The Port Gibson herald, and correspondent., 1850-12-13

control. You, gentlemen, and the country,
may be assured, that, to the utmost of my absll-
ty, and to the extent of the power vested in
ms, shall, at all times and in all places, take
care that the laws be faithfully executed. In
the discharge of this duty, soemnly imposed
on me by the Constitution and my oath of of
fee, shall shrink from no responsibility, and
endeevor to meet events as they may arise,
with firmness as we'll as with prudence and
discretion.
The appointing power is one of the most
delicate with which the Executive is invested.
/ regard it as a sacred trust, to be exercised
with the sole view of advancing the prosperl-
ty and happiness of the people.--lt shall be
my effort to elevate the standard of official
employment. by selecting, for places OF impor-
tance, individuals fitted for the posts to which
they are assigned, by their known integrity,
talents and virtues. In so extensive country,
with so great population. and where few per-
sons appointed to office can be known to the
appointing power. mistakes will sometimes un-
avodably happen, and unfortunate appoint
ments be made, Notwithstanding the greatest
care II such cases, the power of removal
may be properly exercised, and neglect of duty,
or mal-feasance in office, will no more be toler
ated in individuals appointed by myself than
in those appointed by others.
am happy in being able to say, that no un-
favorable change in our Foreign Relations has
taken place since the message at the opening
of the last session of Congress. We are at
peace with all nations, and we enjoy. in an en-
inent degree, the blessings of that peace in
prosperous and growing commerce, and in all
the forms of amicable national intercourse.
The unexampled growth of the country-the
present amount of its population. and its am
pie means of self-protection, assure for it the
respect of all nations; while it is trusted, that
its character for justice. and regard to the
rights of other States, will cause that respect
to be readily and cheerfully paid.
A Convention was negotiated between the
United States and Great Britain. in April last,
for facilitating and protecting the construction
of Ship Canal between the Atlantic and Pa
ciic Oceans, and for other purposes. This in
strument has since been ratified by the con-
tracing parties. The exchange Qualifications
has been effected, and proclamation thereof
has been duly made. In addition to the stlpu-
lations contained in this convention, two other
objects remain to be accomplished between The
contracting powers. First--the designation
and establishment Of free port at each end Of
the canal. Second--an agreement fixing the
distance from the shore within which belliger.
ent maritime operations shall not be carried on
On these points, there is little doubt that the
two powers will come to an understanding
The company of citizens of the United States
which has accepted from the State of Nlcara
qua the privilege of constructing a Ship Cana
! between the two oceans, through the territory
of that State, have made some progress II
their preliminary arrangements. The treaty
| between the United States and Great britain
| of the 18th of April last, above referred to
being now in operation. it is to be hoped, tha
the guarantees which it offers will be sufficien
to secure the completion of the work, with al
practicable expedition. 1t is obvious, that thi
result would be indefinitely postponed If any
other than peaceful measures for the purpos'
of harmonizing conflicting claims to territory
in that quarter, should be adopted. 1t will
consequently, be my endeavor to cause an.
/ further negotiations on the part of this Gov
ernment for this purpose, to be SO conducted
as to bring them to speedy and successful
/ close. Some unavoidable delay has occurred
arising from distance and the difficulty of in
tereourse between this Government and tha
of Nicaragua, but as intelligence has just beef
received of the appointment of an Envoy Ex
| traordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of tn
/ Government to reside at Washington, who's
arrival may soon be expected, it is hoped tha
no further difficulties will be experienced il
the prompt transaction of business betwee
the Governments.
Citizens Of the United Stateshave undertaken
the connection of the two Oceans BY means Of
Railroad across the lsthmus of Fehuantepec
under grants Of the Mexican GopernMent to
citizen Of that Republic. 1t is undeEsRgM, tha
survey Of the line OF the communication is /
preparation, and there is every reason is expec
that it will be prosecuted with characteristic en-
erp. especially when that Government shall hav
consented to such stipulations with the Govern
ment of the United States as may be necessar
tc impart feeling OF security to those who ma
embark their property in the enterprise. Nege
tiations are pending for the accomplishment {
that object, and the hope is confidently entertain
ed that when the Government of Mexico sha
become duly sensible OF the advantages whic
that country cannot fail to derive from the worl
and learns that the Government OF the Unite
States desires that the right of sovereignty {
Mexico in the Isthmus shall remain unimpairet
the stipulations referred to will be agreed to wit
alacrity.
By the last aavices from Mexico, it would al
!. near. that that Government entertains strong o|
iections to some of the stipniations which II
parties concerned in the project Of Railroa
deem necessary for their protection and securit
Further consideration, it is TO be hoped, or SON
modification of terms, may yet reconcile the dl
| ferences existing between the two Government
in this respect. Fresh instructions have recen
! | " been given to the Minister of the Unite
) States in Mexico, who is prosecuting the sui
, ject with promptitude and ability.
: Although the negotiations with Portugal
the payment oil claims of citizens of the Unite
, States against that Government, have not yet T
suited in formal treaty. yet proposition MAJ
, BY the Government of Portugal. for final
!. insrment and payment of those claims, has :
. Gently been accepted on the part of the Unit
!. States. It gives me pleasure TO say, that N
: Clay, to whom negotiations on the part OF Z
Z United States have been entrusted, dlscharg
). the duties of his appointment with ability al
> discretion, acting always within the iustructio
4 of his Government.
: 1t is expected, that regular convention "
!, be Immediately negotiated for carrying t
agreement between the two Governments in
f effect.
5 The commissioner appointed under the 9
! Of Congress for carrying into effect the Conve
/; ton with Brazil, of the 9th January l849, b
i entered upon the performance of the duties 4
i posed upon him by that act. It is hoped, u
) these duties may be completed within the III