The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1853-12-13
0fneral neps.
From the Charleston Mercury.
synopsis of the Presidents Messaa

10 both Houses of Congress.
tie commences by saying that the interest
with which the people look to the assembling
of ongress, and the fulfment on that occa-
sion of the duty imposed on their new Presi.
dent, are The best evidences of their capacity
to realise the hopes of the founders Of the gov
ernneut as the sole reance of this Confrdera-
cy is on the justice and intelligence of the
masses.
The country has abundant cause for thank
fulness to God for the many mercies showered
upon the nation; thus recognising the wisdom
of absolute religious federation, as no secure
reliance can be placed upon any apparent pro-
gress unless sustained by national, integrity,
resting upon the truths Of Revelation.
With regard to our diplomatic relations with
Foreign Powers, the President says they have
undergone no change since the adjournment Of
the last Congress, and that those now pending
of a disturbing character will probably be ami
scably adjusted.
E Respecting the Fishery question, he says
that the United States never recognised the
British construction of the Treaty of 1918,
and that with a view Of extending the rights
of American Fishermen, and regulating the
trade between the United States and the Brit.
! ish American Possessions, negotiations had
been opened with fair prospect of favora-
bic result.
In regard to the controversy upon the affairs
lin Central America, he says that Great Britain
has proposed an amicabIe arrangement, and
sour Minister in London has consequently been
Instructed to enter into negotiations on the sub.
ject aud he also represents it as desirable that
the Boundary line between the United States
and the British American possessions in the
North. west be traced and marked.
The relations with France are friendly, and
treaty Of Commerce and Navigation is pro-
crossing.
In regard to Cuba, he says, that he is happy
tn announce that siuce the last Congress no
unauthorized expedition had been fitted out
from the United States, and that should any
such movements be undertaken, he will repress
themsby all the means in his power.
He refers to several annoying occurrences
as having taken place at Havana between our
citizens and Spanish Subjects and says that
prompt redress cannot be obtained, because
diplomatic intercourse is not allowed between
the American Consul and Captain General
To avoid vexatious delay, proposition had
been made to provide for a direct appeal for
\ redress from the American Consul to the Cap
tain General, which the Spanish Government
had hitherto refused to agree to; but that our
Minister at Madrid had been instructed to re.
! new the application. He also recommends
B prompt adjustment with Spain Of the claim for
losses in. the ease Of the schooner Amidab
: Concerning the case of Martin Koszta, he
recapitulates facts as set forth in Mr.. Marcy's
{ letter, and says that the principles and policy
5 therein maintained will be enforced wherever
proper occasion may arise.
Our Commissioner in China, he says, has
been instructed to avail himself Of all occasions
tu extend our Commercial Relations with that
and other Asiatic nations.
He mentions the arrival of Commodore
Perry's Squadron on the Coast of Japan, but
: states that he has not ascertained the effect of
the Expedition on the Emperor.
He refers to the dispute with Mexico regard.
ing the Mesilla Valley, and says that the form
er Commissioner Of the United States made
an error in running boundary, which was not
binding on the United States; but as Mexico
takes different view of the subject, our Minis.
ter to that Court had been instructed to nego-
fiate upon that and other questions Of magni-
tude now pending, but what progress has been
made in. the premises he does not know, but
hopes that an arrangement mutually satisfac.
tory will be made in spirit of liberality and
friendship.
Our Minister to Central America has re-
ceived a friendly reception at San Juan de Nj
caragua. Our Minister to Brazil has been in.
xtructed to induce that Government to abate
its restrictive policy in regard to the navigation
of the Amazon, as Paraguay and the Argentine
Confederation have opened their navigabe riv-
ers He says, however, that treaties on the
subject will be submitted 10 the Sela'e.
Measures have been taken, he says, to re
move the difficulty now experienced in obtain
ing gunno, and that it is believed that the Pc.
ruvian Government have made an indemnity
for the recent outrage at the Chincha Islands.
He refers TO our expansion in territorial ex-
tent, and the increased happiness and prosperi.
ty. OF our country, and endorses the doctrine
of State Rights, and the strict Limitation of the
powers of the Federal Government.
The revenue Of the country; he states, to
be increasing beyond either the interest or
prospective wants of the country, il amounting
for the year ending June Both, 1883. to nearly
S59,000,000 from Customs, and s2,5OO.OOO |
from public lands, &c. The expenditures ex.
elusive OF payments on account of the public |
debt, were S43, $50, 900, leaving balance Of
32.250,000 including the balance for the year
ending June 30th, 1858.
He recommends that the surplus revenue be
first applied TO tie discharge of the public
debt; and secondly, that means be devised to
effect gradual reduction Of the revenue The |
first is already in The course of accom- plishment,
the public debt amounting to s56,25O,OO0