The North-Carolina standard., 1850-01-02

0tateS stdno as the great American power, to which,
as their natural ally and friend, they will always be
disposed first to look for mediation and assistance, in
the event of any collision between them and any Eu-
ropean nation. As such. may often kindly mediate
in their behalf, without enangling ourselves in for
eign wars or unnecessary controversies. Whenever
the faith of treaties with any of them shall re-
qulre our interference, must necessarily interpose.
A convention has been negotiated with Brazil, pro-
vdng for the satisfaction of American claims on that
government, and it will be submitted to the Senate.
Since the last session of Congress- we have received
envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentary
from that empire, and relations with it are found
ed upon the most amicable understanding.
Your attention is earnestly invited to an amendment
of our existing laws relating to the African slave
trade, with view to the eectual suppression of that
barbarous traffic. 1t is not to be denied that this
trade is still, in parr carried on by of vessels
built in the United States and owned or navigated
by some Of our citizens. The correspondence be-
tween the Department of State and the minister and
consul of the United States at Rio de Janero which
has from time to time been laid before Congress,
represents that it is customary device evade the
penalties of our laws by sea-letters. Vessels sold
In Brazil, when provided with such papers by the
consul, instead of returning 81 the United States for
new register, proceed at to the of Africa,
for the purpose of obtaining cargoes of slaves.
Much additional information, of the same charac-
ter, has recently been transmitted the Department
OF State. 1t has not beoa considered the policy of
our laws to subject an American citizen, who, in
foreign country, purchases vessel built in the Unit
ed States, to the Inconvenience of sending her home
for new register, before permitting her to proceed
on voyage. Any alteration Of the laws which
might have tendency to impede the free transfer of
property in vessels between citizens, or the free
navigation of those vessels between different parts
of the world, when employed in lawful commerce,
should be well and cautiously considered but
trust that your wisdom will devise method by
which our general policy, in this respect, may be
preserved and at the same time the abuse of flag,
by means OF sea-letters, in the manner indicated,
may be prevented.
Having ascertained that there is no prospect of
the reunion of the five States of Central America,
which formerly composed the republic of that name,
we have separately negotiated with some of them
treaties OF amity and commerce, which will be laid
before the Seuate.
A contract having been concluded with the State of
Nicaragua, by company composed of American cit
izens, for the purpose Of constructing ship canal
through the territory Of that State, connect the At
lantic and Pacific oceans, have directed the negot-
alton OF treaty with Nicaragua, pledgng both gov
ernments to protect those who shall engage in and
perfect the work. All other nations are invited by
the State of Nicaragua to enter into the same treaty
stpnlatlons with her; and the benefit to be derived
BY each from such an arrangement will be the protec
lon OF this great communication against
any power which might seek to obstruct it, or to mo-
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 reason sup
pose proposition farand honorable will be op
posed by any,) the energies of their people and
will cooperate in promoting the success of the enter
prise. do not recommend any appropriation from
the national treasury for this purpose, do believe
that such an appropriation is necessary. Private en-
terprise, if properly protected will complete the work.
should it prove feasible The parties who have pro-
cured the charter from Nicaragua for its construction
desire no assistance from this government beyond its
protection; and they profess that, having examined
the proposed line of communication, they will be
ready to commence the undertaking whenever that
protection shall be extended to them. Should there
appear to be reason examining the whole evidence,
to entertain serious doubt of the practcablity of
constructing such canal, that doubt could be speed
lily solved by an actual exploration of the route.
Should such work be constructed under the COM
mon protection of all nations, for equal benefits to
all, it would be neither just expedient that any
great maritime State should command the communi-
cation. The territory though which the canal may
be opened ought to be freed from the claims of any
foreign power. No such power should occupy po-
stion that would enable it hereafter to exercise
controlling an influence over the commerce of the
world, or to obstruct a highway which ought to be
dedicated to the common uses ofsmankind.
The routes across the isthmuafat Tehuantepec and
=
They did not fail to engage the attention of my pre-
decessor. The negotator of the treaty of Guadalupe
Hidago was instructed to offer very large sum of
money for the right of transit the sthmus of
Tehuantepec. The Mexican government did not ac-
eede the proposition for the purchase of the right
of way, probably because it had already contracted
with private individuals for the construction of pas
sage from the Guasacualco river to Tehuantepec. I
shall not renew any proposition to purchase, for mon
ey, right which ought to be equally secured to all
nations, on payment of reasonable toll to the own
ers of the improvement, who would, doubtless, be
we'll contented with that compensation and the guar
antics of the maritime States of the world in separate
treaties negotiated with Mexico, binding her and them
to protect those who should construct the work. Such
guarantees would do more to the completion of
the communication through the territory of Mexico
than any other reasonable consideration that could be
offered and Mexico herself would be the greatest
gamer by the opening Of this communication between
the Cult and the Pacific ocean, it is presumed that
she would not hesitate to yield her aid in the manner
proposed, to accomplish improvement SO important
to her own best interests.
We have reason to hope that the proposed railroad
across the isthmus at Panama will be successfully
constructed under the protection of the late treaty
with New Granada. ratified and exchanged by my
predecessor on the 10th day Of June, l946, which
guarantees the perfect neutrality Of the isthmus. and
the rights of sovereignty and property OF New Gren-
ada over that territory, "wih view that the free
transit from to may not be interrupted OF
embarrassed during the existence of the treaty. 1t
is our policy to encourage every practicable route
across the isthmus, which connects North and South
America either by railroad canal which the energy
and enterprise of our citizens may induce them to
complete; and consider it obligatory upon me to
adopt that policy, especially in consequence Of the
absolute necessity Of facilitating intercourse with
possessions on the Pacific.
The position Of the Sand dwich Islands with refer
ence to the territory of the United States the
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