The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-03

acknowledgements for the interposltlon OF this
Government in behalf of himself and his asso.
ciates. This country has been justly regard
ed as a safe asylum for those whom political
events have exilcd from their own homes in Eu.
rope; and it is recommended to Congress to con-
slider in what manner Governor Kossuth and his
companions, brought hither by its authority, shall
be received and treated.
1t is earnestly to be hoped that the differences
which have for some time past been pending be-
tween the government of the French republic and
that of the Sandwich Islands, may be peaceably
and durably adjust d, so to secure the inde-
pendence of those islands. Long before the events
which have of late impaired 30 much importance
to the possessions ofthe United States the Pacific
we acknowledged the independence ofthe Hawaiian
government. This Governmentwas first in taking
that step, and several of the leading powers Of
Europe Immediately followed. We inau
enced in this measure by the el lti,g and pros
pective importance of the islands as place of re-
fuge and refreshment 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 carried on between the
western coast of North America and Eastern
Asia.
We were also influenced by desire that those
islands ehoud not pass under the control of any
other great maritime State, but should remain in
an independent condition, and so bc 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 de-
velopment 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
1t is gratifying not only to those who consider
the commercial interests Of nations, but also to all
who favor the progress of knowledge and the ditfu-
sion of religion, to community emerge from
a savage state and attain such degree of civiliza-
ton in those distant
1t is much to be deplored that the internal tran
quility of the Mexican republic shDuld 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
antcipations for the future might with a degree
of confidence, have been indulged These, how
ever, have been thwarted by the recent outbreak
in the State of Tamaupas, he right bank
of the Rio Bravo. Having received information
that persons from the United States had taken part
in the insurrection, and experimenting that their
example might be followed by others, caused or
ders 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
likewise Issued proclamation upon the subject,
copy of which is herewith laid before you. This
appeared to be rendered imperative by the obliga-
tions of treaties and the general duties of good
neghborhood
In my last annual message informed Congress
that citizens of the United States bad undertaken
the connexion of the two oceans by means of q
railroad the Isthnas of TehuanisPoc,
der grant of the Mexican government to a cti-
zen of that republics; and that this enterprise
would probably be PROSECUTED with energy when,
ever Mexico should consent to such stpulations
should impart feeling of security to those who
should invest their property in the enterprise.
convention between the two governments for
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 convention by
Mexico, but it is to be presumed that her decision
will be governed by just and enlightened views,
as well of the general 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,
object. That object has been, and is the construc
ton or attainment of passage from ocean to
ocean, the shortest and the best for travellers and
merchandise, and equally open to all the world.
1t has sought to obtain no territorial acquisition,
nor any advantages peculiar 10 ITSELF and it would
see with the greatest regrc, that Mexico should
, oppose any obstacle to the accomplishment of an
f enterprise which promises much convenience to
the whole commercial world, and such eminent
advantages to Mexico hereelf. Impressed with
these sentiments and these convictions, the Gov
ernment will continue to exert all proper efforts
to bring about the necessary arrangement with
the republic of Mexico for tle speedy completion
of the work.
For some months past the republic of Nicaragua
has been the theatre of ,f those civil convul.
sions, from which the cause of free institutions.
and the general prosperity ard social progress of
the States of Central Americi, have so often and
so severely suffered. Until quiet shall have been
restored, and government apparently stable shall
have been organized, no advance can prudently be
made in dieposing of the questions pending be-
tween the two countries
am happy to announce ttat inter. oceanic
communication from the mouth of the ST. John to
the Pacific has been so far accomplished that pas
scngers have actually traverselit and merchandise
has been transported over it; md when the canal
shall have been completed, according TO the origi-
nal plan, the means of communication will be fur
ther improved.
1t is understood that considerable part of the
railroad across the Isthmus of Panama has been
completed. and that the mail aad passengers will
in future be conveyed thereon
Whichever OF the several roues between the two
oceans may ultimately prove nDst eligible for ira
vellers to and from the difIercn States on the At
antc and Gulf of Mexico ant coast on the
Pacific, there is little t. doubt that all Of
them will be useful to the public, and will liberal
ly reward that individual enterprise, by which
alone they have been or expected to be carried
into effect.
Peace has been concluded ietween the con-