Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1856-01-17
The Documents accompanying the Pres
ident's Message,

From the STATE Dcpdrtnlent.-Our relations
with Great Britain form its most important
staple. The documents on this subject are in
teresting Mr. Buchanan has already ex-
hausted the subject. The following are its
cardinal points :
Mr.. Marcy, in June of 1851, declares in a
despatch 10 Mr. Buchanan that this govern
ment can never yield to the British preiension
that the Clayton-Buwer Treaty was only pro-
spective in its operation. After some spicy
diplomatic censure of this negotiation, he
closes by declaring that, if Great Britain per-
sists in holding Rutan in defiance of all right,
we shall know her purpose in holding it sim
ply as a naval and military station is TO effect
injuriously our interests. A predetermina-
ton to interfere with our affairs, thus mani
tested, will render the continuance of our ami
cable relations with her precarious. Mr..
Buchanan's discussion of this entire question
is very able and thorough.
On the 9th OF August last, Mr.. Marcy again
urges the immediate settlement of this ques-
ton before Mr.. Buchanan should retire from
London, and the latter is instructed to ask
Great Britain, distinctly, whether she intends
10 insist on holding Rutan, and to insist on
her abandoning her pretensions there.
MIR. Buchanan addressed note accordingly,
and on the 28th of October Lord Clarendon re-
piled, declining TO reopen the general discus
sion, and stating that the British government
adheres to its previous positions.
The Report Of me Secretary of the Nary rec
ommends the construction of additional steam
sloops of war: express entire satisfaction with
the result of the apprenticeship system and the
Legislation of the last Congress for the Navy;
maintains the abolition OF corporal punish
meni and recommends an increase of the
Marine corps and the increase of seamen 10 ten
Thousand men. He sustains the general ac-
tion Of the Naval Retiring Board, but init
mates his readiness to aid in restoring any Of
fcers in special cases who have been uniusrly
treated.
The Postmaster General suggests that the
franking privilege be restricted 10 public doc
uments and letters on public business merely :;
also, the charge of full rates upon newspapers
In all cases, instead of half rates when paid
quarterly in advance. He recommends COM
puIsory prepayment by stamps, of postage on
books, pamphlets, circulars, and all other
transient matters. He agaiQ urges the six
months notice to the Collins steamers in dis
continuance of the extra voted them in July,
1852. He presses this subject at some length
The Secretary Of War urges increased COM
pensation to army officers, and a revision of
the law respecting their allowances. Also,
that the provision, of the last Congress, in
,creasing the pay of the rank and file, be ex-
tended to all enlisted men. Also, an increase
Of the medical corps, and the addition of FIVE
military storekeepers. He recommends ju-
dicious continuance of sea coast defences, and
especially renews the suggestion for the fort-
Tying of Ship Island to defend the approaches
to New Orleans. He presents, also, nea,
and forcibe argument in favor of the Pacific
Railroad, as a means of national defence, but
avoids recommending its construction by gov
ernmentaI aid, although he distinctly intimates
a disposition 10 favor such aid.