The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1850-01-01

that union Of the German States, under
one constitution or form of government
might,at length. be organized. 1t is believed,
by those well acquainted with the existing
relations between Prussia and the States of
Germany, that no such union can be, perma-
nently, established without her CO. operation.
In the event Of the formation of such union,
and the organization of central power in
Germany, Of which she should form a part,
it would become necessary to withdraw our
Minister at Berlin but while Prussia exists
as an Independent kingdom, and diplomatic
. .relations are maintained with her, there can
he no necessity for the continuance of the
y sson 10 Frankfort. have, therefore, re-
Sslled Mr. Donelson. and directed the ar
chives of the legation at Frankfort, 10 be trans
ferred to the American legation at Berlin.
Having been apprized that a considerable
number of adventurers were engaged in fit
ting out military expedition. within the
United States, and against foreign country;
and believing, from the best information /
could obtain, that it was destined to invade
the island of Cuba, | deemed it due to the
friendly relations existing between the United
States and Spain to the treaty between the
two nations; to the laws of the United States,
and, above all, to the American honor, to ex
ert the lawful authority of this Government
in suppressing the expedition and prevent
ing the invasion. To this end, issued
proclamation, enjoining it upon the officers
of the United States, civil and military, to
use all lawful means within their power. A
copy of that proclamation is herewith sub
mitted. The expedition has been suppressed.
So long as the act of Congress of the Goth of
April, 1918, which owes its existence to the
law of nations and to the policy Of Wash
ingion himself, shall remain on our statute
book, hold it to be the duty of the Execu-
tive faithfully o.ohey its injunctions.
While this expedition was in progress, i
was informed that a foreigner, who claimed
our protection, had been clandestinely, and,
as was supposed, forcibly, carried off in a
vessel from New Orleans TO the island of
Cuba. / Immediately caused such steps TO
be taken as l thought necessary, in case the
information had received shoull prove cor
rect 10 yindicate the honor of the country,
and the right of every person seeking an
asylum on our soil to the protection OF our
laws. The person alleged TO have been alb
Quoted was promptly restored, and the cir
cumstances of the case are now about 70 un-
dergo investigation before Judicial 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, pro-
vided In any act of Congress. The expedi
ency of supplying this defect in our criminal
code is therefore recommended to your con-
sideration.
have scrupulously avoided any interfer-
ence in the 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 Independent
nation. However faint that prospect at the
time appeared, thought it my duty. in ac-
cor1ance with the general sentiment Of the
American people, who deeply sympa,hised
with the Magyar patriots, to stand prepared,
upon the contingency Of the establishment
by her of permanent government, to be
the first to welcome independent Hungary in
to the family of nations. For this purpose,
invested an agent, then in Europe, with
power to declare our willingness promptly to
recognize her independence, in the event OF
her ability to sustain it The powerful IN
tervention of Russia, in the contest, extin-
guished the hopes Of the struggling Magyars
The United States did not, at any time, in
terfere in the contest; but the feelings of the
nation were strongly enlisted in the cause,
and by the sufIerings of brave people, who
had made gallant though unsuccessful ef-
fort to be free.
Our claims upon Portugal have been, du-
ring the past wear, prosecuted with renewed
yigor, and it has been my object TO employ
every effort of honorable diplomacy to pro-
cure their adjustment Our late Charge d
Affares at Lisbon, the Hon. George w.
Hopkins, made able and energetic, but un-
successful efforts to settle these unpleasant
matters of controversy, and to obtain indem-
nifty for the wrongs which were the subjects
of complaint. Ourpresent Charge 'iAffaires
at that court will, also, bring 10 the prosecu-
tions of these claims, ability and zeal. The
revolutionary and distracted condition OF
Portugal, in past times, has been represented
as one of the leading causes of her delay in
indemnifying our suffering citizens. But
must now say, it is a matter Of profound re-
gret that these claims have not yet been set
tied. The omission of Portugal to do JUS
tice to the American claimants has row as
sumed character so grave and serious, that
l shall shortly make it the subject of spe-
cial message to Congress, with view TO such
ultimate action as its wisdom and patriotism
may suggest.
With Russia, Austria, Prussia, Sweden,
Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and
the Indian States, we still maintain our ac-
cuslomed amicable relations.
During the recent revolutions in the Papal
States. our Charge d Affaires at Rome has
been unable to present his letter OF credence,
which. indeed, he was directed by my pre-
decessor to withhold until he should receive
further orders. Such was the unsettled con-
ditinn of things in those States, that it was
not deemed expedient to give him any in
structions on the subject Of presenting his
credentlal letter different from those with
which he had been furnished by the late adj
ministration, until the 25th Of June last;
when, in consequence Of the want of accu-
rate information of the exact state Of things,
at that distance from us, he was Instructedto 10
exercise his own discretion in presenting
himself 10 the then existing government II,
in his Judgment, sufficiently stable or # not,
to await further events. Since that period.
Rome has undergone another revolution and
he abides the establishment of government
sufficiently permanent to justify him in open
inc Diplomatic intercourse with it.
With the republic of Mexico, il is our
true policy TO cultivate the most friendly
relations. Since the ratification Of the
treaty Of Guadalupe Hidalgo. noihmg has
occurred Of serious character 10 disturb
them. faithful observance Of tie treaty.
and sincere respect for her rights. canno,
fail 10 secure The lasting confidence ana
friendship of that republic: The meesage