Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1853-12-15

tnat country, might, IL Is conceived, be re-
leased from some unnecessary restrictions,
to the mutual advantage Of both PARTIES
With 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 on, Of our neighborhood
TO the Islands of Cuba and Porto Rico. II
am happy 10 announce that, since the last
Congress, no attempts have been made, by
Unauthorized expeditions within the United
States, against either of those colonies.--
Should any movement be manifested within
our limits, all the means at my command
will be vigorously exerted to repress it.
Several annoying occurrences have taken
place at Havana, or in the vicinity OF the
Island of Cuba, between our citizens and
the Spanish authorities.
Considering the proximity of that Island
10 our shores, lying as it does in the track
of trade between some Of our principal ci
ties, and the suspicious vigilance with
which foreign intercourse, particularly that
with the United States, is there regarded,
repetition OF such occurrences may well be
apprehended.
AS no diplomatic intercourse is allowed
between our Consul at Havana and the
Captain General of Cuba, ready explana-
tons or prompt redress cannot be afforded
when injury has resulted. All complaint
on the part Of our citizens, under the pre-
sent arrangement, must be in the first place
presented to this Government, and then re-
terred to Spain. Spain again refers it TO
her local authorities in Cuba for navigation,
and postpones an answer until she has heard
from those authorities.
To avoid these irritating and vexatous
delays proposition has been made 10 pro-
vide for direct appeal for redress TO the
Captain General, by our Consul, in behalf
of our injured fellow citizens. Hitherto
the Government of Spain has declined to
enter into any such arrangements. This
course on her part is deeply regretted, for,
without some arrangement of this kind, the
good understanding between the two coun-
tries may be exposed to occasional inter-
ruption. Our Minister at Madrid is in
structed 10 renew the proposition, and to
press it upon the consideration Of her Cath
Ollie Majesiy's Government.
For several years, Spain has been calling
the attention Of this Government to claim
for losses by some Of her subjects in her
schooner Amistad. This claim is based on
the obligations imposed by our existing trea.
ty with that country. Its justice was ad-
mitted in our diplomatic correspondence
with the Spanish Government as early as
March, l647, and one of my predecessors,
in his annual message of that year, recon-
mended that provision should be made for
its payment.
In January last, it was again submitted
to Congress by the Executive. 1t has re-
ceived favorable consideration by the com
mittees Of both branches, but as yet there
has been no final action it. conceive that
good faith requires its prompt adjustment,
and ! present ii to your ear ly and favorable
consideration.
Martin Kosta, a Hungarian by birth, came
10 this country in 1850, and declared his IN
tention, in due form of law, 10 become a
citizen of the United States. After re-
manning here nearly two years, he visited
Turkey. While at Smyrna, he was forci-
bly, sized, taken on board Of an Austrian
brig ot-war, then lying in the harbcr Of that
place, and then confined in irons, with the
ions of Austria. Our Consul at Smyrna
and Legation at Constantinople, interposcd
. for his release, but their efforts were inef-
, fectual. While thus imprisoned, comman-
der Ingraham, Of the United States ship
Of war St. Louis, arrived at Smyrna, and
after inquiring into the circumstances Of tho
case, came to the conclusion that Kosta was
entitled to the protection of this Govern
ment, and took energetic and prompt mea-
sures for his release. Under an arrange
, ment between the agents of the United
States and of Austria, he was transferred
to the custody Of the French Consul Cen
eral at Smyrna, there to remain until he
should be disposed of by the mutual agree
f ment Of the Consu!s of the respective Gov
! ernments, at that place. Pursuant TO thai
agreement he has been released, and is now
ON his way to the United States.
, The Emperor Of Austria has made the
conduct Of our officers who took part in the
transaction, subject of grave comment
Regarding Kosta as still his subject, ant
, claiming right 10 seize him within the lin
its of the Turkish Empire, he has demand
ed OF this Government its consent to the
surrender OF the prisoner, a dlsavowal o
the acts Of its agents, and satisfaction fol
the al!edged outrage. After careful con
E sideration Of the case; came TO the conclu
' sion that Kosta was seized without lega
! authority at Smyrna; that he was wrongful
E ly detained on board the Austrian brig o
$ war; that, at the time of his Seizure, he wa
r clothed with the nationality of the Unite,
: States, and that the acts of orr Officers, un
: der the circumstances of the case, wer
justifiable, and their conduct has been full,
: approved by me, and a compliance with tn
f several demands OF the Emperor of Aus
e tria has been declined.
= For more full account of this transac
: ton, and my views in regard to it, | refer t
TO the correspondence between the Charg
d. Affairs of Austria and the Secretary Q
: Of State which is herewith transmitted
The principles and policy therein maintain
ed on the part Of the United States, will
e whenever proper occasion occurs, be APP
| ,lied and enforced