Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1857-12-17

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 effect
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 suspen-
| ded by the occurrence of hostiities in the
| Canton river between Great Britain and the
Chinese Empire. These hostlities have me-
cessarily interrupted the trade of all nations
with Canton, which is now in state of block
ade, ard have occasioDed serious loss Of life
/ and property. Meanwhile the insurrection
within the empire against the existing impe-
rial dynasty still continues, and it is difficult
to anticipate what will be the result
Under these circumstances, have deemed
it 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 III 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 governments of
| Great Britain and France.
Whilst our minister has been instructed to
occupy a neutral position in reference to the
existing hostillties at Canton, he will cordially
cooperate with the British and French min
listers 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 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 a deep interest in all
that concerns the welfare of the independent
republics on our ewn continent as well as Of
the Empire of Brazil.
Our difficulties with New Grenada, which
short time since bore so threatening an aspect
are, it is to be hoped, in fair train OF settle
ment, in a manner just and honorable to b3th
parties.
The Isthmus of Central America, including
that of Panama, is the great highway be
tween the Atlantic and Pacific, over which q
large portion of the commerce of the world
is destined 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 Isthnus. 1t
is our duty, therefore, to take care that they
shall not be interrupted either by invasions
from our our own country or BY wars between
the independent States of Central America.
Under our treaty with New Grenada Of the
18th December, 1876, we are bound to guar.
anty the neutrality of the Isthmus of Pana-
ma, through which the Panama railroadp as
ses, " as well as the rights of SOY erelgnty and
property which New Grenada has ana posses
ses over the said Territory" This obligation is
founded upon equivalents granted by the trea-
ty to the government and people OF the Uni
ted States.
MD ~ ctan |
TO Congress the passage of an act authorizing
the President, in case of necessity, to employ
the land and naval forces uf the United States
to carry into effect this guarantee of neutral
ity and protection. | also recommend simi-
lar legislation for the security of any other
route across the Isthmus in which we acquire
an interest by treaty
With the independent republics on this con-
tinent it is buth our duty and our interest to
cultivate the most friendly relations. We can
never feel Indifferent to their fate, and must
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 expeditions which
have been fitted out against some OF them
within the limits of our country. Nothingis
better calculated to retard our steady materi-
al progress or impair cur character as ma
| ton, than the liberation 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-
gression against their citizens or subjects
| The most eminent writer's ON public law do
not hesitate to denounce such hostile acts as
! robbery and murder.
! Weak and feeble States like those of Gen.
aaffo foalt ham Sntv q a N
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 powerful nation. II
| such expeditions were fitted out from abroad
against any portion of our ewn country, to
| burn down our cities, murder and plunder
eur people. and usurp our government. We
should call any power on earth to the strict
est account for not preventing such enermi-
! ties.
| Ever since the Administration of General
! Washington, acts of Congress have been in
| fsrce to punish severely the crime OF setting
| on foot military expedition within the limits
! of the United States, to proceed from thence
| against q nation or State with whom we are
| at peace. The present neutrality act OF April
| % 1873 is but little more than q collection
| of pre-existing laws. Under this act the
/ President is empowered To employ the land
and naval force aud militia for the purpose
| of preventing the carrying en- of any such
expedition or enterprise from the territories
/ and jurisdiction of the United States, anu
| 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 Iawless enterprises.
When it was first rendered probable that
an attempt would be made to get up another
,,,laxvf axnadition AGAINST NICARAGUA, the
Secretary of State issued instructions to the
marshsls and district attorneys, which were
directed 10y the Secretaries OF War and the
Navy to the appropriate army aud navy ON
GERS, requiring them to be vigllaht a'f5 e.
| use their best exertions in earryin, iAt9 eIiecs