The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1857-12-18


manifested an earnest disposition TO cultivate
friendly relations with our country, and has
expressed strong wish that we should be
represented at Teheran by minister plenl-
potentiary; and recommend that an aPPro
Priation be made for this pHpose.
Recent occurrences in China have been I'M
favorable to a revision of the treaty with that
empire of the Sd July, 1874, with view to
the security and extension of our commerce.
The Oath article of this treaty stipulated for
a revision of it, in case experience should
prove this to be requisite; sin which case the
two Governments will, at the expiration OF
twelve years from the date Of said eonven-
ton, treat amicably concerning the same, by
means OF suitable persons appointed TO con-
duct such negotiations" These twelve years
expired on the Sd July, 1856; but long before
that period it was ascertained that important
changes in the treaty were necessary; and
several fruitless attempts were made by the
commissioner of the United States to affect
these changes. Another effort was about to
be made for the same purpose by our COM
missioner, in conjunction with the ministers
of England and France, but this was sus-
pended by the occurrence of hostilites IN the
Canton river between Great Britain and the
Chinese Empire. These hostities have nee
essarily interrupted the trade of all nations
with Canton, which is now in state of
blockade, aud have occasioned a serious loss
Of life and property. Meanwhile the insur-
rection within the Empire against the exist
ing imperial dynasty still continues, and it is
difficult to anticipate what will be the result.
Under these circumstances have deemed
it advisable 10 appoint distinguished citizen
of Pennsylvania Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Penipotentiary to proceed to China,
and to avail himself of any opportunities
which may offer to effect changes in the ex-
listing treaty favorable to American commerce.
He left the United States for the place of his
destination in July last, in the war steamer
Minnesota. Special ministers to China have
also been appointed by the Government of
Great Britain and France.
Whilst our Minister has been instructed to
occupy neutral position in reference to the
existing hostiities at Canton, he will cordially
cooperate with the British and French Min
listers in all peaceful measures to secure by
treaty stpulations those just concessions to
commerce which the nations of the world
have right to expect, and which China can
not long be permitted to withhold. From
assurances received entertain no doubt that
the three Ministers will act in harmonious
concert to 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 lndepen-
dent Republics on our own continent, as well
as of the empire of Brazil.
Our difficulties with New Granada, which n
short time since bore so threatening an as
pect, are, it is to be hoped, in fair train of
settlement, in a manner just and honorable to
both parties.
The Isthmus of Central America, including
that of Panama, is the great highway between
the Atlantic and Pacific, over which a large
portion of the commerce of the world is des-
tined to pass. The United States are more
deeply interested than any other nation in
preserving the freedom and security of all the
communications across this isthmus. 1t 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 Granada of the
18th December, 1876, we are bound to guar
| my tHt UbutTuIIiy VI lHt lotuLIuo VI
through which the Panama railroad passes,
'as well as the rights of sovereignty and
property which New Granada has and pos
sesses over the said territory" This obliga-
ton is founded upon equivalents granted by
the treaty to the Government and people OF
the United States.
Under these circumstances, recommend to
Congress the passage of an act authorising
the President, in case of necessity, to employ
the land and naval forces of the United
States to carry into effect this guarantee OF
neutrality and protection. also recommend
similar legislation for the security of any 9th
or route across the isthmus in which we may
acquire an interest BY treaty.
With the independent Republics on this
continent it is both our duty and our interest
to cultivate the most friendly relations. We
can never feel Indifferent 10 their fate, and
must always rejoice in their prosperity. I'm
fortunately, both for them and for us, our ex-
ample and advice have lost much o. their in
fluence in consequence of the lawless expedi-
tions which have been fitted out against some
of them within the limits of our country
Nothing is better calculated to retard oul
steady material progress, or impair our char.
acter as nation, than the liberation of such
enterprises in violation of the law of nations
II is one Of the first and highest duties oil
any Independent State, in its relations with
the members of the great family Of nations
to restrain its people from acts Of hostile ag-
erosion against their citizens or subjects
The most eminent writer's on public law do
not hesitate to denounee such hostile acts rs
robbery and murder Weak and feeble States
like those of Central America, may not feel
themselves able to assert and vindcate theil
rights. The case would be far different il
expeditions were set on foot within cur owr
territories to make private war against pow
erful nation. If such expeditions were fttet
out from abroad against any portion of oul
own country, to burn down our cities, muir
der and plumber our people, and usurp ou
Government, we should call any Power OF
earth TO the strictest account for not prevent
ing such enormites.
Ever since the administration of Genera
Washington acts of Congress have been il
force to punish severely the crime Of setting
on foot military expedition within the lin
its Of the United States, to proceed from
thence against nation or State with whom
we are at peace. The present neutrality ac'
of April goth, 1918, is but little more than ;
collection OF pre-existing laws. Under thi'
act the President is empowered to employ tn,
land and naval forces and the militia "for tn,
purpose Of preventing the carrying on Of an.
such expedition or enterprise from the terri
tories and jurisdiction of the United States,
and the collectors Of customs are authorized
and required TO detan any vessel in por