Washington telegraph., 1851-12-24

fore the events which have of late i'm
parted so much importance to the posses
sions of the United States on the Pacific
we acknowledged the independence o
the Hawiian Government. This Govern
ment was first in taking that step, ant
several of the leading powers of Europ'
Immediately followed. We were in
fuenced in this measure by the existing
and prospective Importance of the Is
lands, AS a place of refuge and refresh
mestt for our vessels engaged in tho
whale fishery, and by the consideratior
that they lie III the course of the grea,
trade which must, III time. be carried ol
between the Western coast of North
America and Eastern Asia. We were
also Influenced by desire that these
Islands should not pass under the cnutrol
of any other great maritime State, but
should remain in an independen: condi-
ton. aud so be accessible and useful TO
the commerce OF all nations.
l need not say, that the impoTtance Of
these considerations has been greatly en-
hanced by the sudden and vast develop
ments which the interests of the United
States have attained in California and
Oregon; and the policy heretofore adopt
| ed in regard 10 those Islands, will be
steadily pursued.
1t is gratifying, not only to those who
consider ;iIe commercial interests Of ma
tions, but also to all who favor the pro-
gress of knowledge and the diffusion Of
religion. to See community emerging
from savage state, and attain degree
| Of civilization in those distant seas.
/ 1t is much to be deplored that the in
ternal tranquility OF the Mexican republic
should again he seriously disturbed; for,
Since the peace between that republic
anG the United States, it had enjoyed
such a comparative repose that the
most favorable anticipations for the future
might. with degree of confidence, have
been INDUCED.
These, however, have been thwarted
| by the recent outbreak in the STATE Of
lama u.ipas. OIL the right bank OF the Rio
Bravo. Having received information
that persons from the United States had
taken part in the insurrecton, and appre-
bending that their example might be
followed by others, l caused orders to be
issued for the purpose of preventing any
hostile expeditions against Mexico, from
! being set on foot in violation Of the laws
of the United States. l lkwise issued
a proclamation upon the subject, copy
! Of which Is herewith LAID before you.
This appeared to be rendered imperative
by the obligations of treaties, and the
general duties Of good neighborhood.
In my last annual message, l informed
| Congress that citizens of the United
States had undertaken the connection ol
the two oceans by means of railroad
across the Islhmus Of Tehuantepec, under
a grant of the Mexican Government, to
citizen of that republic, and that this
enterprise would probably be prosecuted
with energy. whenever Mexico should
consent to such stipu!ations with the
Government of the United States as
should impart feeling of security &c
those who should invest their property in
the enterprise.
A convention between the two Gov
ernments for the accomplishment of that
end, has been ratified by this Govern
ment. and only awaits the decision o.
the Congress and the ratification of that
Republic.
Some unexpected difficulties and delays
have arisen in the ratification hy Mexico
but it is TO BE presumed that ,heir dec
sion will be governed by just views as
well of the general importance of the
subject as OF her own interest and obi
cations. In negotiating on this impor
tant subject, this Government has had IL
view one. and only one object. This OBJ
iect has been, and is, the construction Of
attainment of passage from ocean tc
ocean, the shortest and the best TO.
travellers and merchandise, and eventual
ly open 10 all the world. 1t has beer
sought to obtain no territorial advantage
peculiar 70 itself. and it would see, witt
the greatest regret, that Mexico shoulc
oppose any obstacle TO the accomplish
ment of all enterprise which promises sc
much convenience to the whole CONNER
cial world and such eminent advantages
to Mexico herself.
Impressed with these sentiments ant
these convictions, the Government will
continue TO exert all proper efforts tG
bring about all necessary arrangement:
with the Republic of Mexico. for the
speedy completion of the work.
For some mouths past, the Republi(
Of Nicaragua has been the theatre Of one
of those evil convrisicus from which the
cause of free institutions, and the genera
prosperity and social progress Of Che
States of Central America, have SO ofteI
: and so severely suffered. Until quie
have been restored, and a government ap
parently stable shall have been recogniz
!, ed. no advance can prudently be made il
1 disposing Of the questions pending be
tween the two countries.
am happy to announce that an inter
oceanic coinineucation from the San Jual