The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-12-24
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

md the ful6lment on that occasion of the duties |
imposed upon new President, is one OF the
best evidences Of their capacity to realize the
hopes OF the founders Of a political system, at
once complex and systematical. While the
different branches OF the government are, to a
certain extent, independent of each other, the |
duties of all, alike have a direct reference to
those OF the other. Fortunately under this !
system, no man is SO high and none SO humble
in the scale of public station, as to escape from
the scrutiny, or to be exempt from the respon
ST. llity, which all official functions imply Upon
the Justice and intelligence of the masses. in
thus organized, is the sole reliance
of the confeder acy, and the only security for
honeat and earnest devotion to ITS interests
ae anst the usurpation AMI encroachments of
power on the one hand, and the assaults Of per-
sonal ambition on the other.
The interest of which have spoken is lnsep-
cradle from an nquirlng sc!f-govcrnng commit
nity; but stimulated doubtless at the present
time, by the unsettled condition Of our relations
with several foreign powers by the new obi
cations resulting from sudden extension Of the
field of enterprise; by the spirit with which
that field has been entered, and the increasing
energy with which its resources Tor meeting
the demands of humanity have been deve-
oped.
Although, disease, assuming at one time the
characteristics of wide spraad devastating pes
thence, has left its sad trace upon portions Of
our country, we have still the most abundant
cause for thankfulness to God, for an accumula-
ton Of signal mercies bestowed upon us as a ma
ton. In the midst of sorrow for the afflicted
and suffering, it has been consol.ng to see how
promptly disasters made true neiShbors OF dis
trict. and cities, separated widely from each
other, and cheering to watch the strength of the
common bond of brotherhood, which unites all
hearts in all parts of this Union when dangers
threaten from abroad, or calamIIcs lmpcnd over
US at home.
1t is we'll that consciousness Of rapid ad-
vancement and increasing strength be habtu-
ally associated with an abiding sense Of depen-
dance upon HIM who holds in his hands the des
TIMES Of men and nations. Recognizing the WIS
dom of the broad principles Of absolute reiis-
ious federation, proclaimed in our law, and re-
joici,g in the benign influence which it has ey-
.rted upon our social and political condition.
shonld shrink from a clear duty did l fail TO
express my deepest conviction that We can place
no secure reliance upon any apparent progress,
If it be not sustained by national integrity res
ting upon the great truths aflmc.l and illustrated
by divine revelations.
Our diplomatic relations with foreign powers
have undergone no essential Change since the
adjournment of the last Congress.
With some of them, questions Of a disturbing
character have arisen and are still peidin-, but
there good reasons 10 believe that these may
Pie amicaby adjusted.
For some years past, Great Britain has so con-
strued the first article of the Convention of the
Goth Of April 1873. in regard TO the Fisheries OF
the northeastern coasts, as to exclude our ciii-
zens from some of the fishing grounds, 10 which
they formerly resorted for nearly a quarter of a
century, subsequent to the date of that treaty.
The United States have not acquicsced in the
construction, but always claimed for our fisher
men. the rights which they had so long enjoy
ed without moestation. With a view to re-
move all difficulties Oh the subject, to extend the
rights of our fishermen beyond the limits fixed
by the convention of 1918, and to regulate The
trade between the United States and the British
North American Provinces, 4 negotiation has
been opened with fair prospect OF a favorable
result
To protect our fishermen..in the enioyments o.
their rights, and TO prevent colliss on between
them and British fishermen, deemed ii eXpe.
dent to station naval force in that quarter dil-
ring the fishing season. Embarrassing question:
had also arisen between the two governments
in regard to Central America. Great Britain
proposed to settle them by an am!cabie arrange
ment, and our Minister at London is i structed
to enter INFO negotiations that subject. A
commission for adjusting the claims of our citi-
zeps against Great Britaian and those British
Subjects against the U. S., and the british Pro-
vinces OF the northwest. as designed in the
Convention Of the 18th of January, 1916, espec-
tally that part which separates the Territory OF
Washington from the British possessions. on the
north, should be surveyed and marked, and
therefore, present the subject to yolr nctice.
With France our relations are tn the most
friendly footing. The exclusive commercial in
tercourse between the U. S. and that country
might, it is conceded, be released from nnneccs-
sary restr. ctons to the mutual advantage of both
parties. With a view TO this object some pro-
gress has been made in negotiating treaty Of
mn md
our valuable trade, with Spain, we have ilnpo.-
tant political relations 18th her, grow nr ont OF
our neighborhood 10 the island of Cuba and
Porto Rico.
am happy TO announce that since the las,
Congress no attemps have been made bv unor
tnorized expeditions within the United States
against either of these Colonies Sho I'D any
such movement be manifested within our limits
all the means at my command will BY vigorous
ly exerted to repress it. Several cnnoylur civ
cumstanccs have taken place at Havana or in
the vicinity OF the island Of Cuba. between
our citizens and the Spanish authorities. Con-
siderlnS the proximity Of that Island to our
shores, lying as it does in the track of trade be-
tween some of our principle cities and the course
particularly that with the United States, is there
regarded, a repetition OF such occurrences NAV
not be- unprecedented. As no diplomatic inter-
tercourse is allowed between our consulate at
Havana and the Captain General of Cuba, ready
explorations cannot be made, Or prompt red css
effected, where injury has. resulted. All COM
plants on the part Of citizens under the present
arrangement must be, in the first place, be pre-
sented to this Government and then referred to
Spain.
Spain again refers them TO her local aut!,ori-
ties IN Cuba for investigation and postpones an
answer unit! she has heard from those authori-
ties. 10 avoid these irritating and vexatious de-
lays, propositions. hassbeen made to provide for
a'rect appeal for redress TO the Captain General
by our Consul in behalf of our Injured fellow
ci'Izehs Hitherto the Government of Spain has
to enter into such arrangement. This course in
her past history is deeply regretted; for without
some arrangement oil this kid the good under
standing between the two countries may be ex-
posed to occasional Interruptions Oar Minister
at Madrid is instructed 10 renew the propositon
and to press II again upon Her Catholic Maiestv,s
Government
FOR several years Spain has been calling the