The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1856-12-12

Several Of the governments, regarding with
favor the proposition Of the United States
have delayed definite action upon it, only for
the purpose Of consulting with others, parties
TO the conference of Paris. have the satis.
faction OF stating, however, that the Emperor
of Russia has entirely and explicitly APPROX.
ed Of that modification, and will cooperate
in endeavoring to obtain the assent Of other
powers; and that assurances Of similar pur-
port have been received in relation to the
disposition Of the Emperor Of the French.
The present aspect Of this important sub.
leet allows us ~ cherish the hope that prin-
ciple so humane in Its character. so Just and
equal in its operation, so essential to the pros
perlty OF commercial nations, and so conso.
nant to the continents OF this enlightened pc.
riod OF the world, will command the appro-
baton OF all maritime powers, and thus be
Incorporated into the code of international
law.
My views on the subject are more fully set
forth in the reply Of the Secretary Of State
copy of which is herewith transmitted, to
the communication on the subject made to
this government, especially to the communi-
cation Of France.
The government Of the United States has
at all times regarded with friendly interest
the other States Of America, formerly, like
this country, European colonies, and now in
dependent members Of the great family of ma
lions. But the unsettled condition Of some
OF them, distracted by frequent revolutions,
and thus incapable of regular and firm inter.
nal administration, has tended to embarrass
occasionally our public intercourse. by reason
OF wrongs which our citizens suffer at their
hands, and which they are slow to redress.
Unfortunately. it is against the Republic of
Mexico, with which it is our special desire to
maintain a good understanding that such
complaints are most numerous; and although
earnestly urged upon its attention. they have
not as yet received he consideration which
this government bad a right to expect. While
reparation for past injuries has been withheld,
others have been added. The political con.
dition Of that country, however, has been
such rs to demand forbearance on the part of
the United States. | shall continue NV eff.
forts 10 procure for The wrongs of our citizens
that redress which is indispensable to the con.
tinued friendly association Of the two Repub.
lies.
The peculiar condition of affair. in Nicara.
qua in the early part Of the present year, rem
dered it important that this government
should have diplomatic relations with that
State. Through its territory had been opened
one Of the principal thoroughfares across the
isihmns connecting North and South America,
on which "A vast amount of property was trans
ported, and TO which our citizens resorted in
great numbers, in passing between the Allan
lie and Pacific COASTS Of the U. States. The
protection of both required that the existing
power in that State should be regarded as a
responsible government; and its minister was
accordingly received. But he remained here
only n short time. Soon thereafter the polt-
cal affairs of Nicaragua underwent unfavor-
able change, and became involved in much
and confusion. Diplomatic rep.
resentntivcs from two contending parties have
been recently sent to this government; but,
with the imperfect information possessed, it
was not possible to decide which was the
government de fdcto-and. awaiting further
developments, 1 have refused to receive eli.
her.
Questions Of the most serious nature are
pending between the United States and the
Republic of New Grenada. The government
If that republic undertook, year since, to
impose tonnage duties on foreign vessels in |
Ter ports but the purpose was resisted by
his government, as being contrary to existing
reaty stipulation with the United States and
o rights conferred by charter upon the Pan.
una Railroad Company, and was accordingly |
elinquished at that time, it being admitted |
hat our vessels were entitled to be exempt |
rom tonnage duty in the free ports Of Pana. |
ma and AsPinwall. But the purpose has been |
'ecently revived, on the part Of n. Grenada,
~ the enactment Of law to subject vessels
Tisiting her ports to the tonnage duty of 40 |
'ents per ton; and. although the law has not
'een put in force, yet the right to enforce it is
till asserted. and may, at any time, be acted
IN by the government of that republic.
The Congress Of New Grenada has also en-.
cted law, during the last year. which levies |
tax Of more than three dollars on every |
'ound of mail matter transported across the |
sthmus. The sum thus required to be paid |
n the mails of the U. States would be nearly |
wo millions Of dollars annually, in addition
o the large sum payable by contract to the
'anama Railroad Company. If the only Oh.
action to this exaction were the exorbitancy
f the amount, it could not be submitted to |
" the U. States.
The imposition of it, however, would obvi.
usly contravene our treaty with New Gren.
da, and infringe the contract Of that republic
With the Panama Railroad Company. The
aw providing for this tax was, by its terms,
o take effect on the first Of September last,
tut the local authorities on the Isthmus have
een induced TO suspend its execution, and to
wait further instructions on the subject from
he government Of the republic. | am not
et advised Of the determination Of that gov.
rnment. II measure so extraordinary in
Is character and so clearly contrary to all
realty stipulations and the contract rights
f the Panama Railroad Company, composed
Aatl a,s.
isted in, it will be the duty Of the U. States
o resist its execution.
regret exceedingly that occasion exist, to
invite your attention to a subject of still gra-
Ter import in our relations with the Republic
4 New Grenada. On the fifteenth day of
Ipril last, a riotous assemblage Of the iuhab.
iants Of Panama committed a violent and
at ack on the premises of the rail.
Dad company, and the passengers and other
ersons in or near the same, involving the
cath of several citizens of the United States,
he pillage Of many others, and the destruc.
ion Of large amount of property belonging
o the railroad company. caused full inves.
igation of that event to be made, and the re.
ult shows satisfactorily that complete re.
for what occurred attaches to the
government Of New Grenada. have there
ore demanded of that Government that the
perpetrators of the wrongs in question should
'e punished, that provision should be made
or the families of citizens Of the U. States
Who were killed, with full indemnity for the
property pillaged or destroyed,
The present condition Of the Isthmus of
'anama, in so far as regards the security of
PERSONS and property passing over it, requires
erious consideration. Recent incidents tend
o showthat the local authorities cannot be
elied on to maintain the public peace Of Pan
INA, and there is just ground for apprehen.
ion that portion OF the inhabitants are