The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1854-12-08
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
WASHINGTON. DE,

~ aN'ANNHb AAAhtstNNS VIZ NNA's '
on our exemption from war, while the most
powerful nations of the Old World are ex-
all the evils incidental to a state of
active hostlities, and says it has been his
earnest desire TO preserve amicable relations
with all other nations. lie complains, how
ever, that Notwithstanding our disposition TO
avoid interference in the affairs of foreign
powers, European governments have sought
to supervise and direct our foreign policy, and
one or another has attempted to enforce arbi.
trary regulations contrary to the principles of
international law. That law, says the Presi-
dent, the United States have uniformly re-
speeted, and this government cannot recog-
nize such interpretations as the temporary in
terests OF other governments may suggest
He maintains the rights of independent ma
tons, and declares that this continent should
be exempt from all annoying interference by
European powers. He declares that the pur-
poses OF this government are not aggressive
but pacific. In pursuance of an equitable and
Foreign Policy, he has submitted
to the European and American Governments
propositions to establish as valid International
law, the principle that. free ships make free
goods; and that neutral property shall be ex.
empt from cOntiscation, except such articles
as are contrahand of war. Russia has acted
in the matter, and a convention re-
cogniZing the proposed regulation as binding
between the two nations has been concluded.
None of the other powers have acted in the
premises. The King of Sicily has expressed
a willingness to comply. The King of Prussia
proposed to add an article requiring all gov.
ernments parties TO the convention, to re-
nounce the right to grant letters of marque
to privateers. But to this the President OBJ
jects, on the ground that such u restriction
would, in case Of war, place those nations
who have no naval establishments at the
mercy of those having powerful navies.
The message states that disagreements
have arisen between this Government and
England relative to the boundary line of
Washington Territory, which have led to
difficulties between the citizens of the two
countries, and recommends the appointment
of Commission, to act with similar Com
mission on the part of England, to run the
line. Controversies have also arisen in re-
gard to certain stpulatons in the Treaty of
1916, regulating the territorial possessions
and rights of the Hudson Bay Company and
Puget's Sound Agricultural Society, which
have led to difficulties, that should be speedi-
ly settled. The President is of the opinion
tina! arrangements could be made for the ex-
tingui,hment Of the rights in question.
In relation to the affair with Dillon, the
French Consul at San Francisco, the Pres
DENIS explanation to the French Government
had been received as satisfactory. The diff
cuty in reference TO the expulsion of Mr..
Soule from France has been satisfactorily
settled by II prompt disavowal on the part of
tie French government Of any disposition to
deny the right of transit to an American
Minister through its territories.
The position of affairs with Spain remains
owing to the recent changes that
have taken place in that government.
No favorable opportunity has occurred to
carry on negotiations with Denmark, to in
duce that government to discontinue the
practice of leyying sound dues on American
vessels.
Treaties Of amity and commerce have been
concluded with Japan which only requires the
exchange of Publications to render them ope-
rative.
The Legation to Mexico are still pressing
upon that government settlement of the
claims due American citizens. This govern
ment has used every effort to prevent awless
expeditions against the Mexican States.
Free navigation in Paraguay has been Sc
cured but all efforts TO open the Amazon to
our commerce has thus far proved unsuc-
cesstul.
The message says-the provisions of the
Treaty of 1850, between the United States
and Great Britain, relative to Central Ameri-
ca, has been seriously misunderstood and
that negotiations are now pending with a
view to more definite understanding of that
instrument. The President defends the ac-
ton Of the Government in the Greytown
affair, and pronounces the so.called authori-
ties of that place in;erlopers and rogues. He
says their refusal to grant satisfaction for the
outrages committed, when it was demanded
of them, fully justified Commodore Hollns
in the course he adopted; but that when the
Cyane left on her mission, the Department
believed that no recurrence to arms would be
necessary, and that instructions were given to
that effect. The President thinks the matter
is not a proper subject of complaint from
foreign powers.
The amount received into the Treasury
during the last political year, from all sources,
is S73,500,00O. The expenditures of the
Government for the same period, amount to
$5l,000,000; leaving surplus of S22 100000,
which the President thinks should be applied
to the reduction of the Public Debt, which
now amounts to Sl4,000,000
The President renews his recommendation
of reduction of the Tariff.
lie calls the attention of Congress to the
Frauds on the Revenue, committed at Oswe-
90, Sandusky, Toledo and Milwaukee, and
recommends more stringent laws, TO prevent
their recurrence.
He recommends an increase of the Military
Force, TO put down the. Indian tribes, who are
committing depredations on the frontiers. He
also recommends a change in the organization
of the Army, and that promotions should be
made by selections, and not always by
seniority of rank.
The President recommends the re-organi
cation and Increase Of the Navy. Referring
to the frequent occurrence Of marine disas
tiers, he recommends the revision of existing
laws for the maintenance of discipline at sea
and recommends the adoption of regulations
for the introduction Of apprentices on board
merchant vessels.
The expenditures for the Post Office De.
partment during the last year amount to S.
100000.
The increase in the revenue receipts for the
sale Of public lands over the receipts of last
year, is %9,2S0,000; the increase of acres sold
over last year, is S6,OO0,0OO
The President expresses his doubts as to
the propricty of granting the public lands to
aid in the construction of railroads, even il
the constitutional power of Congress to do
so, was undoubted.
On the subject of Internal improvements,