White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1857-12-31

BY the commissioner Of the United States to eff
fectthese changes. Another effort was abou
to be made for the same purpose in conjunction
with the ministers Of England and France, but
this was suspended by the occurrence Of
hostilities in the Canton river between
Great 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 occasioned serious
loss of life and property. Meanwhile the insur
rection within the empire against the existing
imperial dynasty still continues, and it is diff
cult to anticipate what will be the result.
Under these circumstances, have deemed il
advisable to appoint distinguished citizen Of
Pennsylvania envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary to proceed to China, and to avail
himself of any opportunities which may offer to
effect changes in the existing treaty favorable to
American commerce. He left the Emitted Ststes
for the place Of his destination in July last in
the war steamer Minnesota. Special ministers
to China have also been appointed by the Gov
ernments fGreat Britain and France.
Whilst our Minister has been instructed to
occupy a neutral position in reference to the
existing hostilities at Canton, he will cordially
cooperate with the British and French ministers
in all peaceful measures to secure by treaty
stipulations, those just concessions to commerce
which the nations of the world have right to
expect, and which China cannot long be per-
mitted 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 or the Independent re-
publics on our own continent, as well as Of the
empire Of Brazil.
Our difficulties with New Granada, which q
short time since bore so threatening an as
pect, are, it is to DO hoped in fair train OF set
Element 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 Whicha large por-
ton of the commerce of the world is destined
to pass. The United States are more deeply in
terestcd than any other nation in preserving the
freedom and security of all communications
across the Isthmus. It is our duty, therefore, to
take care that they shall not be interrupted Ell
Their 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
guaranty the neutrality of the Isthmus of Pana-
ma, through which the Panama railroad passes,
as well as the rights of sovereignty and prop
erty which New Granada has and possesses over
the said territory" This obligation is founded
upon equivalents granted BY the treaty to the
government and people Of the United States.
Under these circumstances, l recommend 10
Congress, the passage of an act authorizing 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 leg
islation for the security of any other route across
the Isthmus in which we may acquire an inter
est by treaty.
With the Independent Republics on this Con-
tinent, it is both our duty and our interest to
cultivate the most friendly relations. We can
never feel Indifferent to their fate, and must al
ways rejoice in their prosperity. Unfortunate
", both for them and for us, our example aud
advice have lost much of their influence in con-
sequence of the laWless expeditions which have
been fitted out against some of them within the
limits of our country. Nothingis better caleu-
lated to retard our steady material progress, or
impair our character as a nation, than the tOler-
alton of such enterprises in violation Of the law
Of nations.
1t is one Of the first and highest duties of any
independent State, in its relations with the
members of the great family of nations, to re-
strain its people from acts Of hostile aggression
against their citizens or subjects. The most
eminent writers on public law do not hesitate
to denounce such hostile acts as murder and
robbery.
Weak and feeble States, like those Of Cen
trail America, may not feel themselves able to
assert and yindieate their rights. The case
would be far different if expeditions we're set on
foot within our own territories to maks private
war against powerful nation. If such erpedi-
tons were fitted out from abroad against any
portion of our own country, to burn down our
cities, murder and pIunder our people, and usurp
our government, we should call any power on
earth TO a strict account for not preventing such
ensrmities-
Ever since the Administration of General
Washington, acts Of Congress have been in
force to punish severely the crime Of setting on
foot military expedition within the limits Of
the United States, to proceed from thence
against nation or State with whom We are al
peace. The present neutrality act Of April
Goth, 1913, is but little more than collection
of pre-existing laws. Under this act the Presi
dent Is empowered to employ the land and IA
val forces and the militia "for the purpose q
preventing the carrying on Of any such expedi'
ton or enterprise from the territories and juris
diction Of the United States" and the coIlee.
tors Of customs arc authorized and required e
detain any vessel in port when there is reason
TO believe she is about to take part in SUCH Law
less enterprises .-s-s
Whenit was first rendered probable tina. Al
attempt would be made to get up another IN
lawful expedition against Nicaragua, the secre-
tarJ Estate issued instructions TO the marshalI
and district attorneys which we're directed By
the Secretaries Of War and the Navy TO the ap
prOpriate army and navy officers, requiring then
to be vgilGut, and to use their best e1ertions il