Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1852-12-11
The Presidents Message.

The Picayune gives a synopsis of the Pres
ident's Message. As we shall probably COM
mence next week the publication of this inter-
esting document in full, we shall only extract
from this synopsis a few of the most interest
ing items:
Our relations with Cuba are in a very unset
tied state. There is 4 feeling of alarm and irri-
tation among the authorities of that island.
They have intertered with our commercial in
tercourse by som of their acts and we have
cause of complaint, but we have no power to
treat with the Captain General of the island,
nor is he under the control Of the Spanish Min
lister at Washington. Therefore the matter
has been brought to the attention of the Court
of Madrid, accompanied by serious remonstran-
ces. 1t is just to say, however, that except in
regard to the Crescent City, the course of the
Cuban authorities towards the u. S. Mail
steamers, was courteous.
Early in the present year official notes were
received from the Government of England and
France, inviting an alliance with the United
States to preserve Cuba from the open attacks
or insidious encroacllments of all other nations
whatever.
The proposal was declined by this Govern
ment. But the annexation of Cuba to the
United States is regarded as a dangerous
measure, inasmuch as it will give rise to Sec
tionaI strife on the slavery and free soil qnes-
ton.
The rejection of the Tehuantepec treaty and
convention by the Mexican Congress, presents a
serious obstacle to a great national object. 1t is
hoped that the differences in the matter, between
the two countries, may yet be satisfactorily
adjusted. The subject is before the United
States Senate and requires no comment from
the President.
The convention between England and the
United States in regard to the settlement Of
the boundaries of Nicaragua was assented to
by the State of Costa Rica and the Kingdom of
Mosquito, but was rejected by Nicaragua. Fur
ther negotiations may succeed.
The expedition to Japan promises great adj
vantages to all the world. This King of the
Netherlands has lent his good Offices in forward
ing the purposes of the expedition.
Up to June 80, the annual receipts at the U.
S. Treasury amounted to 2 1856; expen-
ses $46,7 700, 1896. The value of the the imports
during the year was over $2O7, 100000. Do
mestic exports $l49,000,0OO. Imports of for
eign goods $l7,OOO,0OO. Exports of specie
100000 90; imports 100000.
The President then reviews the effects of the
present tariff, and suggests that moderate spe-
cific duties take the place of ad ualorem duties.
He notes that the duty is now higher on the raw
material than on the manufactured article,
which is a bonus to foreigners.
The report of the Commissions of the Land
Office shows great activity in that department
during the year. Over thirteen millions of
acres of public lands were sold or located.
The postage receipts for the year are twenty
three per cent less than the year previous. This
is consequent on the reduction in postage. 1t is
believed, however, that cheap postage will
finally remunerate Government fully for its
expenses in that department. The President
depricates a return to the Did system.
The message inculcates in strong terms the
necessity of the policy of not interfering in the
course of foreign nations. By adopting this
course now we shall more than ever preserve
peace. 1t is necessary for US to pursue this
policy. France, in her first revolutionary strug-
gle, is referred to as an example of the PERM
cious effects of intermeddling with the political
rules aud conduct of other countries.
The President warns the country against the
reasons advanced to obtain our assist
ance for other countries in political struggles.
Expeditions set on foot for this purpose are
either on needless rashness or motives
of a mercenary character with designs for plum
der alone. Such attempts retard our progress
and tarnish our good name and fame. They
must be discountenanced.
President Fillmore concludes this, his last
message, by congratulating Congress on the
prosperity of our country, and the friendly ma.
ture of its foreign relations, and its high rank
the nations of the globe, is recognized
by the focking to our shores of the multitudes
who find happy and peaceful homes under the
folds of the American flag.
We owe these manifold blessings under Heav-
to our constitution and government. We
should carefully transmit these to posterity.
The President then says, that called by un-
dispensation of Providence, to the oc-
of a post of the highest responsibility,
he had entered upon its duties with diffidence,
and had endeavored to discharge them to the
best of his ability, and with but one object, the
good. He feels grateful that on retiring
from office he will leave the country in peace
and prosperity.
The Washington Monument Contribution
By the following from the Natchez Courier,
appears that up to this time twenty-five pla-
,-o Lo,,, loa- hood F~~r, ,,xL,~o ho~o1 y,aro |