Washington sentinel., 1853-12-07
MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE U. S.
Delipered December, 6, 1853.
fcHow-eiti<ens ofthe Senate
and of tie House of fRepyeSeatatiteS:


public anticipate the assembling of Congress, aud
The fulhlmenl, on that occasion, OF the duty i'm
posed upon a new President, is of the best
evidences OF their capacity 10 realize the hopes OF
The founders of political system, al once complex
and symmetrical, While the different branches
of the government are, TO n certain extent, indie
pendent of each other, the duties OF all. alike have
direct reference 10 the source OF power Fortu
nately, under this system, no man is so high, and
none so humble, in the scale of public station, as
10 escape from the scrutiny, or TO be exempt from
the responsibility, which all official functions
imply.
Upon the justice and intelligence Of the masses,
in a government thus organized, is the sole rol-
ance of the confederacy and the only security for
honest and earnest devotion 10 its interests
against the usurpations and encroachments OF
power the one hand and the assaults of per-
sonal ambition on the other
The interest, of which have spoken, is insepa-
rabe from an inquiring, self-governing community,
but stimulated, doubtless, AT the present time, by
the unsettled condition OF our relations with
several foreign powers; by the new obligations
resulting from sudden extension OF the field oil
enterprise by the spirit with which that field has
been entered, and the amazing energy with which
its resources for meeting the demands of humani-
" have been developed.
Although disease, assuming at one time tho
characteristics of widespread and devastating
pestence, has left its sad traces upon some por-
tions of our country have still the most abund-
ant cause for reverent thanktulness 10 God for an
accumulation of signal merces showered upon us
as nation. 1t is well that consciousness. OF
rapid advancement and increasing strength be ha-
bitualy associated with an abiding of de-
pendence 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
fundamental law and rejoicing IN the benign lnfiu-
cncc which il has exerted upon social and po-
litcal condition, should shrink from clear duty,
did fail TO express my deepest conviction, that
place secure reliance upon any appar-
ent progress, If il be not sustained by national in
tegry, resting upon the great truths affirmed and
illustrated by divine revelation. In the midst OF
sorrow for the afflicted and suffering, it has
been consollng 10 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 untes all hearts, in all parts of this Union
when danger threatens from abroad, or calamity
impcnds over us at home.
Our diplomatic relations with foreign powers
have undergone essential change since the ad-
Journment OF the last Congress. With some of
them, questions of a disturbing character still
pending, but there are good reasons TO believe
that these may all be amicably adjusted.
For some years past Great Britain has so con-
strued the first article of the convention of the Goth
of April, 1915 in regard TO the fisheries on the
northeastern coast, as TO exclude our citizens from
some of the fishing grounds, TO which they freely
resorted for nearly quarter OF century subse-
quent TO the date of that treaty The United States
have never acquiesced in this constructions but
have always claimed for their fishermen all the
rights which they had SO long enjoyed without mo-
iesiaton. With view TO remove all difficulties
the subject, 10 extend the rights of our fisher
men beyond the limits fixed by the convention Of
1918, and 10 regulate trade between the United
States and the British North American provinces
negotiation has been opened, with a fair pros
pect of favorable result. To protect our fisher
men in the enjoyment of their rights, and preven,
collision between them and British fishermen.
deemed il expedlent 10 station naval force in
that quarter during the fishing season.
Embarrassing questions have also arisen be-
tween the two governments in regard 10 Central
America Great Britain has proposed 10 settle
them by an amicabe arrangement, and our minister
at London is instructed 10 enter into negotiations
on that subject.
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 Sth of February last, is now
sitting in London for the transaction of business.
1t is in many respects desirable that the bound
airy line between the United States and the British
provinces in the northwest, as designated in the
convention of the 9Th of June, 1S46 and especi-
ally that part which separates the Territory of
Washington from the British possessions on the
north should be traced and marked /, therefore,
present the subject to your notice.
With France our relations continue on the most
friendly footing. The extensive commerce be-
tween the United States and that country might.
unnecessary
restrictions TO the mutual advantage of both par
ties. With a view 10 this object, some progress
has been made in negotiating treaty of commerce
and navigation.
independently of our valuable trade with Spain
we have important political relations with her
growing out of our neghborhood TO the islands of
Cuba and Porto Rico. | am happy to announce
that since the last Congress no attempts have been
made by unauthorized expeditions within the
United States, against either of those colonies
Shn,, may ha anifa sa1
limits, all the means at my command will be Wig
orously exerted TO repress it. Several ANNOYING
occurrences have taken place al Havana, or in the
vicinity Of the island of Cuba between citi-
zens and the Spanish authorities. Considering
the proximity of that island to our shores-lying
as il does, in the track of trade between some of
our principal cites-and the suspicious vigilance
with which foreign intercourse, particularly that
with the United States, is there guarded, a repe-
tition OF such occurrences may well be appre-
hended.
As no diplomatic intercourse is allowed between
our consul at Havana and the captain general OF
Cuba ready explanations cannot be made,
prompt redress afforded where in ury has resulted.
All complaint on the part of citizens, under
The present arrangement, must be, in the first
place, presented 10 this government; and then re-
ferred 10 Spain. Spain again refers il to her local
authorities in Cuba for Investigation, and post
pones answer till she has heard from those
authorities. To avoid these irritating and vexa-
,ious delays, proposition has been made TO pro-
vide for direct appeal for redress TO the captain
general by our consul, III behalf Of injured
feow-citzens. Hitherto the government of Spain
has declined 10 enter into any such arrangement.
This course on her part is deeply regretted; for,
without some arrangement Of this kind the good
understanding between the two countries may be
exposed to occasional interruption. Our minister
al Madrid is instructed 10 renew the proposition
and 10 press il again upon the consideration OF her
Catholic maJesty's government.
For several years Spain has been calling the
attention OF this government 10 a claim for losses
by OF her subjects, in the Oft the schooner
Amstad This claim is believed to rest on the
obligations imposed by our existing treaty with
thai country. Its justice was admitted in our
diplomatic correspondence with the Spanish gov
ernment, as early March, lS47; and one OF nv
predecessors, in his annual message Of that wear
recommended that provision should be made for
its payment. In January last il was again sub
mitted TO Congress by the executive. II has re-
ceived a favorable consideration by committees OF
both branches, but yet there has been no final
action upon il. Iconceive that good faith requires
its prompt adjustment, and present il 10 your
early and favorable consideration.