The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-03
his companions. brought hithsr by it's authority,

that of the Sandwich Islands, may be peaceably
and duraby adjusted, 80 as to secure the indepen-
dence of those islands. Long before the events
which have Of late impaired so much Importance
to the possession ofthe United States on the Paci-
fc, we acknowledged the independence Of the
Hawaiian government. This government was
first IN taking that step, and several OF the lead
| ing powers Of Europe Immediately followed. We
were influenced in this measure by the existing
and prospective importance Of the islands as
place or refuge and refreshment for our vessels
engaged in the whale fishery and by the consider
alton that they lie in the course of the great
trade which must, at no distant day, be carried
between the western 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
all independent condition, and so be accessible
and useful to the commerce of all nations. need
not say that the Importance of these considerations
has been greatly enhanced by the sudden and vast
development which the interests Of the United
States have attained in California and Oregon; and
the policy heretofore adopted in regard to those
| islands will be steadily pursued =; ..
! II is gratifying not only to those who consider
the commercial interests of nations, but also to all
who favor the progress of knowledge aud the dlfu-
sion of religion, to see community emerge from
| a savage state and attain such degree of clvZa-
ton in those distant .s+....
1t is much to be deplored that the internal tran
1 guilty 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 favorable
F, anteipations for the future might, with degree
of confidence have been INDUCED. These, how
ever, have been thwarted by the recent outbreak
in the State of Tamaulipas, on the right bank of
the Rio Bravo. Having received information
that persons from the United States had taken
part in the instruction, and experimenting that
their example might be followed by others, |
caused orders to be issued for the purpose of pre-
venting airy hostile expeditions against Mexico
; from being set on foot in violation of the laws Of
the United States. likewise issued proclama-
ton upon the subject, copy or which is herewith
laid befors you. This appeared TO be rendered
imperativ. by the obligations of treaties and the
general dates of good neghborhood. ...
In my last annual message informed Congress
that citizens Of the United States had undertaken
the connexion OF the two oceans, by means of a
railroad across the Isthmus Of Tehuantepec, I'M
der a grant of the Mexican government to a cit-
zen of that repubc and that this enterprise would
probably be prosecuted with energy whenever
Mexico should consent to such stipulatons withthe
government Of the United States as should impart
; feeling Of security to those who should invest
. their property in the enterprise.
: A convention between the two governments for
. the accomplishment of that end has been rat
flied 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 convention by
Mexico, but it is TO be presumed that her decision
will be governed by just and enlightened views,
as well of the genere importance of the object, as
Of her own interests and obligations.
In negotiating upon this important subject, this
government has had in view one, and only one, OBJ
ject That object has been, and Is, the construc-
: ton or attainment or passage from ocean To
ocean, the shortest and the best for travellers and
merchandise, and equally open to all the world.
In hns goupht obtain Territorial
nor any advantages peculiar TO itself; and it would
see, with the greatest regret, that Mexico should
! oppose any obstacle to the accomplishment of an
enterprise which promises so much convenience
To the whole commercial world, and such eminent
advantages to Mexico herself Impressed with
these sentiments and these convictions, the gov
eminent will continue to exert all proper efforts 20
bring about the Lecessary arrangement with the
! republic Of Mexico for the speedy completion Of
the work.
For som. months past the republic of Nicaragua
has been the theatre Of one Of those civil conyul-
Sons, from which the OF free institutions,
and the general prosperity and social progress OF
. the States Of Central America, have 40 often and
so severely suffered Until quiet shall have been
restored, and government apparently stable shall
have been organized, no advance can prudenhy be
made in disposIng of the questions pending be-
tween the two countries.
am happy to snnounce that an intsr-oceanic
com munication from the mouth Of the st. John
10 the EdClHC mas Dcen SO hCSOmplbueu as
that passengers have actually trayersed II and
merchandise has been transported over u ; and
when the canal shall have been completed, &c
} cording to the original plan, the means Of COM
munication will be further improved.
1t is understood that considerable part Of the
: railroad across the lsthmus Of Panama has been
completed, and that the mail and passengers will
} IN future be conveyed thereon.
Whichever Of the several routes between the
two oceans may ultimately prove m, st eligible
J for travellers to and from the different States on
the Atlantic and CIT OF Mexico and our coast on
the Pacific, there IKE reason to doubt that all
Of them will be usefS Me public, and will hbe-
rally reward that indtb Nenterprise, by which
alone they have been os,. Asxpected to be car
ried into effect. ~
Peac. has been oonclude 50 etween the con-
tending parties IN the island orSSt. Domingo, and
1t is hoped upon durable basis. Such is the ex-
tent Of our commercial relations with that island
that the United States cannot fail to feel strong
| interest in It's tranquility.
The office Of Commissioner 10 China remains
unified several persons have been appointed
and the place has been offered to others, ali of
whom have declined ITS acceptance, on the ground
OF the inadequacy Of the compensation The
annual allowance by law is six thousand dollars,
and there is no provision for any outfit. | ear
nestly recommend the consideration Of this subject
| To Congress. Our commerce with China is highly
important, and Is becoming more and more so IN
consequence Of the increasing intercourse between
our ports on tbs Pacific coast and Eastern Asa.
China is understood to be country in which lly.
ing is very expensive, and | know Of no reason
why the American Commissioner should not be
placed, IN regard to compensation, on an equal
footing with ministers who represent this country
at the courts of Europe.
BY reference to the Report Of the Secretary OF
the Treasury, IT will be that the aggregate re-
oeipts for the last fiscal year amounted TO $751;
3I2,979 a. which with the balance in the trea-
sury on the first July, 1850, gave, as the avail
able means for the year, the sun Of s56,9i7,-
524 IS.
The total expenditures for the same period were
SO, 005 s7s IS.
The totampor,s for the the year ending Goth June,
OF which there were in specie 4967 sol
The exports for the same period s2l7 SIT 100
Ofwhich there were Of
domestic products Sis ,5l6,555
Foreign goods re-exportsd 9,73S,695
Specie 1921, $50
-s2l7 57i lao