Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-12-08
Tbe PresIdent's Message.

IT, 1t will amply repay it On examination 1t VIII
be seen that is especially free from vague generali
lies and unmeaning verbage-frank, direct and ex'
plcit-characterzed by boldness and ability, and a.
boye conceament or evasion.
The President alludes to the many calamties
which have visited the country, and the still greater
blessings which she has enjoyed, afordng ample
grounds for reverent thankfulness to Providence
Our attention has been arrested by painful interest in
the affairs of Europe yet our country feels no more
than the slight vibrations of the commissions which
have shaken her. 1t has been the constant en-
deavor TO maintain peace and friendly intercourse
with all nations The wise policy OF our government,
which seeks to avoid entanging alliances has saved
US from many complications. But in spite OF this
and of our geographical isolation, an increasing spirit
of Interference with foreign policy has. from time
to time been manifested by of the governments
of Europe in contravention of the established princ
pies of international law. We leave transatlantic
nations to regulate their own affairs. We claim for
the independent nations OF this continent the same
right and will submit 10 no interference. Some Eu-
ropean powers have not liked the territorial expan-
sion of the United States however justly effected,
although the same powers have themselves grasped
possessions in every sea and on every continent. The
authoritative recognition of the great principles OF
maritime law for which this country has always con-
tended--that free ships make free goods, except in
the case of articles conraband of war, and that neu-
trail property other than contraband though on board
enemies ships, shall be exempt from confscaton,
have been submitted by this government to those of
Europe and America. As yet, Russia is The only
mower which has acted in the matter. Some others
Al For
the remuneration OF privaeering to which the Presl-
dent could not consent, for easons fully and concu'
sively stated in the message,
The present state of the reciprocity treaty with
the British provinces is advered TO- The public IL
aware of nearly all the facts connected with that
matter.
The difficulties with France have been adjusted
That government has unequvocally dlsavowed any
design TO deny the right OF transit to the Minister
of the United States; and after explanations to this
effect he has resumed his Journey and actually re-
turned through France to Spain.
With Spain no progress has been made towards
the settlement of the open questions between the
countries, owing the disturbed condition OF Spain
The present authorities believed to be more favor
ably disposed than the preceding TO comply with our
just demands.
It is recommended that notice should be given to
the Government of Denmark of our intention TO ter
inmate the existing Convention with that power with
reference to the Sound Dues.
Owing probably to the disturbed condition OF Mex"
leo numerous claims against that government for
wrongs and injuries citizens remain unadJus-
ted 1t has been the anxious desire of the President
10 maintain friendly relations with the Mexican Re-
10 aA
Convenient avenues of transit across central Amer
lea between our Atlantic and Pacific possessions Is
matter of the first Importance 1t IS the duty OF the
government to these avenues against all dan
ger of interruption. Perplexing questions between
this country and Great Britain, supposed to have
been set at rest by the treaty of April 9th $780, have
been re-opened by a serious misunderstanding as tt
the import of some of its provisions. re-adJust
ment is now under consideration
The history of the Greytown affair is glVen-th'
frequent acts of aggression upon American property
at Punta Arenas the opposite side OF the Sal
Juan River, committed by the heterogeneous popula
ton of Greyown and sanctioned by the so-caled au
thorities of that lawless placethe attempt 10 exercise
Jurisdiction at the American settlement of Punt'
Arenas by Greytown mob, who crossed over to ar
rest captain of one of the transit Companys Steam
ers, knowing that no such jurisdiction would be &C
knowledged-the subsequent mobbing of the Amer
lean Minister while in GreytoUn, narrated, as wei
as the reasons given for the course pursued in tn
case The community lawless-da dangerous tt
the lives and treasure of our citizens acknowledging
no regular authorty-despic abe in all respects,
the power to do mischief-no other course could b
pursued towards such community, than the lnfIc
ton of such a chastisement would teach 1t les
SON. Every effort was made TO avoid the destruction
of the place, but every proposition was met will
scornful silence-the populatlon-chlehy composed
of Jamaica negroes, no doubt calculated on the sup
port of a formidable European power. 1t would haV
been highly satisfactory if the objects of the Cyane
mission could have been Consummated without any &C
of public force but the arrogant conduct of the often
ders rendered it impossible to avoid the alternative
either 10 break up their establishment toleave then
impressed with the idea that they might persever
with impunity in a of nsolence and plumber.
The amount Of revenue, during the last fiscal yea
from all sources, was $73,549 7O5, expenditures TO
the same period exclusive OF payments on account o
the public debt S5l,Gl8,249 The public debt at tn
commencement of the fiscal year So, sac, 62S-
at the close $44,975, 456. The estimates submitted
to Congress at the last session. from the various Elk
ecutve Departments amounted TO $38, 400, 581-th
appropriations made 10 the sum of $58,116,948 0
the excess of appropriations estimates, however
more than $40 100000 was applicable 10 extraordi
nary objects having no reference to the usual annua
expenditures. Of these $l0,O00,00O went to NEE
the Sd article of the treaty with Mexico; so that il