Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1856-01-10
EATON. PREBLE COUNTY, 0. JAN 10, 1856

the subject so as TO be perfectly free TO act in
the premises in nsuch way as their public inter.
esis and honor shall demand.
l remain Of the opinion that the United
States ought not TO submit 10 the payment Of
Sound dues, not so much because of the |
amount, which is secondary matter, but be-
cause il is in effect the recognition of the right
of Denmark 20 treat one Of the great maritime
highways Of nations as close sea, and the
navigation OF il as q privilege for which TIL
butte may be imposed upan those who have oc-
casion 10 use il.
This government, on former occasion not
unlike the present, signalized its de,emina-
ton TO maintsin the freedom Of The seas, and
of the great natural channels OF navigation.-I
The Barbary States had for q long time, CO.
creed the payment Of tribute from all nations,
whose ships frequented the Mediteranean.-.
To the last demands Of such PAYNE Mt made by
them, the United States, although suffering
less by their depredalions than many other ma
tions returned the explicit answer, that We
preferred war to tribute, and thus opened the
way 10 the relief of the commerce Of the
world fiom an ignominious lax, so long sub
mit.ed to by The far more powerful nations Of
Europe.
If the manner OF payment of the Sound dues
differ from that Of the tribute formerly conce-
ded to the Barbary States, still their exaction
by Denmark has no better foundation 10 right.
Each was in lis origin, nothing but tax on o
common natural right, extorted by those, who
were at that time, able 10 obStruct the free and
secure enjoyment Oft, but who no longer pos
sess that power.
Denmark, while resisting our assertion of
the freedom Of The Baltic Sound and Belts, has
indicated readiness TO make some new ar
rangement on the subject, and has invited the
governments interested, including the United
States, to be represented in a convention to
assemble for the purpose OF receiving and con-
sidering proposition, which she intends to
submit, for the capitalization of the Sound
dues, aDd the the distribution of the sum 10 be
paid as commuiation among the governments,
according to the respective proportions oftheir
maritime commerce to and from the Baltic
have declined in behalf OF the United States
10 accept this invitation, for the most cogent
reasons. One is, that Denmark does not offer
TO submit to the convention the question Of her
right 10 levy the Sound dues. second is
that, if the convention were allowed 10 take
cognizance Of that particular question, still il
international principle involved which affects
the right in other cases of navigation and com
mercial freedom, as well as that Of access 10
the Baltic. Above all, by the express terms
of the proposition it is contemplated, that the
consideration Of the Sound dues shall be COM
mingled with, and made subordinate 10, G
matter wholly ex.raneouS, the balance of pow
er among the governments OF Europe.
| While, however, rejecting this proposition
and insisting on the night OF free transit intC
land from the Baltic, have expressed to Den
mark q Willingness, on the par. of the United
Estates, to share liberally with other powers il
compensating her for any advantages, which
commerce shall hereafter derive from expendi
lures made by her for the improvement ant
safety Of the navigation Of the Sound Of Belts
] lay before you. herehith, sundry docu
ments on the subject, in which my views are
more fully disclosed. Should no satisfactory
arrangement be soon concluded, shall agar
call your attention TO the subject, with re,
commentator of such measures as may sp
pear 10 be required in order 10 assert and Sc
lcure the rights of the United States, so far o.
they are affected by the pretensions of Den
mark.
| FRANCE.
Iannounce with much qualification, that
since the adjournment Of Congress, the ques
ton, then existing between this government
and that ofFrance, respecting the French coil
sui at San Francisco, has been satisfactorily
determined, and that the relations of the two
governments continue 10 be of the most friend
ly nature.
| GREECE.
| A question, also, which has been pending
for several years between the United State,
and the Kingdom OF Greece, growing out o
the sequestraton, by public authorities of tina
country, OF property belonging 10 the presen
American Consul at Athens, and which hat
been the subject OF very earnest discussion
heretofore, has recently been settled 10 The
satisfaction OF the party interested and ofbott
governments. ....
With Spain, peaceful relations are still
maintained, and some progress has beeD made
in securing The redress Of wrongs complained
of by this government Spain has not only
disavowed and disapproved the conduct of tht
officers, who illegally seized and detained ;ht
Isteumer Black Warrior at Havana, but ha.
also paid the sum claimed as idemnity for thu
loss thereby inflicted on citizens of the United
States.
In consequence Of o destructive hurricane
which visited Cuba in 1874, the supreme au
thority Of that island issued decree, permit
ting ihe importation, for the period Of sil
months, OF certain building materials and pro
visions, free Of duty, but revoked it wheI
about half the period only had elapsed, 10 th'
Injury Of citizens of the United States, WHIT
had proceeded TO act on the faith Of that de-
cree. ,TheSpoDish government refused indem
nfcaion 10 the parties aggrieved until recent
y, when it was assenled 10, payment beini
promised TO be made so soon as .he amour
due can be ascertained. ........
Satisfaction claimed for the arrest and searcl
of the steamer El Dorado has not yet been ac
corded, hut there is reason 20 believe that
will be, and that case, with others, continues
10 be urged on the attention Of the Sponsl
government. do not abandon the hope o
concluding with Spain some general arrange
ment, which, if it 10 not wholly prevent til,
recurrence Of difficulties in Cuba, will rem
der them less fiequent, and whenever the
shall occur facilitate their more speedy settle
menl.
MEXICO.
The interposition of this government hu
been invoked by many Of IFS citizens, on &C
count OF injuries done TO their persons an
property, for which The Mexican republic
responsible. The unhappy situation Of tina
country, for some time past, has not allowe
its government 10 give due consideration t.
claims Of private reparation,. and has appeare,
10 cal! for and justify some forbearnnce in spcl
matters en- the part Of this government, Bul
il The revolutionary movements, which hav,
llately occurred in thai republic, and in The or