Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1857-12-17

ment shall produce its civil death. The ex-
istence of banks and circulation of bank
paper are so identified with the habits of
our people, that they cannot at this day be
suddenly abolished without much immedi-
ate injuryto the country. If we could
confne them to their. appropriate sphere,
and prevent them from Administering to the
spirit of wild and reckless speculation by
extravagan! loans and issues, they might be
continued with advantage to the public;
but this i say, after long and much ref1ec-
ton, if experience shall prove it to be i'm
possible to enjoy the facilities which well
regulated banks might afford. without at
the Sometime suffering the calamities which
the excesses of the banks have hitherto in
flicted on the country, it will then be far
the lesser eviI'to deprive them altogether
of the power to issue a paper currency,
and confinel them to functions of banks OF
deposit and discount.
Our relations with foreign governments
are, on the whole, in satisfactory condi-
ton. The diplomatic difficulties which
existed between the governments of the Z.
States and Great Britain, at the adjourn
ment of the late Congress, have been hap
PLY terminated by the appointment Of a
British Minister TO this country, who has
been cordially received. The President,
whilst saying we have no right to doubt
The sincerity of the British government in
their construction of the Clayton -BulweF
treaty, at the same time expresses his de-
liberate conviction that this constructions is
in opposition both to its letter and it's spir-
it. The fact is, that when two nations like
Great Britain and the United States are mu-
tually desirous to maintain friendly rela:
tions with each other, and have unfortuatei
ly concluded treaty which they under
stand in senses directly opposite. the wis
est course is to abrogate such treaty by
mutual consent,' and commence anew
Had this been done promptly, all difficult,
ties in GeatraF America would most probaa
bly, ere this have been adjusted to the sat
isfactiorof both parties. Whilst entertain
ing these sentiments, shall nevertheless
not refuse to contribute to any reasonable
adjustment of the Central American ques-
ton which is not practically inconsistent
with the American Interpretation of the
treaty. Overtures for the purpose have
been recently made by the British govern
ment in friendly spirit, which l cordially
reciprocate; but whether this renewed eff.
fort will result in success | am not yet pre-
pared to express an opinion. A brief pc
riod will determine.
With France, our ancient relations of
friendship still continue to exist. The
French government has, in several recent
instances, which need not be enumerated,
evincsd a spirit of good will and kindness
towards our country which | heartily re-
ciprocate. 1t is, Notwithstanding, much to
be regretted that two nations whose pro-
ductions are of such character as to in
vite the most extensive exchanges and
freest commercial intercourse, should con
tinue to enforce ancient and absolute re-
strictions of trade against each other. Our
commercial treaty with France in this res
pect is an exception from our treaties with
all commercial nations. 1t jealously levies
discriminating duties both on tonnage and
on articles the growth, produce or manu-
facture of the one country when arriving in
vessels belonging to the other.
With all other European Governments,
except that of Spain, our relations are as
peaceful as we could desire. l regret to
say that no progress whatever has been
made since the adjournmento of Congress to-
wards the settlement of any Of the numer-
Gus claims of our citizens against the Span
ish government; besides the outrage COM
mitted on our flag by the Spanish war frig-
ate Ferrolana, en- the high seas, off the coast
of Cuba, in March, 1855, by firing into the
American mail steamer Ell Dorado. and de-
tanning and searching her, remains unac-
knewledgeJ and unredressed. The gener-
al tone and temper of the Spanish govern
ment towards the United States is much to
be regretted. Our present Envoy Extra
ordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to
Madrid has asked to be recalled. and it IS
my purpose to send out new Minister to
Spain, with special instructions on all ques-
tions pending between the two govern
ments, and determination to have them
speedily and amicably adjusted, if this be
possible.
With regard to the China mission, the
President says, whilst our Minister has
been instructed to occupy neutral posi-
ton 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 stip-
ulaiions those just concessions to commerce
which the nations of the world have a right
TO expect, and which China cannot long be
permitted to withhold. From assurances
received. entertain no doubt that the
three Ministers will act in harmonious con-
cert to obtain similar commercial treaties
for each of the powers they represent
Our difficulties with New Granada which
short time since bore so threatening an
aspect. are. it is to be hoped, in fair train
of settlement in a manner just and honora-
BILE to both parties. With respect to ,le
Isthmus of Panama, he recommends to
CONGRESS the passing of an act authorizing