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

This treaty, II IL believed, will prove benefi-
cial 10 American commerce. The Shah hns
manifested mn earnest disposition 10 cultivate
friendly relations with our country, and has
expressed n strong wish that we should be
represented at Tcheran by minister pleni-
potentiary; and recommend that an nppro
priation be made for this purpose.
Recent occurrences in China have been un.
favorable 10 a revision of the treaty with that
empire of the 3D. July, 1914, with view to
the security and extension of our commerce.
The oath article Of this treaty stipulated for
revision Of II, 10 case experience should
prove this to be requisite; "in which case the
two Governments will, at the expiration of
twelve years from the date of said conven-
ton, treat amicably concerning the same, BY
means OF suitable persons appointed to con-
duet such negotiations" These twelve years
expired on the Sd July, 1856; but long before
that period il was ascettaincd 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 hostilities in the
Canton river between Great Britain and the
Chinese Empire. These hostilities have nee
essarily interrupted the trade Of nil nations
with Canton, which is now in state Of
blockade, and have occasoned serious loss
Of life aud property. Meanwhile the insur-
rection within the Empire against the exist
ing imperial dynasty still continues, aud il is
difficult to anticipate what will be the result.
Usder these circumstances have deemed
It advisable 10 appoint distinguished citizen
of Pennsylvania Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotcntnry to proceed to China,
and to avail himself of any opportunities
which may offer to effect changes in tho ex-
isting treaty favorable TO American commerce.
lie 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 hostilities al Canton, he will cordially
cooperate with the British and French Min
listers in all peaceful measures to secure by
treaty stpulatons 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 tina,
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 n deep interest 10
all that concerns the welfare Of the indepen-
dent Republics on our own continent, as well
as of the empire of Brazil.
l;N,.,,lt;.. al, NJ l.. i
short time since bore so threatening an as
pect, are, it is to be hoped, in fair train of
settlement, in 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 nre bound to guar.
ahty the neutrality of the Isthmus of Panama,
through WHICH the Panama railroad passes,
"as well rs the rights of sovereignty and
property which New Granada has and pos.
scsscs over the said territory" This obliqa-
ton is founded upon equivalents granted by
the treaty to the Government and people of
the United States.
Under these circumstances, I recommend to
Congress the passage Of IN 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
er 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 TO their fate, and
must always rejoice in their prosperity. IN
fortunately, both for them and for us, our ex-
ample and advice have lost much Of their in
fluence in consequence of the lawess exped-
tions which have been fitted out against some
of them within the limits of our county,
Nothing is better calculated to retard our
steady material progress, or impair our char
acter as a nation, than the federation 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 restrain its people from acts of hostile ag-
erosion against their citizens or subjects :
The most eminent writers on public law do
not hesitate to denOunce such hostile acts rs
robbery and murder. Weak and feeble States,
like those Of Central America, may not feel
themselves able to assert and vindicate their
rights. The case would be far different If
expeditions were set on foot within our own
territories to make private war against pow
erful nation. If such expeditions were fitted
out from abroad ngainst any portion of our
own country, TO burn down our cities, mur-
der and plumber - people, and usurp our
Government, we should call any Power on
earth to the slrictest account for not prevent.
ing such enormities.
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 lin
its Of the United States, to proceed fram
thence against nation or State with whom
we are at peace. The present neutrality act
of April goth, 1918, is but little more than
collection of pre-exsting laws. Under this
net the President is empowered to employ the
land and naval forces and the militia "for the
purpose of preventing the carrying on of any
such expedition or enterprise from the terri
tories and jurisdiction of the United States"
and the collectors Of customs are authorized
and required to detain any vessel in port
when there is reason to believe she is about
to take part in such lawless enterprises.
When ii was first rendered probable that
an attempt would be made to get up another