The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-12-10


tthis Government in behalf OF himself and
his associates. This country has been
Justly regarded as d safe asylum for those
whom political events have exiled from their
own homes in Europe; and it is recon-
Inended to Congress to consider in what
manner Governor Kossuth and his com.
panons. brought hither by its authority
shall he received and treated.
1t is earnestly to be hoped that the dif'
terences which have for some time past
been pending between the government Of
the French Republic and that of the Sand
wich Islands, may be peaceably and du'
rably adjusted. so as to secure the inde'
pendence oil those Islands. Long before
the events which have Of late impaired 20
much Importance to the possessions OF the
United States on the Pacific, we acknowi-
edged the independence Of the Hawaiian
government. This Government was flrst
in taking that step, and several OF the lead
ing powers OF Europe Immediately follow
ed. We were influenced in this measure
by the existing and prospective Importance
OF the islands as place OF refuge and re-
freshment for our vessels engaged in the
whale fishery. and by the consideration
that they lie in the course OF the great
trade which must at no distant day, be car
red on between the western coast of North
America and Eastern Asia.
We are also influenced by desire that
those islands should not pass under the
control OF any other great maritime State'
bu, should remain in ali independent con-
dlion. and so be accessible and useful to
the commerce Of all nations. need not
say that the importance ol these consider
ations has been greatly enhanced by the
sudden and vast development which the
interests of the United States have attaln'
ed in California and Oregon; and the pol.
lev heretofore adopted in regard to those
Islands will be steadily pursued.
tits gratifying not only to those who con-
slider the commercial interests OF nations,
but also to all who favor the progress OF
knowledge and the diffusion Of religion, to
see a community emerge from a savage
state and attain such degree Of civillza-
ton in those distant lands.
1t is much to be deplored that the inter.
nal tranquility Of the Mexican republic
should again be seriously disturbed; ior,
since the peace between that republic and
the United States, 1t had enjoyed such COM
parative repose that The most favorable an
ticipations for the future might. with de-
gree of confidence. been INDUCED. These,
however. have been thwarted by the recent
outbreak in the State Of Tamaulipas. on the
right bank of the Rio Bravo. Having re-.
ceived information that persons from the
United States had taken part in the insur.
rection. and experimenting that their exam.
pie might he followed by others. | caused
orders TO be issued for the purpose of pre-.
venting any hostile expeditions against
Mexico from being set on foot in violation
of the laws of the United States. like
wise issued proclamation upon the SUBJ
jcct, copy of which is herewith laid be.
fore YOU. This appearing to be rendered
imperative by the obligations OF treaties
and the general duties Of good neighbor.
hood
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
tke Mexican governmental citizen ofthat
republic; and that this enterprise would
probably be prosecuted with energy when-
ever Mexico should consent TO such stipu-
latons with the Government of the United
States as should impart feeling Of securi.
ty TO those who should invest their proper
,y in the enterprise.
II A Convention between the two govern.
ments tor the accomplishment Of that end
has been ratified by this Government, and
only awaits the decision 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 il is TO be presum.
ed that her decision will be governed by
Just aud enlightened views, as well Of the
general importance Of the object, as OF her
own interests and obligations.
In negotiating upon this important sub.
iect. this Government has had in view one,
and only one, object. That object has
been, and is, the construction or aitain-
melt of passage from ocean to ocean,
the shortest and the best for travellers and
merchandise. and equally open to al the
world. 1t has sought to obtain no terrific
rial acquisition, nor any advantages pecu.
liar to itself; and il would seem. with the
greatest regret, that Mexico should oppose
any obstacle to the accomplishment OF an
enterprise which promises so much con-
vemtence TO the whole commercial world,
and such eminent advantages to Mexico
herself. Impressed with the sentiments
and these convictions, the Government Will
continue TO exert all proper efforts to bring
about the necessary arrangement with The
republic Of Mexico for the speedy compile
ton OF the works.
For some months past the republic Of