The New York herald., 1850-04-29

DEPARTMENT or STATE, ?
WASHINGTON, 23d April, 1850. Z

| WASHINGTON, 23d April, 1850. {
| To the Senate of the United States:--
In compliance with a resolution of the Senate of
the 2lst of February last, requesting the Secretary
Of State TO communicate to the Senate " such in
formation or particulars, as may have come TO his
knowledge respecting the detention, imprisonment,
and barbarous treatment by the Japanese, imperial
and provincial authorities, of American seamen
who have the misfortune to be shipwrecked on the
coasts of Japan and its dependencies, which are
now hequented by large American whaling fleet,
IN The peaceful pursuit Of their lawful Enterprises"
also, such recent and reliable information in the
possession Of the Department of State, relates to
the independent oriental nations and their capabili-
ties for profitable American commerce;" and also
10 report, whether the treaty between the United
states and his majesty the King of Siam of the 10th
March, 1888, has not been violated by the king in
The monopoly, by his majesty of the trade in several
81 the staple products OF that country, and which
may require the intervention of our government"
me secretary OF State has the honor TO transmit to
mat body the accompanying documents, which con-
aih all The Information which appears TO be called
| for by the resolution.
The first portion Of these papers consists of cor
fespondence furnished chiefly by the Navy Depart
ment, and relates TO the barbarous treatment by
the japanese, OF the crews Of the American whaling
ships Lawrence and Ladoga.
The second portion comprises a series OF yaIua-
BILE documents, compiled with great research and
industry by Aaron II. Palmer, ESQ, of New York.
and communicated, at different periods by him, to
The Department Of State; the whole accompanied
by chart of the principal maritime countries of
the East These papers, it is believed, will be found
TO contain great amount Of useful recent informa-
ton respecting the independent oriental nations,
and their capabilities for profitable American
commerce." In addition to these documents, the
Secretary of State has the honor to submit copy
of portions the correspondence ofMessrs. Everett
Parker, Davis, and Roberts, relating to China and
japan pan ,,;r ,o,,;on .on.;., ., IL. o.,...,...
Of Joseph Baestier, Esq, United States Consul for
Singapore, who is now In the East in the capacity
of special Diplomatic Agent of the United States to
Cochin China and other portions of southeastern
Asia, and who, will be seen, has received special
instructions respecting our relations with Siam. In
this connection, reference is made to Mr.. Palmer's
paper on g Siam" No. 10, the subject Of our
treaty with that kingdom
In view of the important information presented
in the accompanying documents, and the CONNER
cial and political interests now existing in conse-
quence OF the extension of our possessions on the
Pacific, the Secretary of State would respectfully
suggest the expedency of placing the consulate at
SiDgapore-an important station TO our naval and
commercial marine-upon a higher and better
footing than II is at present. This consulate for
many reasons deserves 10 be supported by a COM
petent salary The annual fees of the Consul at
Singapore have averaged, for the last fourteen
years. during which Mr.. Balestier has filled that
Office sum varying from S25 to $50 per annum.
In all that period, he has discharged the consular
functions with great honor 10 himself and advan-
tage to his country-advancing the interests of the
United States, and dispensing generous hosp-
tay from his private resources.
The documents herewith submitted will also
illustrate the importance of special mission to
such oriental nations are not embraced by the
instructions TO Mr.. Baestier, for the purpose OF
opening commercial intercourse with them, and Of
raising the grade Of our mission to China 10 one Of
a higher class, with the rank of Envoy Exraordi-
nary and Minister Plenpotentary.
These changes are, IL Is conceived demanded by
the prospect of an increased commercial intercourse
with the eastern portion of the world.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JoHN NJ CLAYTON.