American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1857-12-18

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like Great Britain and the United
States, mutually desirous, as they are,
and trust ever may be, of maintaining
the most friendly relations with each
other, have unfortunately concluded a
treaty which they understand in senses
directly opposite, the wisest course is
to abrogate such treaty by mutual
consent, and to commence anew. Had
this been done promptly, all difficulties
IN Central America would most proba-
bly, ere this have been adjusted to the
satisfaction of both parties. The time
spent in discussing the meaning of the
Clayton and Bulwer treaty would have
been devoted to this praiseworty pur-
pose, and the task would have been the
more easlally accomplished because the
interest of the two countries in Central
America is identical, being confined to
securing safe transits over all the routes
across the lsthmus.
While entertaining these sentiments,
shall nevertheless not refuse to con.
tribute to any reasonable adjustment
OF the Central American question
which is not practically inconsistent
with the American Interpretation of
the treaty. Overtures for this pur-
pose have been recently made by the
British government in friendly spirit,
which cordially rcciprocate f; but whe-
ther this renewed effort will result in
success am not yet prepared to cx-
press an opoinion. A brief period will
determine.
With France our ancient relations
of friendship still continue to exist
The French government have in sever.
al recent instances which need not be
enumerated, evinced spirit of good
will and kindness towards our country
which L heartily reciprocate. 1t is,
Notwithstanding, much to be regretted
that two nations whose productions arc
OF such character as to invite the most
extensive exchanges and freest COM
mcrcial intercourse, should continue to
enforce ancient and obsolete restric-
J tions of trade against each other. Our
commercial treaty with France is in
this respect an exception from our
treaties with all commercial nations.
ltjealously levics discriminating duties
both on tonnage and on articles, the
growth, produce, or manufacture of the
one country, when arriving in vessels
belonging to the other.
More than forty years ago, on the
Sd of March, 1915, Congress passed
an act Offering to all nations to admit
their vessels laden with their national
productions into the ports of the Uni
ted States upon the same termes with
our own vessels, provided they would
lrcciprocate to us similar advantages.
This act confined the reciprocity to the
productions of the respective foreign
nations who might enter into the pro.
posed arrangement with the u. States
The act of May "a, 1928, removed
this restriction, and offered similar
reciprocity to all such vessels without
reference to the origin of their cargoes.
Upon these principles, our commercial
treaties and arrangements have been
founded, except with France; and let
us hope that this exception may not
long exist ....
e. Our relations with Russia remain,
as they have ever been, on the most
friendly footing. The present Empe-
ror, as well as his predecessors, have
never failed, when the occasion offered,
to manifest their good will to our coun-
try; and their friendship has always
been highly appreciated by the gov
crnmcnt and people Of the United
States.
Withall othorEuropean governments,
except that of Spain, our relations are
as peaceful as we could desire. / re-
gret to say that no progress whatever
has been made since the adjournment
of Congress, towards the settlement Of
sny of the numerous claims of our cit
izens against the Spanish government.
Besides the outrage committed on our
flag by the Spanish war frigatc Fer
rolana on the high seas, offthe coast of
Cuba, in March, 1856, by firing into
the mail steamer Bl Dorado, and de-
tanning and searching her, remains un-
acknowledged and unrcdrcssod. The
general tone and temper of the Span
iSh government towards the United
States are much to be regretted. Our
present envoy extraordinary and miu-
ister plenipotentiary to Madrid has
asked to be recalled and it is my pur.
pose to send out new minister to
Spain, with special Instructions on all
questions pending between the two gov
ernments, and with determination to
have them speedily and amicably ad-
justed, ifthis be possible. In the mean
time, whenever our minister urges the