Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1856-12-05

shall be exempt from seizure by the
public armed vessels Of the other
belligerent, except II be contraband."
This amendment has been presented
not only to the powers which have
asked our assent 10 the declaration TO
abolish priyaleering. bnt to all other
maritime states. Thus far II has not
been rejected by any. and Is favorably
entertained by all which have made
any communication In reply.
Several Of the governments, re-
garding with favor the proposition OF
the United States. have delayed de-
dnilivc action upon II, only for the
purpo G. of consulting with others.
parties 10 the conference Of Paris.--
| have the satisfaction Of stating how
ever. that the Emperor Of Russia has
entirety and explicitly approved Of
that modification, and will cooperate
in endeavoring to obtain the assent Of
other powers: and that assurances OF
similar purport have been received
in relation to tho disposition Of the
Emperor Of the French.
Tho present aspect Of this impor-
tant subject allows us 10 cherish the
hope tia, a principle 80 humane in It's
character, 30 just and equal in Its
operation. so essential TO the prosper.
iiy OF commercial nations. and 10 con-
sonant to tho sentiments Of this en-
lightened period Of tho world. will
command tho appreciation Of oil mar
thine powers. and thus be incorpora-
ted into the code Of International law.
NY views on the subject are more
fully set forth 10 tho reply Of the Sec
rotary Of State. q copy OF which Is
herewith transmitted, to the commu-
nicaIIons on the subject made to this
government. especially to the commu.
nicalion Of France.
The government OF tho United
States has at all times regarded with
friendly interest the other States Of
America. formerly, like this country.
European colonies. and now indepen.
dent members Of the great family o.
nations. But the unsettled condition
Of some Of them. distracted by fire.
quent revolutions, and thus incapable
OF regular and firm internal admins.
ira,on. has tended to ombarrass occa.
sIonally our public intercourse, by
reason Of wrongs which our citizens
suffer Mt their hands, and which they
arc slow TO redress.
Unfortunately It 10 against tho Re-
public Of Mexico, with which II 10 our
special desire 10 maintain o good un.
derstandIng. that such complaints are
most numerous; and although earnest
~ urged upon its attention, they have
not MS yet received the consideration
which this government had right to
expect. While PREPARATION for past In.
luries has been withheld. others have
been added. The political condition
OF that country. however. has been
such M to demand forbearance on the
part OF the United States.
shall continue my efforts TO pro.
cure for ho wrongs Of our citizens that
redress which 10 indispensable TO the
continued friendly association Of the
two republics.
Tho peculiar condition Of Affairs In
Nicaragua In tho early part Of the
present year. rendered II important
that ,his government should have d.
plomalic relations with that etato.--
Through is territory had been opened
ono OF the principal thoroughfares
across the lslhmus connecting North
and South America, on which vast
amount Of property was transported.
aud to which our citizens resorted In
great numbers. In passing between the
Atlantic aud Pacific coasts Of the Uni
ted States. Tho protection Of both
70 quircd that the existing power In
tina. state should DO regarded rs ro'
aponsible government; and It's minister
was accordingly received. But he re-
manned there only a short time. Soon
thereafter the political affairs Of Mica
ragua underwent unfayorable change,
and became involved in much uncer-
ialnty and confusion. Diplomatic rep
resenla.iyes from two contcnding par
ties have been recently sent TO this
government; but. with the imperfec,
iniorma ton possessed. II was not pos
sble to decide which was the govern
ment dc .faeto;' and. awaiting further
developments. have refused TO 70.
oeivo either.
Questions OF tho most serious nature
arc pending between tho United States
and the Republic OF New Grenada. -
The government OF thatrepubllc under
took, u gear since, to impose tonnage du
ties on foreign vessels In her ports. bul
the purpose was res listed by this govern
meni. os being contrary to existing
treaty stipulation with the United States
and to rights conferred by charter upon
the Panapa Railroad. Company, and wa
accordingly rcllnqulshed at that time, 4
being admitted that our vessels were en-
titled TO BIO exemot from tonnage duty ID
the free ports Of Panama and Aspinwall
But tho purpose has been recently revi
we'd, on the part OF New Granada, by III,
enactment OF law to subject vessell
visiting her ports to tho tonnage dut,
Of forty conta per ton; and, although
tho law has not been put In force, ye
tho right 10 enforce II Is still asserted
aud NAV, at any time. DO acted on b!
the government Of that republic.
Tho Congress OF New Granada ha'
also enacted a law, nurIng the last year
which levies tax OF more than thre
dollars on every pound Of mail matte
transported across the Isthmus. Tn
SUN thus required to be paid on the mail
OF the United States would DO nearl
two millions Of dollsrss annually, In ad
dltlon to the. large sum payable by con
tract to the Panama Railroad Company
II the only objection to this exac
ton were iheexorbitancy of It's amour
il could not be submitted to by III
United States.
The imposition Of It, however
would obviously contravene our trea
~ with New Grenada, and infring
the contract Of that republic wit
the Panama Railroad Company. Tn