The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1857-12-24

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ade, and have occasioned serious loss Of
life and property. Meanwhile, the insurrec-
ton within the empire against the existing
imperial dynasty still continues, and it is
difficult 10 anticipate what will be the TO
suit.
Under these circumstances, have deemed
| il advisable 20 appoint distinguished citi-
nm Of Pennsylvania an envoy extraordinary
and minister p!cnipotentiary 10 proceed 10
China, and 10 avail himself ~ any opportu-
mites which may offer TO effect changes in
the existing treaty favorable 10 American
commerce. He left the United States for
the place OF his destination in July last In
the war steamer Minnesota. Special minis
ters 10 China have also been appointed by
the governments Of Great Britain and
France
Whilst our minister has been instructed
TO occupy n neutral position Ia reference TO
the existing bo-,ilties at Canton, no will
cordially cooperate with the British and
French ministers in all peaceful measures to
secure by treaty stpulntions those just con
cessi0Bs to commerce which the nations of
the world have right 10 expect, and which
China cannot long be permitted TO with
hold. From assurances received, | enter.
tain no doubt that the three ministers will
act In harmonious concert 10 obtain similar
commercial treaties for each Of the powers
they represent
We cannot fail TO feel deep interest in
all that concerns the welfare Of the indepcn-
dent republics on our own continent, ~ well
as the empire Of Brazil.
Our difficulties with New Granada, which
short time since bore 10 threatening On
aspect, are, il is 81 bc hoped in o fair train
OF settlement in a manner just and honorable
to both parties.
The lsthmus Of Central America, inclu5-
Ing that Of Panama, IL the great highway
between the Atlantic and the Pacific, over
which large portion OF the commerce Of
the world is destined to pass. The United
States are more deeply interested than any
other nation Ia preserving the freedom and
security Of all the communications across
this lsthmus. II Is our duty, therefore, To
take care that they shall not be interrupted
either by invasions from our own country
or by wars between the independent States
Of Central America. Under our treaty
with New-Grsnadn OF the 18th of Decem.
Der. ls45. We arr bound to guarantee the
neutrality Of the lsthmus OF Panama,
through which the Panama Railroad passes,
''as well ~ the rights OF sovereignty aud
property which Newtirapada has and pos
sesses over tho said territory" This obi
CATION is found upon equivalents granted
by the treaty 10 the Government aud peo-
pie Of the United States.
Under these circumstances, | recommend
t0 Congress the passage Of AN act authoriz-
Ing the President in case OF necessity, TO
employ the land and naval forces Of the
United States to cnrry into effect this
guarantee Of neutrality and protection. |
also recommend similar legislation for the
security Of any other route across the 18th
mus in which W. may acquire an interest by
! tcatv,
| With the independent republics on this
| continent II ia both our duty and our inter.
est to eltivate the most friendly relations.
We can never feel indifferent 70 their fate,
and mast always rejoice in their prosperity,
! Unfortunately, both for them and for ~, our
example and advice have lost much Of their
4 influence in consequence Of the lawless ex-
/ petitions which have been fitted out against
some Of them within the limits OF our coun
/ try. Nothing Is better calculated to retard
our steady material progress, or impair our
character ~ IA nation, than the federation Of
such enterprises in violation Of the law OF
nations.
II ID one OF the first and highest duties Of
any independent state, IN its relations with
/ the members OF the great family OF nations,
/ to restrain It's people from acts Of hostile
aggression against their citizens or subjects
! The most eminent writers on public law do
not hesitate to denouncc such hostile acts Us
robbery and murder.
Weak and feeble States, like those OF
Central America, may not feel themselves
able 10 assert and yindicatc their rights.
[ The case would be- far different il expeditions
were set on foot within our own territories
Ia make private war against a powerful ma
tion II such expeditions were fitted on,
from abroad against any portion OF our own
country. 10 burn down our cities. murder
and plumber our people, and usurp our gov
ernmen,, We should call any power on earth
10 the strictest accoun, for not preventing
such enormitics.
/ Ever since the administration of General
! Washington, acts Of Congress have been in
force to punish severely the crime Of setting
on foot a military expedition within the
limits Of the United States, to proved from
thence against u nation or state with whom
We are at peace. The present neutrality act
Of April 10th, isis, is bu, little more than
collection OF pr-existing laws. Under
his act the President is empowered to EN-
ploy the land and naval iorves and the mill.
tia d" for the parpose OF preventing the car
rying On Of any such expedition or enter.
Prise from the territories aud jurisdiction Of
the United States, aud the collectors Of Gus
toms arc authorized and rcquiri TO detain
any vessel in port when there is reason to
believe she is abou, TO take par, in such law
less enterprises.
When !, was first rendered probable tina,
an sffe,upf womb ba ,na.le IN ,,ef mn a nnt her