Quasqueton guardian. (Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1856-1858, 1857-12-17

adjournment OF the last congress, nave
been happily terminated, by the appoint
ment of a British minister to this coun-
try who has been cordially received
The President, whilst saying we have no
right to doubt the sincerity Of the British
government in their construction Of the
Clayton Bulwer treaty, at the same time
expresses his deliberate conviction that
this construction is in opposition both to
its letter and spirit The fact that when
two nations like Great Britain and the
United States are mutually desirous of
maintaining the most friendly relations
with each other, have unfortunately con-
cluded treaty which they understand in
senses directly opposite, the wisest course
is to abrogate such a treaty by mutual
consent, and commence anew. Had this
been done promptly, all difficulties in
Central America would most probably ere
this have been adjusted to the satisfaction
of both parties.
Whilst entertaining these sentiments,
/ shall nevertheless not refuse to attribute
to any reasonable adjustment of the Cen
trail American question which is not prac-
ticably inconsistent with the American
Interpretation of the treaty. Overtures
for this purpose have been recently made
by the British government in a frie ndly
spirit, which cordially reciprocate, but
whether this renewed effort will result in
success, l am not prepared to express an
opinion. A brief period will determine.
With France, our ancient relations OF
friendship still continue to exist. The
French government has in several recent
instances, which need not be enumerated
evinced good will and kindness toward
our country, which heartily recipro-
cate. 1t is, however, much to be regret
ed, that two nations whose productions
are Of such character as to invite the
most extensive exchanges and frees
commercial intercourse, should continue
to enforce ancient and absolute restrict
ions of trade against each other.
Our commercial treaty with France in
this respect, is an exception from oul
treaties from all commercial nations. L
jealously levies discriminating duties
both in tonnage, and on articles, the
growth, produce or manufacture of the
one country, when arriving in vessels be
longing to the other.
With all other European governments
except that of Spain, our relations are a;
peaceful as we could desire. l regret tc
say that no progress whatever has beer
made since the adjournment Of Congress
towards the settlement of any of the nu
merous claims of our citizens against the
Spanish government, besides the outrage
committed on our flag by the Spanish wal
frigate Ferridana on the high seas, of
the coast of Cuba, in March, 1855, by
firing into the American mail steamer
Eldorado, and detaining and searching
her, remains unacknowledged and unre
dressed. The general tone and temper
of the Spanish government towards th'
United States, is much to be regretted
Our present envoy extraordinary ant
minister plenipotentiary has asked to b.
recalled, and it is my purpose to send ou
new minister to Spain with special in
structions on all questions pending be
tween the two governments, and deter
mination to have them speedily and ami
cably adjusted, if this be possible.
With regard to the China mission, tn,
President says, that whilst our ministe
has been instructed to occupy neutra
position in reference to the existing hos
tilities at Canton, he will cordially CO
operate with the British and French Min
ister, in all peaceful measures to secur,
by treaty stipulations those just conces
sions to commerce which the nations Of
the world have the right to expect, ant
which China longs to withhold.
From assurances received, / entertain
no doubt that the three ministers will ac
sn harmonious concert to obtain simila
commercial treaties for each of the pow
ers they represent. Our difficulties witt
New Grenada, which short time sine
bore so threatening an aspect, are. it i
to be hoped, in fair train of settlement
in manner just and honorable to boil
parties.
With respect to the Isthmus Of Panama
he recommends to Congress the pas
sage of an act authorizing the President
in case of necessity, to employ the LAM
and naval forces of the u. S. to carr
into effec the guarantee of neutrality an,
protection. l also recommend simila