Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1857-12-14

1857. This treaty, 1t is believed, will prove bene-
fcial to American commerce. The Shah has man
fested an earnest disposition to cultivate friendly
relations with our country, and has expressed a
strong wish that we should be represented at Tehe
ran by Minister Plenipotentiary, and recommend
that an appropriation be made for this purpose.
Recent occurrences in China have been unfavor-
abe to a revision of the treaty with that Empire,
of the Sd of july 1874, with view TO the security
and extension Of our commerce. The oath article
of this treaty stipulated for revision Of it, III
experience should prove this to be requisite; ''in
which case the two governments will at the expira-
ton Of twelve years from date of said convention
treat amicably concerning the same, by means Of
suitable persons appointed to conduct such negot-
ations."
These twelve years expired on the Sd of July,
1856; bnt long before that period it ascerained
that important changes iG the treaty necessa-
ry; and several fruitess attempts made by the
commissioner of the United states to effect these
changes
Another effort was about to be made for the same
purpose BY commissioner, in conjunction with
the ministers of England and France, but that was
suspended by the occurrence OF hostilities in the
Caution river between Grea. Britain and the Chinese
Empire.
These hostilities have necessarily interrupted the
trade of all nations with Canton, which is now in a
state of blockade and have occasoned serious loss
of life and property. Meanwhile the instruction
within the empire against the existing Imperial dy-
nasty still continues and it is difficult to anticipate
What will be the result.
Under these circumstances, have ened it ad-
visable to appoint distinguished citizen of Penn.
sylFania Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipo.
tenary to proceed to China, and to avail himself OF
any opportunities which may offer, to effect changes
in the existing treaty favorable to the American COM
merce He left the United States for the place of
his destination in July last in the steamer, Min
Special Ministers to China, have also been
appointed by the governments of Great Britain and
France.
Whilst our Minister has been instructed to occupy
neutral position in reference to the existing hos
tilities Canton he will cordially cooperate with
the British and French ministers in all peaceful mea-
to secure by treaty stpulations those just
cessions to commerce which the nations of the
world have right to expect, and which China cail-
not long expect to be permitted to withhold.
From assurances received, / entertain no doubt
that the three ministers will act in harmonious
cert to obtain similar commercial treaties for each of
the powers they represent.
We cannot fail to feel deep Interest in all that
the welfare of the independent republics
continent, as well of the empire of Bra
zil.
Our diffuties with New Grenada, which short
time since bore threatening aspect, are it is
to be hoped, in fair train of settlement in man
ner just and honorable to both parties.
The Isthmus of Central America, including that
of Panama, is the great highway between the At
lantie and Pacific, which large portion OF the
commerce of the world is destined to pass. The
United States more deeply interested than any
other nation in preserving the freedom and security
of all the communications across this lsthmus. 1t
is duty therefore, to take that they shall
not be interrupted either by nvasions from our own
country or by wars between the Independent States
| of Central America.
Under our treaty with New Grenada Of the 18th
of December, 1916, we are bound to guaranty the
| neutrality of the Isthmus of Panama, through
| which the Panama railroad passes, 'as well as the
rights of sovereignty and property which New Gre
! NADIA has and possesses the said territory. -
This obligation is founded upon equivalents granted
by the treaty to the government and people of the
of the United States.
Under these circumstances, l recommend to Con-
gress the passage of act authorizing the Presi-
dent, 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 other route across the isthmus in which We may
acquire an interest by treaty
With the independent republics this cont
nent it is both our duty and interest to culti-
vste the most friendly relations. We can never feel
Indifferent to their fate and must always rejoice in
their prosperity Unfortunately, both for them and
for ms. our example and advice have lost much of
| their Influence in consequence OF the lawess expe-
ditions which have been fitted out against some of
them within the limits of our country. Nothing is
better calculated to retard steady material pro-
gress or impair character as nation, than the
federation of such enterprises, in violation of the
law of nations.
tt is one of the first and highest duties of any in
dependent State in its relations with the members
of the great family OF nations, to restrain its people
from acts of hostile aggression against their citizens
or subjects The most eminent writers OH public
law do not hesitate denounce such hostile acts
robbery and murder.
Weak and feeble States, like those of Central
America. may not feel themselves able to assert and
vindcate their rights The case would be far diff
ferent if expeditions were set foot within our
own territories TO make private war against pow
erful nation If such expeditions were fitted ont
fIom abroad against any portion OF our own coun-
try. to burn down cities, murder and plunder
people and usurp our government, we should call
any power earth to the strlcest account Ior not
preventing such eormities.
Ever since the administration of Gen. Washing
ton. acts of Congress have been in force to punish
! severely the crime of setting on foot a military
uedition within the limits of the United States, to
proceed from thence against nation or State with
! whom we are at peace. The present neutrality act
of April g. 1918, is but little more than collec-
ton of pre-exisng laws. Under this act the Pres
dent is empowered to employ the land and naval
orces and the militia 'for the purpose of prevent
no the carrying on of any such expedition enter
rise from the territories and jurisdiction of the
United States" and the collectors of customs are
uthorized and required to detain any vessel in pert
ghen there is reason believe that she is about to
axe part in such lawless enterprises.
When it was first rendered probable that an at
| L. 4 &. Il
edition against Nicaragua, the Secretary of State
4sued instructions to the marshals and district at
,rneys, which were directed by the Secretaries of
Var and the Navy to the appropriate army and
| avy officers requiring them to be vigiant, and to
Sc the best exertions in carrying into effect the
rovisions of 1873 Notwithstanding these precau-
ions. the expedition has escaped from our shores.
| uch enterprises can do no possible good to the
ountry but have already inflicted much injury both
its interests and its character. They have pre-
ented peaceable emigratonfrom the United States
| l., the States of Central America which could not
il to be highly beneficial to all the parties con-
| erned. In pecuniary point of view alone, our
itizens have sustained heavy losses from the seizure
I'd closing of the transit route by the San Juan be-
| tween the two oceans.
The leader of the recent expedition was arrested
ut New Orleans, but was discharged on giving bail
,r his appearance in the insufficient OF $4,000.
commend the whole subject to the serious at
t.ntien of Congress, believing that our duty and
IT interest, well national character, re-
uire that we should adopt such measures as will
Ie efectua in preventing citizens from commit
| ting such outrages.
regret to inform you that the President of Par
aguay has refused to ratify the treaty between the
United States and that state as amended by the Sem
ste the.signature OF which was mentioned in the
I:essage of my predecessor to Congress st the ope
ing OF its session in December, 1853 The reason
assigned for this refusal will be found in the cores
! Dndence herewith submitted