Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1853-12-16

Japan, unuef the cOnlmdDu Oh NoiuinO-
dore Perry, for the purpose of open
ing numerical intercourse with, that
island. Intelligence has. been received
of his arrival there, and Of his having
made known to the Emperor of Japan
the object of his visit; but it is not yet
ascertained how far the Emperor will
be disposed to abandon his restrictive
policy, and open that populous country
to commercial intercourse with the
United States.
/ 1t has been my earnest desire to
maintain friendly intercourse with the
governments upon this continent, and
to aid them in preserving good under
standing among themselves. With
Mexico, a dispute has arisen as to the
true boundary line between our terrific
~ of New Mexico and the Mexican
State of chihuahua. A former COM
missioner Of the United States, employ
ed in running that line pursuan TO
the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. made
a serious mistake in determining the
initial point ON the Rio Grande; but.
inasmuch as his decision was clearly u
departure from the directions for ira
cling the boundary contained in that
treaty, and was not concurred in by
the surveyor appointed on the part of
the United States, whose concurrence
was necessary to give validity to that
decision. this government Is not con-
cluded thereby; but that Of Mexico takes
different view OF the subject.
There are also other questions of
considerable magnitude pending be-
tween the the Two republics. Our
minister in Mexico has ample instruc-
tions TO adjust them. Negotiations
have been opened, but sufficient prog
ress has not been made therein 10 en-
able me TO speak of the probable re-
suit. Impressed with the importance
OF maintaining amicable relations with
that republic, and OF yielding with
liberahty to allher just claims, it is rea-
sonable TO expect that an arrangement
mutually satisfactory to both coun-
tries may be concluded, and lasting
friendship between them confirmed and
Iperpetuated.
Congress having provided for full
mission TO the States OF Central Amer
lea. q minister was sent thithcr in July
last, As yet he has had time TO visit
only one OF these States, Nicaragua J
where he was received IN the most
friendly manner. Ii is hoped that his
presence and good Offices will have a
benign effect in composing the dlssen-
sions which prevail among them, and in
establishing still more intimate and
frieadly relations between them re-
spectively, and between each of them
and the United States. Z" iesr
Considering tho vast regions OF this
continent, and the number of States
that would be made accessible by the
free navigation of the river Amazon,
particular attention has been given to
this subject. Brazil, through whose
territories it passes into the ocean, has
hitherto persisted in q policy so re-
strictiye, IN regard TO the use OF this
river, rs to obstruct, and nearly exclude
foreign commercial intercourse with
the states which lie upon its tributaries
aud upper branches. Our minister to
that country is instructed 70 obtain
n relaxation Of that policy, and to
use his efforts to induce the Brazilian
government 10 open to common use,
under proper safeguards, this great
natural highway Tor international
trade.
Several Of the South American States
are deeply Interested in this attempt to
secure thD free navigation OF the Am
azon. and IL Is reasonable TO expect
their co-op Grafton in the measure. AS
che advantages of FREQ commercial in-
course among nations are better under
stood, more liberal views are generally
entertained Us to the common rights
Of all TO the free use OF those means
which nature has provided for inter-
national communication. To those
moro liberal aud enlightened views, IL
| is hoped that Brazil will conform her
policy, md remove all unnecessary re.
strictions upon the free use OF u river
which trayerses 30 many States and
so large part OF the continent. Lam
happy TO inform you that tho republic
OF Paraguay and the Argentine Con.
federation have yielded 10 tho liberal
policy still resisted by Brazil. in ro-
gard TO the nayigablo rivers within
their respective territories, Treaties
embracing this subject among others
have been negotiated with these gov
ernments. which will be Submitted to
the Senate at the present session.
4 A new branch of commerce, impor-
tant to the agricultural interests OF
the United States, has, within a few
years past, been opened ut Peru.----
Notwithstanding the inexhaustible de-
posits OF guano upon the islands OF
that country, considerable difficulties
are experienced in obtaining the req
uisite supply. Measures have been
taken W remove these difficulties, and
10 secure a more abundant importa-
ton of the article. Unfortunately,
there has been serious collision be-
tween our citizens, who have Jesorbod
to the Chincha islands forit, and tae
Peruvian authorities stationed there.
Redress for the outrages committed
by the latter, was promptly demanded
by our minister NJ Lima. This subject
IL now under consideration, and thoro
Is reason TO boliovo that Peru Ia dispo.
eed 10 oder adequate indemnity TO tho
aggrioycd parties.
!. We are thus not only at pcaoo with
all Goreign countries, but. In regard 10
political affairs, are exempt from any
cause OF serious disquiotuao In our DO.
mceIio relations.
The controversies which have agita.
ted tho country heretofore, are passing
away with lhu causes which produced
than. auI fl.. ..sa.st...a .ul.l.i. th...s La.