The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1854-12-09
tions, and adopt requisite commercial regu-


country, but numerous claims upon it for
wrongs and injuries to our citizens remain
unadiusted, and many new cases have been
recently added to the former list of grievan-
ces. Our legation has been earnest in its
endeavors to obtain from the Mexican gov
eminent favorable consideration OF these
claims, but hitherto without success. This
failure is, probably, in some measure to be
ascribed to the disturbed condition of that
country. 1t has been my anxious desire TO
maintain friendly relations with the Mexican
republic, and to cause its rights and terrific
ries TO be respected, not only by our citizens,
but by fore gners who have resorted TO the
United States for the purpose of organizing
hostile expeditions against some OF the states
of that republic. The defenceless condition
in which its frontiers have been left, has
stimulated lawless adventurers to embark in
these enterprises, and greatly increased the
difficulty of enforcing our obligations Of
neutrality. Regarding it as my solemn du-
ty to fulfill, efficiently, these obligations,
not only towards Mexico, but other foreign
nations, have exerted all the powers with
which am invested to defeat such criminal
proceedings, and bring to punishment
those who, by taking part therein, violated
our laws. The energy and activity of our
civil and military authorities have frustrated
the designs of those who meditated expedi-
tons of this character, except in two instan-
ces. One of these, composed Of foreigners
was at first countenanced and aided by the
Mexican government itself, it having been
deceived as to their real object. The other,
small in number, eluded the vigilance OF the
magistrates al San Francisco, and succeeded
in reaching the Mexican territories; but the
effective measures taken by this government
compelled the abandonment of the underta
king.
The commission to establish the new line
between the United States and Mexico, &C
cording to the provisions of the treaty of the
Both of December last, has been organized,
and the work is already commenced.
Our treaties with the Argentine confedera-
tion and with the republics of Uruguay and
Paraguay, secure TO US the free navigation OF
the river La Plata, and some Of lis larger
tributaries; but the same success has not
attended our endeavors to open the Amazon
The reasons in favor of the free use Of that
river, had occasion to present fully, in a
former message and, considering the cordial
relations which have long existed between
this government and Brazil, it may be ex-
pected that pending negotiations will, event
ually, reach favorable result.
Convenient means of transit between the
several parts Of q country, are not only de-
sirable for the objects of commercial and
personal communication, but essential TO its
existence under one government. Separated
as are the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of The
United States by the whole breadth Of The
continent, still the inhabitants of each are
closely bound together by community of Or
igin and institutions. and by strong attach
ment to the Union. Hence the constant and
increasing intercourse and vast interchange
Of commercial productions, between these
remote divisions of the republic. At the
present time, the most practicable and only
commodious routes for communication be-
tween them ure by the way Of the Isthmus
of Central America. 1t is the duty of the
governmant 70 secure these avenues against
all danger Of Interruption.
In relation 10 Central America, perplexing
questions existed between the United States
and Great Britain at the time of the cession
of California. These, as well as questions
which subsequently, arose concerning inter
oceanic communication across the lsthmus,
were, as it was supposed, adjusted BY the
treaty of April l9, 1850 but. unfortunately,
they have been re-opened by serious misunder-
standings as to the import Of some Of It's
provisions a reimbursement of which is now
under consideration. Our minister at Lon
don has made strenuous efforts to accomplish