The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-12-13

lice 10 the other of intention TO tefmin ate
it.. deem itexpedient that the contem-
plated notice should be given TO the Gov.
eminent OF Denmark.
The naval expedition, dispatched about
two years since for the purpose of estab-
fishing relations with the empire OF Japan,
has been ably and s*illfully conducted to
a successful termination by the officer to
whom it was entrusted. A treaty, open
ing certain of the ports OF that populous
has been negotiated and in or
der to give full effect thereto, it only re-
mains to exchange Publications. and adopt
requisite commercially regulations.
The treaty lately concluded between the
United States and Mexico settled some OF
our most embarrassing difficulties with
that country, but numerous claims upon
il for wrongs and injuries to our citizens
unajusted, and many new ca
ses have been recently added TO the for
mer list of grievances. Our legislation
has been earnest in lis endeavors TO OBJ
tain from the Mexican Government a fa-
vorable consideration of these claims, but
hitherto without success. This failure is.
probably, in some measure to be ascrbed
to the disturbed condition of that country.
1t has been my anxious desire to main
tain friendly relations with the Mexican
republic, and to cause its rights and terri
tories to be respected, not only by our Cit
liens, but by foreigners, who have resort
ed to the United States for the purpose of
organizing hostile expeditions egains,
some Of the states Of that Republic. The
defenceless condition, in which its front
iers have been left. has stimulated lawlsss
adventurers to embark in these enterpri
ses, and greatly increased the difficulty Of
enforcing our obligations of neutrality.-
Regarding itas my solemn duty to fulfil.
efficiently, these obligations, not only to-.
wards Mexico, bu. other foreign nations. ]
have exerted all the power with which
am invested to defeat such criminal pro-
ceedings, and bring to punishment
those who, by taking part therein, vio
lated our laws. The energy and activity
of our civil and military authorities have
frustrated the designs OF those who medi.
tated expeditions OF this character. except
in two instances. One of these, compos-
ed OF foreigners, was at first countenanced
aud aided by the Mexican Government it.
self, it having been deceived as to their
real object. The other, small in number
eladed the vigilance Of the magistrates a,
San Francisco, and succeeded in reach
ing the Mexican Territories; but the effec-
tive measures taken by this government
compelled the Abandonment OF the under
taking.
The commission to establish the new
line between the United States and Mex
ico, according to the provisions of the
treaty Of the 5o,h of December last, has
been organized, aud the work is already
commenced.
Our treaties with the Argentine Confed-
Grafton, and with the Republics Of Uru-
quay and Paraguay. secure to US the free
navigation OF the River La Plata, and
some OF its larger tributaries; but the
same success has not attended our endea-
yors TO open the Amazon. The reasons
in favor OF The free use of that river | had
occasion 10 presentfully, in former mes
sage; and, considering the cordial rela.
tions which have long existed between this
government and Brazil, it may be expect
ed that pending negotiations will, event
ually, reach favorable result.
Convenient means Of transit, between
the several parts Of country. are not on.
ly desirable Tor the objects of commercial
and personal communication, but essen.
iial to its existence under one government.
Separated as are the Atlantic and Pacific
coasts Of the United States by the whole
breadth of the continent, still the inhabi-
tants of each are closely bound together
by community of origin and institutions,
and by strong attachment TO the Union.
Hence the constant and increasing inter-
course, and vast interchange OF CONNER
cial productions. between these remote
divisions OF the Republic. AT the present
time. the most practicable and only com
modious routes for communication be-
tween them are by the way of the lslhmus
OF Central America. 1t is the duty OF the
government to secure these avenues a.
gainst all danger OF interruption.
In relation to Central America, perplex.
ing questions existed between the United
States and Great Britain at the time OF the
cession of California. These, as well as
questions which subsequently, arose con-
cerning inter-oceanic communication ac-
ross the Isthmus, were, as ii was supposed,
adjusted by the treaty OF April 10, 1850 ;
but unfortunately, they have been reopen
ed by serious Misunderstanding as to the
import of some oi its provisioas; a readJust.
mont of which is now under consideration.
Our minister at London has made stren-
uous efforts to accomplish this desirable
object. but has not yet found it possible
TO bring the negotiations to termination.
AS incidental to these questions, deem
il proper to notice an occurrence which
happened in Central America near the
CLOSE OF the last session oil Congress. So
soon as the necessity was perceived OF
establishing inter. oceanic communica-
lions across the lsihmus, company was
organized, under authority Of the State oi
Nicaragua, but composed, for the mos,
part, OF citizens Of the United States, for
the purpose Of opening such atransit way
by the river San Juan, and Lake Nicar.
auga, which soon became an eligible and
much used route in the transportation o
our citizens and their property between
the Atlantic and Pacific. Meanwhile and
in anticipation of the completion and i'm
portanee of this transit way. number o