Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1850-01-09

the Ger1nan Empire was appointed by my pre-
decessor in August, lS48, and has for long
time been in attendance at Frankfort-on-the
Main, and although Minister appointed to
| represent that Empire was received and accre-
dlted here, yet no such Government as that of
the German Empire has been definitely const-
| tuted MIR. Donelson, our representative at
Frankfort, remained there several months, in
the expectation that union of the German
States, under one constitution or form of Gov
ernment, might at length be organized. 1t is
believed, by those we'll acquainted with the ex-
| lstlng relations between Prussia and the States
OF Germany, that no such union can be perlna-
nently established without her co-operation.-
In the event Of the formation of such union,
and the organization of a central power in
Germany, OF which she should form part, it
would become necessary to withdraw our Min
lister at Berlin; but while Prussia exists as an
| independent kingdom, and diplomatic relations
are maintained with her, there can be no me-
cessity for the continuance of the mission to
Frankfort. have, therefore, recalled Mr. DON
elson and directed the archives of the legation
at Frankfort to be transferred to the American
legation at Berlin.
Having been apprized that considerable
number OF adventurers were engaged in fitting
out military expedition within the United
States, against foreign country, and believing,
from ihe best information could obtain, that
it was destined to invade the Island of Cuba,
deemed it due to the friendly relations existing
between the Uuited States and Spain; to the
treaty between the two nations; to the laws of
the United States, and, above all, to the Ame-
rican honor, to exert the lawful authority of
this Government in suppressing the expedition
and preventing the invasion. To this end is-
sued proclamation, enjoining it upon the Off
GERS OF the United States, civil and military to
use all lawful means within their power. A
copy OF that proclamation is herewith submit
ted. The expedition has been suppressed. So
long as the act of Congress 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 book hold it
to be the duty Of the Executive faithfully to
obey its injunctons
While this expedition was inprogress, was
informed that foreigner, who claimed our pro-
lection, had been clandestinely, and, as was
supposed, forcibly, carried off in vessel from
New Orleans to the Island Of Cuba. imme-
diately caused such steps to be taken as
thought necessary, in case the information !
had received should prove correct, to vindicate
the honor Of the country, and the right Of ev-
cry person seeking an asylum on our soil, to
the protection Of our laws. The person alleg-
ed to have been abducted was promptly restor-
ed, and the circumstances of the case are now
about to undergo investigation before judi
cial tribunal ! would 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 prohibition Of it, or punishment for
it provided in any act of Congress. The ex-
pediency Of supplying this defect in our crimi-
nal code is therefore recommended to your con-
sideration. .s-r
have scrupulously avoided any interference
in the wars and contentious which have recent
ly distracted Europe.
During the late conflict between Austria and
Hungary, there seemed to be prospect that
the latter might become an independent nation.
However faint that prospect at the time appear
ed, thought it my duty, in accordance with
the general sentiment Of the American people,
who deeply sympathized with the Magyar pa
triots, to stand prepared, upon the contingency
of the establishment by her Of an independent
Government, to be the first to welcome inde-
pendent Hungary into the family of nations
For this purpose invested an agent, then in
Europe, with the power to declare our willing
ness promptly to recognise her independence in
the event Of her ability to sustain it; The pow
erful Intervention Of Russia in the contest ex-
tinguished the hopes of the struggling Mag
vars. The United States did not, at any time,
interfere in the contest but the feelings Of the
nation were strongly enlisted in the cause, and
by 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 renewed vigor,
and il has been my object to employ every ef-
fort of honorable diplomacy to procure their
adjustment. Our late Charge fAfaires at Lis
bon, the Hon. Geo. w. Hopkins, made able and
energetic, but unsuccessful efforts to settle
these unpleasant matters Of controversy, and
to obtain indemnity for the wrongs which were
the subjects Of complaint Our present Charge
d dAffaires at that court will bring to the prose-
cution Of these claims ability and zeal. The
revolutionary and distracted condition Of Por-
tugal in past times has been represented as one
of the leading causes Of her delay in indehini-
flying our suffering citizens. But must now
| say It il matter Of profound regret that these
claims have not yet been settled. The onis-
sion Of Portugal TO do justice to the American
claimants has now assumed 4 character 30 grave
and serious that shall shortly make y the sub
lect Of special message to Congress, with
view to such ultimate action as its wisdom and
patriotism may suggest.
With Russia, Austria, Prussia, Sweden, Dem
mark, Belgium the Netherlands, and the Italian
suites, We still maintain our accustomed ami-
Gable relations. !. ss3 !.
4 Duri-o the recent revolution IN the Papal
! States, our Charge d 'Affaires at Rome has been
unable to present his letter Of credence, which,
i indeed, he was directed BY my predecessor to
withhold until he should receive further orders.
/ Such was the unsettled condition Of things N
1 those States that II was not deemed expedient
to give him any Instructions on the subject q
presenting his credential letter different nom
4 thosa with which he had been furnished BY tho