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

The Message of the PRESIDENT is docu-
ment of such universal interest, and is already
in such wide circulation, that it will be read at
length in every portion Of the country long be-
fore any mere synopsis of its contents can reach
even our more immediate subscribers. We
look with confidence to simultaneous approval
from all sections of its general sentiments and
recommendations.
BY far the larger proportion of the Message is
occupied with our foreign relations. A brief
history is given of the LOPEZ expedition, and
of the course pursued by the Government in
regard to it, which course, in our judgment,
cannot fail to commend itself to all good men.
The Administration sought to prevent the in
vasion, and warned all who might engage in it
that they would forfeit all claim to the protec-
ton of our Governments but it has not withheld
from its unfortunate victims the benefits of the
most urgent and solicitous appeals to the elem
ency of her Catholic Majesty
The message reaffirms the policy of WASH
INGToN and JACKSON in regard to our relations
with other governments, and explains the mis-
sion of republcanism to be that Of teaching by
example, not of propagating its opinions by force
or fraud But it adds, with degree of signii-
canoe and emphasis that cannot fail to be OBJ
served and remarked upon, that the feelings
and sympathies resulting from our education,
and the nature of our institutions, will not per-
NIT us to " be Indifferent" to a case in which
the strong arm of foreign power ntervenes to
repress the spirit of freedom in any country.
The orders of the British and French govern
ments to their naval forces in the West Indies,
with regard to the protection of Cuba, seem to
have been very properly considered and treated
by our Government.
We believe that the American people felt in
dignantly the great public shame and scandal of
the treatment of the Spanish consul at New
Orleans; and we have no doubt that Congress
will adopt prompt measures for his indemnifi-
cation.
To our reciprocal trade with Canada-the
boundary line with Oregon--the convention for
the adjustment of certain claims of our citizens
against Portugal-the notice taken by the
Turkish government of our reception of AMIN
Blythe release of KossUrH, and his invita-
ton to this country-the difficulties between
the French republic and that of the Sandwich
Islands, and our own relations to the latter gov
ernment-the condition of MEXICO, and the
several routes suggested for interoceanic transit
through her territory-the tranquillized state of
San Domingo, and the appointment of Com
missioner to CHINA, the residue of this portion
of the Message is devoted.
To those portions of the Message which are
devoted to the Reports of the several Depart
ments, it is only necessary to alude, in passing;
as we shall publish the Reports In full, with
an ample synopsis of their contents. Our pre-
sent business is with those portions of the Mes
sage which contain those recommendations
which may be supposed to come more directly
from the PRESIDENT himself
The revision of the public statutes of the
United States, by commission appointed for
that purpose, will meet with universal favor.
Here is case in which all the advantages of
codification can be secured, and which is not
subject to the objections that are usually urged
with great force against it.
The citizens of this District may well ac-
knowledge the attention of the PRESIDENT to
their comfort and convenience, both through
what they see commenced about them already,
and his recommendations for their prospective
benefit.
The PRESIDENT renews his recommendation
Of the establishment Of commission for the
adjudication of private claims against the Gov
eminent. This measure, under his previous
recommendation, failed in the House by only
few votes.
The portion Of the Message whick is likely
to attract the most attention, just at this mo-
ment, is that which relates to the Fugitive
Slave law and the Compromise measures of
the last Congress. 1t will be seen that the