Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1852-12-09
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
fsRole eitisens ofihe .Sennte

and House Of Representatives
The brief space which has elapsed since the
close ofyour last session has been marked by no
extraordinary political event The quadrennial
election Of Chief Magistrate has passed off with
less than the usual excitement. However indi-
vduals and parties may have been disappointed
in the result, 1t is nevertheless a subject of ma
tionsl congmtulaton that the choice has been eff
fected by the independent suiirages Of free
people, undisturbed by those influences which in
other countries have too often affected the purity
of popular elections.
Our grateful thanks are due to an All merci-
ful Providence, not only for staying the pesti-
lence which in different forms has desolated
some Of our cities, but for browning the abofs OF
the hushandman with an abundant harvest. and
the nation generally with the blessings Of peace
and prosperity
Within few weeks the public mind has been
deeply affected by the death of Daniel Webster
filling at his decease the Office of Secretary OF
State. His associates IN the Executive govern.
ment have sincerely sympathized with his iami-
ly and the public generally on this mourniul oc-
casion. His commanding talents, his great po-
litcal and professional emnence, his well tried
patriotism, and his long and faithful services. III
the most important public trusts have caused his
death to be amented throughout the country
and have earned for him a lasting place in our
history.
In the course ofthe last summer considerable
anxiety was caused Tor snort Tune Dy an o'hclal
inlim ,iion from the government of Great Brit
am that orders had been gwen Tor the protection
OF The fisheries upon the coasts OF the British
provinces IN North America against tIe alleged
encroachmcn,s of the fishing vessels of the Uni
ted States aud France. The shortness of this
notice aud the season of the year seemed 10
make TIA matter OF urgent Importance 1t was
at first Appreciated that an increased naval force
had been ordered TO the fishing grounds to carry
into effect the Brush Interpretation of those pro-
visions IN the convention OF lelo, IN reference
TO the true intent OF winch the two governments
dilier. II was soon discovered that such was not
the design OF Great brlAlil, ana satisfactory eX-
plantations OF the real objects OF the measure
have been gwen both here ana IN London.
The unadJusted difference, however, between
the two governments as 10 the Interpretation o
the iirst article OF the convention OF lolo Is stu
matter OF Importance. American hshng yes
sells within nine or ten years nave been excluded
from waters to which they had Tree access 70
twenty five years after the negotiation OF the trea
ty. In lcI5 this exclusion VAS reioXcd so Tar q
concerns the Bay OF Fundy' but the Just and Ito
eral intention OF the Home government, IN com
pllancc with what we think the true construction
Of the convention, to open all the outer bays {
the opposition of the colonies. Notwnhstandnl
tins, the United States have, since the Bay Z
Fundy WAS re-opcned 10 our fishermen IN Isl,
pursued the most liberal course toward the colo
Nal fishing interests. By the revenue law G
loi6, the duties on colonial fish entering on
ports we're very greatly reduced, aud by III
warehousng act 1t - allowed TO be entered ]
bond without payment Of duty. In this way co
lonal fish has acquired the monopoly of the eS
mort fradp n Our market and Il eutprinU a goul
extent into the home consumption. ! hese fact
were among those which increased the sensbI
ty Of our fishing interest, at the movement i
question.
These circumstances and the incidents abov
alluded to have led me TO think the moment ia
vorable for reconsideration of the entire subjec
of the fisheries on the coasts of the British prov
Inces with view to place them upon a NOR
liberal footing of reciprocal privilege. A vii
lingness 10 meet US IN some Arrangement of thi
kind is understood TO exist on the part of Grea
Britain with desire on her part TO include j
one comprehensive settlement, as well this sub
ject as the commercial intercourse between tn
United States and the British provinces. hav
thought that whatever arrangements may b
made on these two objects, II is expedient tia
they should be embraced in separate conventions
The illness and death Of the late Secretary O
State prevented the commencement of the con
templated negotiation Pains have been takel
10 collect the information required for the detail
OF such an Arrangement The subject is attend
ed with considerable difficulty. Ii II is foun,
practicable to come to an agreement mutual,
acceptable 10 the Two parties conventions ma,
be concluded ia the course Of the present winter
The control of Congress over all the provision
of such an arrangement, affecting the revenue
will Of course be reserved
The affairs of Cuba formed prominent topi,
nmy last annual message They remain in al
uneasy condition. and feeling of alarm and irri