The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1857-12-10


10 the American mdif steamer 81 Dorado,
detalhiAg aud searching her, remains m.
acknowledged and unredressed. The gen.
sral tone and temper Of the Spanish gov
ernment towards that Of the United States
are much to be regretted.
Our present envoy extraordinary and
minister plenipotentiary to Madrid has ask
ed to be recalled; and IL is my purpose to
sc nd out a new minister to Spain with spe.
cial instructions on all questions pending
between the two governments, and with q
determination TO have them speedily and
smienbly adjusted, II this be possible. In
the meantime, whenever our minister ur-
ges the just Claims OF our citizens on the
notice of the Spanish government, it 10 met
with the objection that Congress have never
made the appropriation recommended by
President'Polk in his annual message Of
December, 1877, "to be paid to the Spanish
government for the purpose Of distribution
ramong the'cldimants of the Amistnd case" !"
"A similGrrrecommeudatio was made by my
immediate predecessor, in his message Of
December, 1853; and entirely 'concurring
with both in the opinion that this indemni-
ty is justly due under the treaty with Spain
OF the 9th October, 1875, earnestly rec
ommend ruch an appropriation to the favor.
able consideration Of Congress.
A treaty Of friendship and commerce was
concluded at Constantinople on the 18th
December, 1856, between the United States
and Persia, the rati6cations Of which were
exchanged at Constantinope on the 18th
EJune, 1857, and the treaty was proclaimed,
| by the President, on the 18th August, 1857.
This treaty, it is believed, will'prUve bene-
fetal to American commerce. The Sh.h
has manifested an earnest disposition to cul-
tivate friendly relations with our country,
and has expressed q strong wish that we
should be represented at Teheran by min
lister plenipotentiary; and recommend that
an appropriation be made for the purpose.
Recent occurrences in China have been
unfavorable to revision Of the treaty with
that empire ofthe Sd July, 1874, with view
to the security and extension of our com.
merce. The oath article of this treaty stip-
ulated for a revision oft, in case experience
should prove this TO be requisite; "in which
case the two governments will at'the expir.
alton Of twelve years from the date of said
convention, treat amicably concerning the
same, by means Of suitable persons appoint.
ed to conduct such negotiations" :" These
twelve years expired on the Sd July, 1856;
but long before that period it was ascertain
ed tina, important changes iTthe treaty were
necessary; and several frutless attempts
were made by theco,nmiss oner of the Uni
ted States to effect these changes.
Another effort was about to be made by
our commissioner, in conjunction with the
ministers of'Eneland and France, but this
was suspended by the occu renee of hostili.
ties in the Canton River between Great
Britain and the Chinese Empire. These
hostiIities have necessarily interrupted the
trade ofall nations with Canton, which is
now in a state of blockade, and have occu-
stoned a serious loss of life and property
Meanwhile the insurrection within the EN-.
pire against the existing imperial dynasty
still continues, and it is difficult To anticipate
what will be the result.
Under these circumstances have'deem.
ed it advisable to appoint a distinguished
citizen ofPennsylvania envoy extraordinary
Il nd minister plenipU,entiary to proceed to
eCnina and Rvail himsel OF any opportunities
which may Offer to 'dlfect change in the ex-
listing treaty favorable TO American com.
'merce. He 'left the United States for the
;p'uce' of his'destinati0n in July Inst in the
wrr steamer "MiRnesota." Speci,l minis.
tiers to Chinuilluve also been appointed by
tie governments orGreat Britain and France
Whilst our minister has been instructed to
occufy neutral position in reference to the
| existing hostiliies at Canton, he will cor
daily cooperate with the British and French
ministers in Ill pt acefu measures to secure,
~ treaty s'iPulutions, these just concessions
to comm nee which the nations OF the world
have a right 10 expect, and which China
cannot long be perm, led to withhold. From
assurances received entertaa 10 doubt that
the three ministers will act in harmvaDu"
concert to obtain similar commercial trea-
ties for each Of the powers they represent.
We cannot fail to feel n deep interest in
all that concerns the welfare ofthe independ
eht republics on eur o+y n continent, as we'll
'as ofthe empire of Bruzil
Our difficulties with New Grenada, wA ich
short time since bore so threatening an as.
pect, are, itis to'be hoped, in fair train Of
settlement in manner just and honorab le,
to all parties.
The lothmus Of Central America, fnclud-
ing that OF 'PSnama, is 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 ure more deeply interested than any
other nation in preserving freedom and Sc.
CURLY OF all the communications across this
islhmus. 1t is our duty, therefore, to take
care that they shall not be interrupted either
by invasons from our own country or bv
wars between the Independent States ofl
America. Under our treaty with
New Granada, of the 18th December, 1916,
we are bound to guaranty The neutrality oiI
the lsthmus OF Panama, through which the
Panama rail oad passes, |'as well as the
rights OF sovereignty and property which
New Granada has and possesses over said
territory" This obligation is founded upon
equivalents granted by the treaty to the gov.
eminent and people of the United States.
Under these circumstances, | recommend
to 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 carry into effect this guar
Entee Of neutrality aud protection. also
recommendsimilar Legislation for the secur.
ty OF any other route across the Isthmus in
which we may acquire On interest by treaty.
With the independent republics on this
continent it is both our duty and our inter-
est to cultivate'the most friendly relations
We cun never feel Indifferent to their fate,
and must always rejoice in their prosperity.
Unfortunately, both for them and for Us, our
example and advice have lost much of their
influence in consequence of the lawless ex.
petitions which have been fitted out against