Meigs County telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy [Ohio]) 1848-1859, 1853-12-13

LHTty-HST~ OOHyfeSS-W lZt OQOtE,
Tuesday, December 6, 1853.
FELLOW CITIZENS OF THE SENATE AND OF TIRE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
The interest with which the people of the
Republic anticipate the assembling of Con-
gress, and the fulfllment, on that occasion,
of the duty imposed upon new President,
is one of the best evidences of their capaci-
ty to realize the hopes of the founders of a
political system, at once complex and SYM
metrical. While the different branches of
the government are, TO certain extent, in
of each other, the duties of all,
alike bREc direct reference to the source OF
possf 6Ti37aIflS iipIcf lIIis 3stFnl sao,
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scrutiny, or to be exempt from tic reSpon-
sibiity, which all official functions imply.
Upon the justice ana intelligence OF TIC
masses in government thus organized. is
the sole reliance Of the confrdcracy, and
the only security for honest and earnest de-
votion to its interests, against the u Grpa-
tons and Entertainments of power on the
one hand, and the assaults Of personal am
bition on the other
The interest of which l have spoken, is
inseparable from an inquiring, self govern
ing community, but stimulated, doubtless,
at the present time, by the unsettled condi-
ton of our relations with several foreign
powers; by the new obligations resulting
from a sudden extension of the field of en-
terprise by the spirit with which that field
has been entered, and the amazing energy
with which its resources for meeting the de-
mands of humanity have been developed.
Although disease, assuming at one time
the characteristics of wide spread and de-
vastating pestilence, has left its sad traces
upon some portions Of our country, we have
still the most abundant cause for rcverent
thankfulness to God for an accumulation of
signal mercies showered upon us as a ma
ton. Its well that consciousness of rapid
advancement and increasing strength be
habitually associated with an abiding sense
Of dependence upon him who holds in his
hands the destiny of men and of nations.
Recognizing the wisdom of the broad
principle of absolute religious federation
proclaimed in our fundan entail law, and re-
joicing in the benign influence which it has
exerted upon our social and political cond-
ton, should shrink from clear duty did I
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, resting upon the great
truths affirmed and illustrated by divine rev.
elation, In the midst of our sorrow for the
afflicted and suffering, it has been consoing
to see how promptly disaster made true
neighbors of districts and cities separated
widely from each other, and cheering 10
watch the strength of that common bond
of brotherhood, which unites all hearts, in
all parts of this Union, when danger threat
ems from abroad, or calamity impends over
us at home.
Our diplomatic relations with foreign pow
ers have undergone no essential change
since the adjournment of the last Congress.
With some OF them, questions of disturb
ing character are still pending, but there are
good reasons to believe that these may all
be amicably adjusted.
For some years past, Great Britain has
so construed the first article of the conven-
ton of April, 18 8, in regard to the fisher
les on the northeastern coast, as to exclude
our citizens from some of the fishing grounds
to which they freely resorted for nearly a
quarter of century subsequent to the date
of that treaty. The United States have
never acquiesced in this construction, but
have always claimed for their fishermen all
the rights which they had so long enjoyed
without molestation. With view to re-
move all difficulties on the subject, to ex-
tend the rights of our fishermen beyond the
limits fixed by the convention of 1918, and
to regulate trade between the United States
and the British North American provinces,
negotiation has been opened, with fair
prospect of favorable result. 10 protect
our fishermen in the enjoyment OF their
rights, and prevent collision between them
and British fishermen, I deemed it expe-
dlent 10 station naval force in that quarter
during the fishing season.
Embarrassing questions have also arisen
between the two governments in regard to
Central America. Great Britain has pro-
posed to settle them by an amicable arrange
ment, and our minister at London is instruc-
ted to enter into negotiations on that sub
lject,
A commission for adjusting the claims Of
our citizens against Great Britain, and those
OF British subjects against the United States
organized under the convention of the 9Th
OF February last, is now sitting in London,
Tor the transaction of business.
1t is in many respects desirable that the
boundary line between the United States
and the British provinces in the northwest,
as designated in the convention of the 5th
June, 846, and especially that part, which
separates the Territory OF Washington from
the British possessions ON the north, should
be traced and marked. therefore presen
the subject to your notice.
With France, our relations continue or
the most friendly footing The extensiv,
commerce between the United States anC
that country might, it is conceived, be re
leased from some unnecessary restrictions
; to the mutual advantage of both parties
: With view to this object some progress.
has been made in negotiating treaty O
commerce and navigation.
Independently of our valuable trade will
Spain, we have important political relations
n