nor d
,, I believe that such appropriation is neces
sary.
,, Private enterprise, if properly protected
will complete the work, should it prove i
. be feasible. The parties who have procur
ed the charter from Nicaragua, for its con
struction, desire no assistance from thi
government, beyond its protection. The,
!, profess that having examined the proposed
line of communication they will be read,
, to commence the undertaking wheneve
that protection shall be extended TO them
Should there appear to be reason, OH exam
ininp the WhOle evidence N antor,o;n !. a