Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-12-11

French Consul at San Francisco was not long
since, brought into the United States district
court at that place by compulsory process, as
witness in favor Of another foreign Consul, in
violation, as the French government conceiv~s.
OF his privileges under our consular convention
with France. There being nothing in the
transaction which Could imply any disrespect
to France or its consul, such explanation has
been made, as hope will be satisfactory
Subsequently, misunderstanding arose on the
subject Of the French government having, as
happeared, abruptly excluded the American
minister to Spain from passing through France,
on his way from London to Madrid. But that
government has unequivocally disayowed any
design to deny the right Of transit to the minis
ter Of the United States; and, after expana-
lions to this effect he ha, resumed his journey,
and actually returned through France to Spain.
herewith lay before Congress the corrcspon-
dence on this subject between our envoy at
Paris, and the minister of foreign relations of
the French government.
Inc position Of our affairs with Spain re-
mains as at tile close Of your last session. In
teffial agitation, assuming very nearly the
character of political revolution, has recently
cotivtlsed that country The late ministers
we're violently expelled from power and men,
OF very diff rent views in relation to its internal
affairs, have succeeded. Since this change
there has been no propitious opportunity to re-
sumo, and press on, negotiations for the adjust
ment OF serious questions Of difficulty between
the Spanish government and the Unitce, States
/ here IS reason to believe that our minister
will ind the present government more fayora.
bly, inclined than the proceeding to comply
with our just demands, and to make suitable ar
engagements for restoring harmony, and pre-
serving peace between the two countries.
Negotiations are pending with Denmark to
discontinue the practice of levyng tolls ON
our vessels and their Cargocs passing through
the Sound. do not doubt that we can claim
exemption therefrom, as matter OF right 1t
IS admitted on all hands, that this exaction is
sanctioned, not by the general principles of the
law Of nations, but only by special conventions,
which most Of the commercial nations have en-
tered INTO with Denmark. The fifth article of
our treaty Of 1926, with Denmark, provides,
that there shall not be paid, on the vessels of
the United Safes and their cargocs when pass
ing through the Sound, higher duties than
those Of the most favored nations. This may
be regarded as an implied agreement to sub
NIT to the tolls during the continuance Of the
treaty, and, consequently, may cmbarrass the
assertion of our right to be released therefrom.
There arc also other provisions in the treaty
which ought to be modified. 1t was to remain
in force for ten years. and until one year after
either party should give notice to the other Of
intention to terminate it. Idccm it expedent
that the contemplated notice should be given
to the government of Denmark.
The naval expedition, despatched about two
years since for the purpose of establishing re-
lations with the empire Of Japan, has been a
bly, and Skilfily conducted to a successful ter
fffinatien by the officer to whom it was cntrus-
ted. A treaty, opening certain of the ports of
that pephlods country, has been negotiated
and in order to give full effect thereto, it only
renrairs to exchange notifications, and adopt
requisite commercial regulations.
'Fhe Treaty lately concluded between the
United States and Mexico settled some of cur
most embarrassing difficulties with tina. coun-
try, but nuresous chir1s lyon it for wrongs
ana inJhries to CDR citizens remained unadiust-
cd aId many new Cases haee bten recently
added to the former list of gf'c3anccs. Our
legation has been earnest in is cnt!rayors to
OBTAIN IRON the Mexican government ia
voraole consideration OF thes Claims but hitll-
crto without success ihis failure is, preba-
bly, IN some measure to DC ascriord to the
disturbed condition OF that country. 1t has
been my anxious desire to maintain friendly
with the Mexican republic, and 10
cause its rights and territories to be respected.
not only by our citizens, but by foreigners, wao
have resorted to the United States for the par-
pose OF organizing hostile expeditions against
some OF the state OF that Republic. The de-
ienceiess CONDITION. IN which ITS frontiers have
zee" ieH, mas simulated iawlsss adventures
20 emoark !nese enterprises and greatly
increased 'he d.mcaity OF enforcing our ob-
gations OF hHtraiMy. Negarding It as my sol
emn onsy 10 ia'n'' emc'eh''y' these Obligations
not oh'y towards Mexico, Out other foreign
nations, ! nave eAer'ed an the powers VITA
wh'cn was 'nve"eo 20 deieat such ctlmna
proceea'"Ss' anu o''"B 20 punishment fhose Who
~ 'akhg q p"f 1hereln' violated our laws
Inc ehefs! ahc schs''y OF cur CIV. and NIL
'ary a"sho'"es nave "osrafed me designs II
sh"se VINO meoifaseo expeditions OF fhis char