Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-03-25
GLIMPsEs BEHIND THE SCENES.


WASHINGTON, MARCH 16.
The prospect is that the Gadsden Treaty will be rat
fed, but probably with some amendments, not Of cha
racter at all Objectionable the negotators of the treaty
on either side ...... 1855.
The Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Secretary
Of State have stated their belief that it would be ratified
Some who manifested hostility to points in the
ty in the debate yesterday will yet vote for it, decline
the responsibility of its defeat
Mr.. Mason reported, from the Committee on Foreign
Affairs amendment restricting the proposed Board OF
Commissioners from allowing and paying claims of Anne
rican citizens for indemnity of profits antic
pated by them, but not realized If the amendment pre-
vail the board will only pay claims for actual losses and
expenditures. The five millions set aside for the pay
ment of citizens will be saved to the Treasury by
of this restriction with the exception of perhaps
million Of dollars. II. ,...
Mr. Bell offered amendment STIMULATING that the Uni
ted States Government shall be authorized to nterpose
in Of need for the protection of the persons and pro-
pery of American citizens engaged in the prosecution Of
the Tehuantepec road, but in consistent with
the laws of nations This offered for the that
the President has determined to reject the Conkling
ty The President yesterday sent message to the Sc
nate with the Conkng correspondence called for
time ago, and with remarks expressing his objection
to that treaty. on the ground that it negotiated with
out authority Of this Government and that it obliged the
Government to protect interests of foreign nations in
Mexico, and several other matters. ,..."
The Presidents message concerning the Black Warrior
and relations with Cuba is much more bellge-
rent than was expected although the public mind was
prepared by general for very strong document
The effect Of the message will be equivalent, in its nfu
ence upon public sentiment to the actual repeal
pension of the neutrality laws; for while it will promote
lawless enterprises against Cuba, it will also excite
spirit of hostility against Spain. There never time
when wise and prudent counse were more necessary
the helm Of State. ... ..@. 81,
It would not he difficult to involve this country in war
with all the Powers combined against Russia Eng
land and France would prefer hostility to our neu-
nient for them to fill their military chests from the plum
der Of our commerce. .5
Should the United States Government undertake war
with Span or take any step towards the forcble acqu
stion Of Cuba, we know very well that England and
France will make it a of This would put an
end to revolutionary projects in Cuba and render fruit
less the efforts Of flbustersm While coasts on the
Pacific the Atlantic, and the Gulf would be blockaded
and commerce destroyed, Cuba would be declared
free port and would be tho depot of the commerce of the
Mississippi instead of New Orleans SO we have an ex-
cellent opportunity to show that We are great
nation. s,
The Committee Foreign Affairs of the House are not
yet prepared to report the message and deprecate
premature discussion Of it. They may report bill re-
pcatng tie neutrality IG and placing all the naval and
military force of the United States at the Presidents dis
posa to be used upon any sudden emergency and also
authorize reprisals upon Spain.