The republic., 1850-12-03

i
the utmost OF my ability, and TO the extent of the
power vested in me, shall at all times, and in all
places Jake that the laws be faithfully executed
In the discharge of this duty, solemnly imposed
| upon me by the Constitution, and by my oath OF
| office, | shall shrink from responsibility and
shall endcavor to meet events as they may arise,
1 with hrmness. well with prudence and dis
| cretion
The appointing power is one Of the most delicate
| with which the Executive is invested. l regard it
| sacred trust, TO be exercised with the sole
view of advancing the prosperity and happiness OF
| the people. II shall be my effort to elevate the
| standard of official employment by selecting for
places of importance individuals fitted for the post
to which they assigned. by their known integ-
rity talents and virtues. In so extensive coun-
try. with great population. and where
| few persons appointed to office can be known to
the appointing power, mistakes will sometimes
unavoidably happen, and unfortunate appoint
ments be made, notwithstanding the greatest care.
| In such cases, the power of removal may be pro-
perly exercised and neglect of duty or malfeas-
in office will be tolerated in individ-
| uas appointed by myself than in those appointed
by others.
| am happy in being able to say that no unfavor
| able 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 ma
| tions, and we onjoy in an eminent degree the
blessings of that peace, in prosperous and grow
| ing commerce, and in all the forms of amicablc
national intercourse The unexampled growth of
the country, the present amount of its population,
and its ample means of self protection, assure for
the respect of all natons while it is trusted that
its character for justice, and regard to the rights
Of other States, will that respect to be readily
and cheerfully paid.
A convention negotiated between the Uni
ted States and Great Britain, in April last, for ia
cilitating and protecting the construction of ship
canal between the Atlantic and Pacific Occans, and
for other purposes This instrument has since been
ratified by the contracting parties, the exchange of
ratihcations has been effected, and proclamation
thereof has been duly made
In addition to the stipulatons contained in this
convention, two other objects remain to be accom-
plished 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 belligerent maritime ope-
ratons shall not be carried On these points
there is little doubt that the two governments will
come TO an understanding.
The company of citizens of the United States who
have acquired from the State of Nicaragua the pri
viege of constructing ship canal between the two
oceans, through the territory of that State, have
made progress in their preliminary arrangements.
The treaty between the United States and Great
Rrt Of he nF iast
being now in operation, it is to be hoped that the
guarantees which it offers will be sufficient TO
the completion Of the work with all practica-
bic expedition. II is obvious that this result would
be indefinitely postponed if any other than peace
fuI measures, for the purpose of harmonizing con
hicting claims to territory in that quarter should
be adopted. 1t will consequently be my cndeavor
to any further negotiations the part of this
Government, which may be requisite for this pur-
Po-o 20 be eond uotsd bring them 10 n speedy
and successful close.
Some unavoidable delay has occurred, arising
from distance and the difficulty of intercourse be-
tween this Government and that Of Nicaragua,
but, as intelligence has Just been received Of the
appointment Of an Envoy Extraordinary and Min
ister Plenipoentiary of that Government TO reside
at Washington, whose arrival may soon be
pected, IL IL hoped that further impcdments
will be experienced in the prompt Transaction Of
business between the two Governments.
Citizens of the United States have undertaken
the connex xion Of the two oceans by means of a rail
road the Isthmus Of Tehuantepec, under
grants of the Mexican Government to a citizen Of
that Republic 1t is understood that a thorough
survey of the course Of the communication is in
l,b. sgo t,c a.
IL will be prosecuted with characteristic energy,
specially when that Government shall have con-
sented to such stpulations with the Government Of
the United States may be necessary to impart
feeling Of security to those, who may embark their
property in the enterprise. Negotiations pend
ing for the accomplishment Of that object, and
hope is confidently entertained that, when the Gov
crnment Of Mexico shall become duly sensible Of
the advantages which that country cannot fail TO
derive from the work, and learn that the Govern
nen Of the United States desres that the right Of
sovereignty Of Mexico in the istbmus shall remain
unimpared, the supulations referred to will be
agreed 10 with slacrity.
BY the last advices from Mexico il would appear,
however, that that Government cntertains strong
| objections TO Of the stipulations which the
| parties concerned in the project Of the railroad
deem necessary for their protection and security.
| Further consideration, IL ia TO be hoped, some
modification Of terms, may yet reconcile the diff
| forences existing between the two Governments in
l thi. respect.
| Fresh instructions have recently been given TO
the Minister of the United States in Mexico who is
prosecuting the subject with promptitudc and
| ability.
Although the negotiations with Portugal, for the
payment Of claims Of citizens Of the United States
against that Government, have not yet resulted in
formal treaty, yet proposition made by the
| Government Of Portugal for the final adjustment
and payment Of tbose claims, has recently been
| ccpted on the part Of the United States. II gives
me pleasure to say that Mr.. Clay, to whom the
gotation the part Of the United States had been
entrusted, discharged the duties Of his appointment
| with ability and discretion, acting always within
| the instructions Of his Government.
| II is expected that regular convention will be
| Immediately negotiated for carrying the agree
1 .,ts ~