The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-14

ptJy0u III running mat iiue pursuant 10
lhe treaty Of Guadalupe IIidalgo, made a
serious mistake in determining the initial
point on the Rio Grande; but, ,inasmuch as
ns decision was clearly departure from
The directions for tracing the boundary
in that treaty, and was not
concurred in by the surveyor appointed T
on the part of the United States, whose
concurrence was necessary to give validity
10 that decision, this government is not
concluded thereby; but that OF Mexico
takes q. different view OF the subject.
There are also other questions Of con-
siderable magnitude, pending between the
tw yepublics. Our minister in Mexico has |
ample instructions to adjust them. Nego- |
tiations have been opened, but sufficient
progress has not been made therein to en-
able me 10 speak OF the probable result
Impressed with the Importance of main
taising amicable relations with that repub
lic, and of yielding with liberalty TO all
her just claims. it is reasonable 10 expect
that an arrangement mutually satisfactory
10 both countries may be concluded, and
. lasting friendship between them confirm.
ed and perpetuated. sop
81 Congress having provided for full mis-
sion to the States of Central America, a
nainister was sent thither in July last. As
vet no has had time 10 visit onlysone oI
these States, (Nicaragua,) where he was
received in the most friendly manner. II
is hoped that his presence and good offices
will have o benign effact in composing the
sdissensions which prevail among them, and
in establishing still more intimate and
friendly relations between them respective.
fly. and between each Of them and the
United States.
Considering the sastfegiohs of this con.
iinent, and The number Of States which
would be made accessible by the free nav
sigaiion ofthe river Amaz,n, particular at
tention has been given to this subject
Brazil, through whose territories it passes
into the ocean, has hitherto persisted in a
policy so restrictive, in regard to the use
of this river, as TO obstruct. and nearly ex-
elude, foreign Intercourse with
the States which lie upon its tributaries
and upper branches. Our minister to that
scountry is instructed to obtain relaxation
of that policy. and 10 use his efforts TO in
duce the Brazilian government 10 open 10
common use, under proper safeguards. this
great natural highway for international
trade. Several of the South American
States are deeply interestedin this aitempl
80 secure the free navigation ofthe Amazon,
and il is reasonable to expect their coop
eration in the measure.
- As the advantages Of free commercial
intercourse among nations are better .un
sslerstood, more liberal views are generally
entertained as 10 the common rights of all
20 the free use of those means which ma
ssuse has provided for interna,iana al com
m1nication. 70 these more liberal and
enlightened views. it is hoped that Brazil
will conform her policy and remove all
unnecessary restrictions upon the free u sc
Oi 4 river which traversesso many States
and so large a partof the continent. Fam
happy to inform you that the republic o.
Paraguay and the Argentine Confederation
havs yielded to the liberal policy still re
asistsd by Brazil, in regard 10 the navigablt
rivers within their respective territories =
Freaaies embracing this subject among
others have been negotiated with these
Eovernmenfs, which viii be submitted Il
shssSenate al the present session. et
new branch OF commerce. importan
10 ihe agricultural interests of the tjni,ee
States. has within a lew years past, beer
aopened with Peru. notwithstanding thu
inexhaustible deposits OF guano npon th'
islands Of that country. considerable diff
calties are experienced in obtaining III,
requisite supply Measures have been ia
ken to remove these difficulties. and to Sc
cure more abundant importation Of th
afticle. Unfortunately. there has been
serious collision between our citizens, VIII
have sesofted to the Chincha islands, for il
and fhe Peruvian authorities statione'
there. Redress for the outroges. commit
ted by the latter. was promptly demanded
by our minister at Lima. This subject i
now under consideration. and there is rea
son to believe that Peru is disposed TO offe
adequate ndemnity to the aggrieyed part q
We are thus mol only at peace with al
foreign countries, but in regard TO politics
-affairssare exempt from any cause OF Sc
rious sdisquietndeino our domestic relations
The controversies which have agta ate
the country heretofore are passing ava.
will the causes which produced them an
the passions which they had awakened: OF
n any trace Of them remains, IT may b
reasonably hopetl that it will only be per
ceived in the jealous rivalry Of all goo
cisizenst 10 testify their respect forthe right
of the States, their devotion othe Union
end their common determination that eac
0ne Of the States, its institutions. its wei
fare and its domestic peace shall be he'll
alike secure under the sacred segis Of tn
constitution 9ig
This new leagne Of amity and Of mutus
confidence and support, into which III
people oi the republic have entered, hap
i,iiy affdrds inducement and opportunit
for the adoption of more comprehensiv
and unembarassed line Of policy and &C
ton. as to the great material interests
the country, whether regarded in them
selves or in connection with the powers {
the civilized world.
The United States have continued grad
ually and steadily 10 expand, through ac
quisitions Of territory, which. how muc
soeyar some OF them may have beer ques
toned, are now universally seen and ad
mitted TO have been wise in policy, just i
character. and great element in the ad