The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-01-03

informed that foreigner, who claimed our pro.
lection; had been candestincly, and, as was sup
posed, forcibly carried off in vessel from New
Orleans, to the Island Of Cuba. Immediately
caused such steps 10 be taken as thought me-
cessary,in case the information had received
should prove correct, to vindcate the honor ofthe
country and the rights Of every person eeking
an asylum on our soil, for tho protection of our
laws. Tie person alleged to have been abduct-
ed, was promptly restored, and the circumstan-
ces OF the case arc now about to undergo investi-
CATION. before judicial tribunal l would res
pcctfnlly suggest that, although the crime charg-
ed to have been committed in this case, is held
odious, as being in conflict with our opinions on
the subject Of National sovereignty, and person.
al freedom, there is no prohibition oft, nor pun
ishnent for it, provided in any act Of Congress.
The eSpediency Of supplying this defect in our
criminal code lie, therefore, recommended to your
consideration.
have purposely avoided any interference in
the wars and contentious which have recently
disturbed Europe. During the late conflict be-
tween Austria and Hungary, there seemed TO be
prospect that the latter might become an indc-
pendent nation; however faint that prospect at
tha. time appeared, thought it my duty in ac-
cordance with the the Amer
ican people, who deeply sympa.hisc with Mag
var patriots, to stand prepared upon the contin-
gency Of the stablishment by her Of n perma-
nent Government, to be the first to welcome in
dependent Hungary into the family Of nations
For this purpose | invested our 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
Intervention Of Russia in the contest, extinguish-
ed the hope Of the struggling Magyars. The u.
States did not, at any time, interfere in the con-
test, but the feelings Of the nation were strongly
enlisted in the cause, and by the suferings OF
l.. L. IL IL ~
unsuccessful effort 10 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 effort
of honorable diplomacy, to procure their adjust
ment Our late Charge d. Afaires at Lisbon, the
Hon. G. w. Hopkins, made able and energetic,
but unsuccessful efforts to settle these unpleas-
ant matters OF controversy, and to obtain indem-
nifty Of the wrongs which were the subjects of
complaint. Our present Charge d'Afaires a.
that port, will also bring to the prosecution Of
these claims, ability and zeal. The revolution
ary and dstracting condition Of Portugal, in past
time, has been represented as one Of the leading
causes Of her delay in indemnfying our suffer-
ing citizens. But must now say, il is a matter
OF profound regret, that these claims have not
been settled. The omission Of Portugal, to do
justice to the American claimants. has now as
sumed character SO grave and serious, that
shall shortly make il the subject Of q special
message to Congress, with view to such uti-
mate action as Its wisdom and patriotism may
suggest. With Russia, Aus,ria, PRUSSIA, Swe-
den, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and
the Italian States, we shall maintain our accus-
iomcd amicable relations.
During the recent revolution in the Papal
Statcs, our Charge d'Afiaires at Rome, has been
unable to present his letter of credence, which
he wss direc,s d by my predecessor to withhold,
until he should receive further orders.
Such was tho unsettled condition Of things in
those States, that it was not deemed expedient to
give him any instructions on the subject Of pre-
senting his credential letters different from those
with which he had been furnished by the late
Administration, u Ill the 25,h Of June last,
whom, in consequence of the want OF accu
information Of the exact state OF things at &
distance from Us, he was instructed to exer q
his own discretion, in presenting himself to
existing government, if, in his judgment, suffi-
ciently stable, or if not, 10 await further events
Since that period, Rome has undergone another
revolution, aed he abides the re -esta bishment
Of government sufiici. ntly permanent, to justi-
fy him in opening diplomatic intercourse with i.
With the Republic of Mexico, il is our true
policy, to cultivate the most friendly relations
nee the ratification of the treaty. of Guada-
loupe Hidslgo, nothing has occurred Of serious
character to disturb them. A faithful observ-
ance OF the treaty, and sincere respect for her
rights cannot fail to secure the lasting confidence
and friendship Of that Republic. The message
OF my predecessor to the House OF Representa-
tives, of the 9th Of February last, communica-
ting, in compliance with a resolution OF that
body, copy Of a paper called the protocol, sign
ed a, Quaretaro, the 30th May, l848, by the
Commissioner Of the U. States, and the Minister
OF Foreiga Affairs of the Mexican Government,
having been a subject of correspondence, be-
tween the Department OF State, and the Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Pienipotentiary OF
that Republic, accredited to this Government,
transcript Of that correspondence 10 herewith
submitted.
The Commissioner on the part Of the United
States. for marking the boundary between the
two Republics, though delayed IN reaching San
Diego, by unforeseen Obstacles, arrived at that
place within short period after the time requi-
red by that treaty, and was there joined by the
Commissioner on the part of Mexico. They en-
tered upon their duties, and at the date OF the To-
test intelligence, from that quarter, some pro-
gress had been made in the survey. The exPen-
scs incident to the organization OF the Commis-
sion, and its conveyance to the point where its
operations were TO begin, had 80 much reduced
the fund appropriated by Congress, that fur
ther sum, to cover the charges which must be
incurred during the present fiscal year, will De
necessary. The great length Of frontier, along
which the bs undary extends, the nature OF the
adjacent territory and the ditiiculty Of obtaining
suppies, except al or near the extremes OF tne
line, render il also indispensable that liberal
provision should be made to meet the necessary
charges during the fiscal year ending on the 4th
Of June, 1851. ! accordingly recommend the
subject to your attention
In the adjustment Of the claims Of American
citizens in Mexico, provided for by the late trea-
ty, the employment Of council on the part OF the
Government may become important tor the pur-
pose Of assisting the Commissioner in procuring
the interests Of the United States. recommend
this subject to the early and favorable consdera-
ton of Congress.
Complaints have been made in regard TO the
ineiliciency Of the means provided by the Gov
ernment Of New Grenada for transporting the
United States Mail across the Isthmns Of Panama,
pursuant to our postal convention with that Re
public, on the 4th Of March, 1914.
Our Charge d'Aflairs at Bogota has been di-
rected to make such representations to the Gov
eminent ofNew Gren.da as will, it is hoped, lead
10 prompt removal of this cause Of complaint.
The sanguinary civil war with which the Re-