The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1851-12-11

first in taking that step, and several of the
leading powers of Europe Immediately
followed. We we're influenced in this
measure by the existing and prospective
Importance of the Islands as place of ref.
uge and refreshment for our vessels en-
gagged in the whale fishery, and by the
consideration that they lie in the course
of the great trade which must, at no dis.
tant day, be carried on between the Wes-
tern Coast of North America and Eastern
Asia.
We were also Influenced by desire
that those islands should not pass under
the control of any other great maritime
State, but should remain in an indepen-
dent condition, and so be accessible and
useful to the commerce of all nations. I
need not say that the importance of these
considerations has been greatly enhanced
by the sudden and vast development which
the interest of the United States have at
tanned in California and Oregon and the
policy heretofore adopted in regard to
those islands will be steadily pursued.
1t is gratifying not only to those who
consider the commercial interests ofna-
tions, but also to all who favor the pro-
gress of knowledge and the diffusion of
religion, to see community emerge from
a savage state and attain such a degree of
civilization in those distant seas.
tits much to be deplored that the inter-
nal tranquility of the Mexican republic
should again be seriously disturbed: for,
since the peace between that republic and
the United States, it had enjoyed such
comparative repose that the most favora-
BILE anticipations for the future might,
with degree of confidence, have been in
dulged. These, however, have been
thwarted by the recent outbreak in the
State ofTamaulipas: on the right bank Of
the Rio Bravo. Having received infor-
tion that persons from the United States
had taken part in the insurrection, and
apprehending that their example might
be followed by others, I caused orders to
be issued for. the purpose of preventing
any hostile expeditions againt Mexico from
being set on foot in violation of the laws
of the United States. likewise issued a
proclamation upon the subject, a copy of
which is herewith laid before you. This
appeared to be rendered imperative by the
obligations of treaties and the general du.
ties good neighborho,d.
In my last annual message, informed
Congress that citizens of the United States
had undertaken the connexion of the two
oceans by means of railroad across the
Isthmus of Tehuantepec, under grant Of
the Mexican government to citizen Of
4 that republic; and that this enterprise
} would probably be prosecuted with ener.
gy whenever Mexico should conse Mt tC
such stipulations with the Government
of the United States as should impart q
feeling of security to those who should
! invest their property in the enterprise.
} A convention between the two govern
ments for the accomplishment of that enc
has been ratified by this Government, and
only awaits the decisions of the Congress
and the Executive of that Republic.
Some unexpected difficulties and delays
have arisen in the ratification of that con.
vention by Mexico, but it's to be presu
med that her decision will be governed by
, just and enlightened views, as we'll of the
general Importance of the object, as Of hel
own interests and obligations.
, In negotiating upon this important sub
ject, this Government has had in view one
} and only one, object. Thatobject has been
, and is, the construction or attainment O.
} passage from ocean to ocean, tho short
, est and the best for travellers and mer
chandize, and equally open to all tht
} world. It has sought to obtain no terrific
rial acquisition, nor any advantages pecu
liar to itself; and it would see, with tht
} greatest regret, that Mexico should oppos'
any obstacle to the accomplishment of al
enterprise which promises SO much conve
a nience to the whole commercial world, ant
7 such eminent advantages to Mexico her
self. Impressed with these sentiment
0 and these convictions, the Government vii
q continue to exert all proper efforts to brinl
about the necessary arrangement with th'
0 republic of Mexico for the speedy com
T pletion of the work.
: For some months past the republic o
t Nicaragua has been the theatre of one o
G those civil commissions, from which tn
s cause of free institutions, and the genera
prosperity and social progress of the State
5 of Central America, have so often and 81
: severly suffered. Until quiet shall hav'
b been restored, and government appa
0 rently stable shall have been organized, M
n advance can prudently be made in dis
Q posing of the question pending between
7 the two countries.
| am happy to announce that an inter oceanic
= communication from the mouth of the ST. Johi
+, to the Pacific has beep SO far accomplished a
that passengers have actually traversed It AM
merchandise has been transported over it 4; ant
0 when the canal shall have been completed, &C
s cording to the original plan, the means of com
: munication will be further improved.
e 1t is understood that considerable part o
Il the railroad across the Isthmus of Panama ha
y been completed, and that the mail and passen'
n gers will in future be conveyed thereon.
4 Whichever Of the several routes betw cen th'
J. two oceans may ultimately prove most eligible
IL for trav ellers to.and from the different States oil
r the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and our coas
on the Pacific, there is little reason TO doubt tha
) allof them will be useful to the public, and will
literally reward that individual enterprise, b.
which alone they have been or are expected L
+ be carried into effect.
Il Peace has been concluded betweenthe conten
. ding parties in the Island of St. Domingo, an,
~ il is hoped upon a durable basis. Such is tn
Q extent of our commercial relations with that Is
land, that the United States cannot fail to fee
atrn tnfA sk,t tt, Ito