The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-01-08

ment of It, bat who no longer possess that
power =
Denmark, while resisting our assertion of
the freedom of the Baltic Sound and Belts,
has ind Gated readiness to make some new
arrangement on the subject, and has invited
the governments interested, including the
United States, to be represented in con-
vention to assemble for the purpose of re-
eeiying and considering proposition which
she intends to submit for the capitalization
of the Sound dues, and the distribution of
the sum to be paid as communication among
the governments according to the respec-
tive proportions of their maritime commerce
to and from the Baltic. | have declined in
behalf of the United States to accept this
invitation, for the most cogent reasons
One is; that Denmark does not offer to sub
NIT to the convention the question of her
light TO levy the Sound dues. The second
is, that if the convention were allowed to
take cognizance of that particular question,
still if would not be competent to deal with
the great international principle involved
which affects the right in other cases of ma
vigation and commercial freedom, as well
as that of access to the Baltic. Above all,
by the express terms of the proposition tits
contemplated that the consideration of the
Sound dues shall be commingled with, and
made subordinate to, a matter wholly ex-
traneeQs,-the balance of power among the
governments of Europe.
While, however, rejecting this PROPOSE
ton, and insisting on the right of free tram
sit into and from the Baltic, have express
cd to Denmark q Willingness, on the part of
the United States, TO share literally with
other powers in compensating her for any
advanta ges which commerce shall hereafter
derive from expenditures made by her for
the Improvement and safety of the naviga-
ton of the Sound or Belts.
/ lay before you, herewith, sundry dOcu-
mcnts on the subject in which my views
are more fully disclosed. Should no salts
factory arrangement be soon concluded, |
shall again call your attention to the sub
iect, with recommendation of such measures
as may appear to be required in order 10
assert and secure the rights of the United
States, so far as they are affected by the
professions of Denmark.
announce with much qualification, that,
since the adjournment Of the late Congress,
the question, then existing between this
government and that Of France, respecting
the French consul at San Francisco, has
been satisfactorily determined, and that the
relations of the two governments continue
to be of the most friendly nature.
A question also which has been pending
for several years between the United States
and the kingdom of Greece, growing out of
the sequestration, by public authorities of
that country, OF property belonging to the
present American consul at Athens, and
which had been the subject of very earnest
discussion heretofore, has recently been set
tied to the satisfaction of the party interest
ed and of both governments.
With Spain peaceful relations are still
maintained, and some progress has been
made in securing the redress of wrongs
complained of by this government. Spain
has not only disavOved the conduct of the
officers who illegally seized and detained
the steamer Black Warrior at Havana, but
has also paid the sum claimed as indemnity
for the loss thereby inflicted on citizens of
the United States.
In consequence of Il destructive hurricane
which visited Cuba in 1874, the supreme
authority of that island issued decree, per-
hitting the importation, for the period of
six months, of certain building materials
and provisions free of duty but revoked it
when about half the period only had elaps-
ed, to the injury of citizens of the United
States, who had proceeded to act on the faith
of that decree. The Spanish government
refused indemnification to the parties ag-
grieved until recently, when it was assented
to, payment being promised to be made so
soon us the amount due can be ascertain
ed.
Satisfaction claimed for the arrest and
search of the steamer Ell Dorado has not yet
been accorded, but there is reason to believe
that it will be, and that case, with others,
continues to be urged on the attention of
the Spanish government. ] do not abandon
the hope of concluding with Spain some
1 Il
wholly prevent the recurrence of difficult
ties in Cuba, will render them less frequent
and whenever they shall occur facilitate
their more speedy settlement.
The interposition of this government has
been invoked by many of its citizens, on
account of injuries done to their persons and
property, for which the Mexican republic is
responsible. The unhappy situation of that
countryI for some time past, has not allow
ed its government to give due consideration
! to claims OF private PREPARATION, and has ap-
peared to call for and justify some forbear-
ance in such matters on that part Of this
government. But if the revolutionary
movements which have lately occurred in
| that republic end in the organization of a
| stable government, urgent appeals to its
justice will then be made, and, it may be
hoped, with success, for the redress Of all
| complaints of our citizens.
In regard to the American republics,
which, from their pro, nifty and other con-
| siderations, have peculiar relation to this
government, while it has been my constant
| aim strictly to observe all the obligations
Of political friendship and of good neighbor-
hood, obstacles to this have arisen in some
| of them, from their own insufficient power
! to check lawless irruptions, which in effect
throws most of the task on the U. States
Thus it is that the distracted internal con-
dition of the State of Nicaragua has made
| it incumbent on me to appeal to the good
faith of our citizens to abstain from unlaw-
full Intervention in its affairs. and to adopt
preventive measures TO the same end, which,
| on similar occasion, had the best results
in reassuring the peace of the Mexican
States of Sonora and Lower California.
Since the last session of Congress trea-
| ty of amity, commerce, and navigation, and
| for the surrender offugitive criminals, with
the kingdom of the Two Sicilies; a treaty
81 1. L I