Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1854-12-09
,rhe Presidents Message.

" x
and ;mpar,ial examination, and are pleas
ed with its tone, style and general con-
tents. The statement ofthe Greytown al
fair has the best face put upon ii, but is
i Inconsistent with the facts, as we have
seen them heretofore stated. The Presi-
dent pronounces the population of Grey
town to be awless ruffians, without legal
government and responsibility, and ma
king claims contrary 10 right and justice.
The testimony of other citizens of the u
nited States, is Of a contrary character.
According TO their published accounts,
Greytown had form of government pure
ly republican, with its Mayor, police and
judicial oficers--and code of laws to
protect persons and property. The fact
that naval officer was sent TO demand
satisfaction Tor an alleged insult offered
Mr.. Borland, shows that our Government
recognized some authority existing IN the
town of whom the demand could be made.
But what was the inonstrous offence COM
milted agansts the United States which
required the terrible chaslisement which
was inflicted. Mr. Borland had endeavol-
ed successfully TO prevent the arrest oil
murderer, and the people. in moment OF
excitement threw a bottle al his head
This was the only indIgnily offered to the
government of the United States through
one of its officers--and we think that this
insult Off insult it can be callesD was not
of so fragrant nature as TO demand lhe
bombardmenI and destruction of the town.
As to the dispute between the American
Transit Company and authorities oil Grey
town, if the statements published be cor
rect, the latter had justice on their side.
Buff they had not, lhe condition OF things
did not justify so hard a proceeding as
that of demolishing the town, with the
destruction o. The large amount OF mer-
chandise contained in it. The President
has evidently formed his opinion of the
people and government Of Greytown from
the representations of Mr.. Borland; but
we presume that claims for indemnity will
be presented to Congress, and that the
whole matter will be thoroughly invest-
gated.
Our foreign relations appear 10 be ami
cable but the President hints at a de-
sign by some power unnamed to endeavor
to embrol us in European ,sqnabbleS; and
also that EXCEPTIONS taken by some prom
lnent nation To our acquisition Of terrific
rv. We know not who or what is meant;
but are certain, that the policy Of this
country in regard to foreign powers will.
not be changed, at least whilst our States
men possess common sense and prudence.
And, as TO our acquisition OF territory, we
trust that it will be some time before We
give further occasion to reProach US with
a graspng disposition. The President
expresses just views respecting our reia-
tons with other powers, and we hope that
Congress will not attempt TO devl9te from
the path which has been so long irodden
by the best patriots and most experienced
Our country is in the most happy and
prosperous condition. With an overflow
ing treasury; al peace with all nations; an
expanded territory; and free and enter
prising people--we should be truly CRATE
full to an all-wise Providence who has be-
slowed upon US so many blessings from
which the greater portion of mankind are
departed. - baltimore Clipper.