, 1856-02-22
MusSAGM


, 10 Congress on the 3lst December. The
House Representatives had notorganized
up to that time, and after ninciy-one bal
lots, no speaker was yet chosen on the
9th January, Banks lacking very few
) votes Of election on every trial
The Message was read in the Senate
from the original copy, occupying, in the
reading, about two hours.
Il 1t opens with the condition of our for
eign Affairs beginning with Nicaragua and
the Central American question, which is
presented in q favorable manner. This is
the most important portion Of the message,
aud was SO considered by those prominent
and experienced Senators, Mr. Clayton
and Mr.. Cass, whose remarks upon it were
very interesting, patriotic and practical
These two veteran statesmen unite in
their. views upon the Central American
question. They both declare that Great
Britain has disregarded the Clayton-B Bull
wer treaty, and both condemn her conduct
in this respect
They also urge the necessity Of maintain
ing the treaty in good faith, on our part,
and holding Great Britain to the perform
ance Of her part Of the obligations of the
treaty Were this treaty to be abrogated
the consequence would he that the United
States would fall back upbn the Monroe
doctrine, and enforce that with our cannon
which is easier to talk of-or rather, we
may say, cheaper to talk Of-than to do.
The message Of the President finds ap-
proval more or less cordial from all quar-
ters. 1t is well written and characterized
by dignity, lirmness and moderation The
negotiations with England in relation to
Central American affairs, arc concisely and
clearly related, aud strict adherence TO
the terms Of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty,
covenanting that neither party "will ever
occupy, fortify or colonizc, or assume or
exercise any authority over Costa Rlca,
the Mosquito Coast, or any part Of Central
Americas asserted. Great Britain
has assumed that the Stipulations in the
treaty were merely prospective operations,
and that her rights, at the date Of the
treaty, cOmprehending tho protectorate Of
the Mosquito Indians, the intended juris-
diction and limits Of the BaIize and the
colony Of the Barry Islands, were not sur
rendered by the convention. The instruc-
tions to Mr. Buchanan, together with the
whole tenor Of the message in regard to
this important question in our foreign rela-
tiOns, meets universal appreciation, and in
the discussion thereon, Senators Cass, Clay
ton, Seward and Weller declared their
readiness to suppOrtthem in any extremity.
On the Sd Of January, the President sent
to the Senate new treaty with Nicara-
qua, which repudiates the basis Of the
British Protectorate, and will he ratified
The Executive recommends the settle
ment of our Northwestern boundary aud
the purchase of the possessory rights Of the
Puget Sound Agricultural Society and the
Hndsons Bay Company, as follows:
at repeat the Recommendation submitted at the last
Congress- that provision be made for the appointment
lof Commissioner, in connexion with Great Britain
10 survey and establish the boundary line, which d.
vides the Territory Of Washington from the contgu
ous British possessions By reason Of the extent and
importance Of he country In dispute, there has been
Imminent danger Of collision between the subjects Of
Great britain and tho citizens Of the United States
including their respective authorities In that quarter
The prospect OF q speedy arrangement has contribu
ted hitherto to inddoe on both sides fOrbearance 70 as
sert by force what each claims as a right Continu
anee Of delay the part or the two governments 70
act In the matter will Increase the danger and difficult
Misunderstanding exists as 10 the extent character,
and value Of the possessory rights OF the Hudson's
Bay Company and the property Of the Puget Sound
Agricultural Company, reserved In our treaty with
Great Britain relative 70 the Territory Of Oregon.
have reason to believe that cession Of the rights Of
both companies TO the United States which would be
the readiesl means Of terminating all questions can
be obtained on reasonable terlns and with view 10
this end present the subject 10 the attention Of Con
gress."
The attempt of Great Britain to raise
recruits in the United States, for the war
with Russia, is dispassionately considered,
and reparaton for the national outrage de-
manded. Relations with other foreign
powers are briefly considered, and nothing
is presented of unusual import. The Presi-
dent states that efficient measures are Ia
ken to restore quiet aud afford protection
in Oregon and Washington, Territories,
thus: ...t...
Information has recently been received that the
peace Of the settlements In the Territories Of Oregon
and Washington Is disturbed by hOslties the part
OF the Indians, with Indications Of extensive combna-
tons Of hostile character among the tribes In that
quarter, the serious in their possible effect by
reason of the undermining foreign interests existing
in those Territories, to which your attention has al
ready been especially invited. Efficient measures
have been taken which, IL Is believed will restore
quiet and afford protection to our ctzena'
He reDorts the Northeastern Fishery