The true Democrat., 1854-12-20
MORNING, DECEMBER 20. 1854.

compensation, stipulated in the treaty for the privileges of the highest importance and value to the United States, which were thus volunta- rily yielded before it became effective, the re- quest seemed to be reasonable one; but it could not be acceded to, from want of authority to suspend our laws imposing duties upon all fo- reign fish. In the meantime the Treasury de- partment issued regulation, for ascertaining the duties paid or secured by bonds on fish caught on the coast of the British provinces, and brought to our markets by British subjects, after the fishing grounds had been made fully accessible to the citizens of the United States l recommend to your favorable consideration a proposition, which will be submitted to you, for authority to refund the duties and cancel the bonds thus received. The provinces of Canada and New Brunswick have also anticipated the fall operation of the treaty by legislative ar engagements, respectively to admit free of du- ty, the products of the U. States mentioned in the free list of the treaty. and an arrangement, similar to that regarding British fish, has been made for duties now chargeable on the products of those provinces enumerated in the same free list, and introduced therefrom into the United States; proposition for refunding which will in my judgment, be in like manner entitled to your favorable consideration.
 There is a difference of opinion between the United States and Great Britain as to the boun- diary line of the territory of Washington, ad- joining the British possessions on the Pacific, which has already led to difficulties on the part of the citizens and local authorities ofthe two go- ver1ments. 1 recommend that provision be made fora commission, to be joined by one on the part of her Britanic Majesty, for the purpose of running and establishing the line in controver- sy. Certain stipulations of the third and fourth articles of the treaty concluded by the United States and Great Britain in 1946, regarding pos sessory rights of the Hudson Bay company, and property of the Pugets Sound Agricultural company, have given rise to serious disputes, and 1t Is important to all concerned, that sum- mary means of settling them amicably should be devised. l have reason to believe that an arrangement can be made on just terms, for the eXtlnguiShment of the rights in question, en- braclng also the rights of the Hudson's Bay company to the navigation of the river Col um- bla; and therefore suggest to your considera- tlon. the eXpediency of making a contingent appropriation for that purpose
 France was the early and efficient ally of the United States in their struggle for ndepen- dence. From that time, to the present, with occasional slight Interruptions cordial re latons of friendship have existed between the govern ments and the people of the two countries.- The kindly sentiments, cherished alike by both nations, have led to extensive social and com merclal intercourse, which 1 trust will not be Interrupted or checked by any casual event of an apparently unsatisfactory character.
 The French consul at San Francisco was, not long since, brought into the United States Dis trct Court at that place, by compulsory process,
 as witness in favor of another foreign consul
 in violation, as the French government con- celves of his privileges, under our consular con- ventlon with France. There being nothing in the transaction which could imply dsrespect to France or its consul, such explanation has been made, as l hope will be satisfactory. SubSe- quently, misunderstanding arose on the subject of the French government having as it appear cd, abruptly excluded the American minister to Spain from passing through France, on his way from London to Madrid. But that government has unequivocally disavowed any design to de- ny the right of transit to the minister of the United States; and after explanations to this ef- feet, he has resumed his journey, and actually returned through France to Spain. 1 herewith lay before Congress the correspondence on this subject between our envoy at Paris and the minister of foreign relations of the French gov- ernment
 The position of our affairs with Spain re- mains as at the close of your last session. h. ternal agitation, assuming very nearly the char acter of political revolution, has recently con- vulsed that country. The late ministers were violently expelled from power and men, of very different views in relation to its internal affairs have succeeded. Since this change there has been no propitous opportunity to resume, and press on, negotiations for the adjustment of se- rlous questions of difficulty between the Spa nish government and the United States There Is reason to believe that our minister will find the present government more favorablv inclined than the preceding to comply with our just de- mands, and to make suitable arrangements for restoring harmony and preserving peace be- tween the two countries.
 Negotiations are pending with Denmark to discontinue the practice of levying tolls upon our vessels and their cargoes passing through the Sound. 1 do not doubt we can claim eX- emption therefrom, as matter, of right. It is admitted on all hands, that this ,exaction sane toned, not by general principles of the law of nations but only by special conventions, which most of the commercial nations have entered lHIO Wltu DellHldTk. ne nun arIlCle or our treaty of 1920, with Denmark provides, that there shall not be paid, on the vessels of the United States and their cargoes when passing through the Sound, higher duties than those of the most favored nations. This may be regard ed as an implied agreement to submit to the tolls during the continuance of the treaty, and consequently, may embarrass the assertion of our right to be released therefrom. There are also provisions in the treaty which ought to be modified. It was to remain in force for ten years, and until one year after either party should give notice to the other of intentions to terminate it. Ideemit expedient that the con- templated notice should be given to the govern ment of Denmark.
 The naval expedition despatched about two years since for the purpose of establishing re- lations with the empire of Japan has been ably and skillfully conducted to successful termi- nation by the officer to whom it was entrusted. A treaty, opening certain of the ports of that populous country, has been negotiated; and in order to give full effect thereto, 1t only remains to exchange notifications, and adopt requisite commercial regulations.
 The treaty lately concluded between the United States and Mexico settled some of our