Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1849-12-28

and directed the archives Of the Lega-
ton at Frankfort to be transferred TO the
Legation at Berlin.
Having been apprizedthat a considera-
BILE number OF adventures were engaged
in fitting out military expedition within
the United States; against foreign coun.
try, aud believing from the best informa-
ton could obtain, that it was destined
TO invade the island of Cuba, / deemed
il due to the friendly relations existing
between the two nations, to the laws oil
the United States and, above all, TO the
American honor, to exert the lawful au-
thority of the Government in suppress
ing the expedition, and preventing the
invasion. 70 this end issued proc
lamation enjoining it upon the officers Of
the U. s., civil and military, to usa all
lawful means within their power. A
copy Of the proclamation is herewith
submitted. The expedition has been
suppressed. So long as the act of Con
gress of the Goth April, 1918, which
owes its existence TO the law of nations,
and to the policy of Washington him.
self, shall remain on our statute, hold
it TO be the duty of the Executive faith.
fully 10 obey its acquisitions.
While the expedition was in progress,
| was informed that foreigner, who
claimed our protection, had been clan
destinely, and, as we supposed, forcibly
carried off in vessel from New Or.
leans to the island of Cuba. I imme-
diately caused such steps to be taken as
| thought necessary I'm case the informa-
ton had received should prove cor
rect TO vindicate the honor of the coun-
try and the rights of every person seek
ing an asylum on our soil, or the pro-
tection,of our law. The person alleged
to have been abducted, was promptly
restored, and the circumstances Of Inc
case are about to undergo an inves,iga-
ton before a judicial tribunal. l woald
respectfully suggest that, although the
crime charged to have been committed
in this case is held odious, as being in
conflict with our opinions on the subject
of national sovereignty, and personal
freedom, there is no prohihiiiea.. O. f it, or
punishment it, provided in any act of
congress. The expediency of supply
ing this defect in our criminal code is,
therefore, recommended to your conside-
ration,
! have purposely avoided any interle
renee in lie Wars and contentious which
have recently distracted Europe, during
the late conflict between Austria and
Hungary there seemed to be prospect
that the latter might become an indepen-
dent nation. However faint that pros
pect at the time appeared, thought it
my duty, in accordance with the general
sentiment of the American people. who
deeply sympathized with the Magyar
patriots, to stand prepared, upon the
contingency of the establishment by her
of permanent government, 10 be the
first to welcome independent Hungary,
into the family of nations. For this
purpose | invested our agent then in Eu-
rope with power to declare our willing
ness promptly to recognize her indepen-
dence, in tie event of her ability 10 sas-
tain it. The powerful Intervention of
Russia in the contest extinguished the
hopes of the struggling Magyars. The
United States did not at any time inter-
fere in the contest; but the feelings of the
nation were strongly enlisted in the cause,
and the sufferings of a brave people, who
had made gallant though unsuccessful
effort to be free.
Our claims upon Portugal have been,
during the past year, prosecuted with re-
newed vigor; and it has been my object
to employ every effort of honorable Dip
lomacy to procure their adjustment
Our late Charge de Affairs at Lisbon,the
Hon George w. Hopkins, made able
and energetic, but unsuccessful effort to
settle these upleasant matters of contro-
versy, and to obtain indemnity for the
wrongs which were the subjects of CON-
plant. Our present Charge de Affairs
at that Court will also bring to the pros
ecution Of 'hese claims ability and zeal.
The revolutionary and distracted condi-
ton of Portugal, in past times, has been
represented as one of the leading causes
of her delay in indennifying our suffer-
ing citize MS; but must say it is mats
ter OF profound regret that these claims
have not yet been settled. The omis-
sion of Portugal TO do justice to the A.
merlcan claimants has now assumed a
character so grave and serious, that | will
shortly make it the subject of special
message to Congress with view TO such
Ultimate action, as It's wisdom and patri
otism may suggest.
With Russia, Austria, Prussia, Swe-
den. Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands
and the Italian States, we still maintain
our accustomed amicable relations.
During the recent revolutions in the
Papal States our Charge de Affairs at
Rome has been unable to present his let
ter of credence, which, indeed, he was
directed by my predecessor TO withhold
until he should receive further orders
Such was the unsettled condition of things
in those States that it was not deemed
expedient TO give him any instructions
on the subject of presenting his creden-
tial letter, different from those with which
L. L. 4 lex., c,..:.h IL L., Al . lo.o .I..:,