The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1857-12-15

have concluded and ratified n treaty with
Great Britain by which Grsat Britain shall
have ceded, and tho republic of Honduras
shall have accepted, the said island, sub
ject to the provisions and conditions con-
tanned in such treaty"
This proposition was, Of course rejected.
After the Senate had refused 10 recognize
the British convention with Honduras Of
the 27th August, 1855, with full knowl-
edge OF its contents, it was impossible for
me, nccessarilya ignorant of ''the provis
ions and conditions which might be con.
tanned in future convention between the
same parties 10 sanction them in advance.
The fact is that when two nations like
Great Britain and the United States mu-
tually desirous, as they are, and / trust
ever may be, Of maintaining the most
friendly relations with each other, have
unfortunately concluded treaty which
they understand in sense directly oppo-
site, the wisest course is to abrogate such
treaty by mutual consent, and to com
made anew. Had this been done prompt
ly, all difficulties in Central America would
most probably ere this have been adjusted
to the satisfaction of both parties. The
time spent in discussing the meaning of
the Clayton and Bulwcr treaty would have
been devoted TO this praiso-wrorthy pur-
pose, and the task would have been the
moro easily accomplished because the in.
tercst Of the two countri 's in Central
| America is indentical, being confined to
securing safe transit over all the routes
across the Ishmus.
Whilst entertaining these sentiments, l
shall nevertheless not refuse to contribute
to any reasonable adjustment of the Gen.
tral American question which is not prac
tically inconsistent with the American in
depreciation Of the treaty. Ovcrtures for
this purposes have been recently made by
the British government in a friendly spirit,
which cordially reciprocate; but whether
this renewed effort will result in success l
am not yet prepared to express an opinion.
A brief period will determine.
With France, our ancient relations of
friendship still continue TO exist. The
French government have in several recent
instances, which need not be enumerated,
evinced a spirit of good will and kindness
towards our country which l heartily reoip-
rocate. II is Notwithstanding, much to be
regretted that nations, whose productions
are of such character as to invite the most
extensive exchanges and freest commercial
intercourse, should continue to enforce an
cient and absolute restrictions of trade a.
gainst each other. Our commercial treaty
with France is in this respect an exception
from our treaties with all other CONNER.
cial nations. 1t zcaloasly levies dscrimin-
ating duties both on tonnage and on articles,
the groth, produce, OF manufacture of the
one country, when arriving in vessels be-
longing to the other.
More than forty years ago, on tho Sd Of
March, 1915 Congress passed an act offer
ing to all nations to admit their vessels
ladened with their national productions,
into the ports of tho United States upon
the same terms with our own vessels, pro-
vided they would reciprocate to us similar
advantages. This act confined the recipro-
city to the productions of the respective
foreign nations who might enter into the
proposed arrangement with the United States.
The act of May oath, 1923, removed this
restriction, and offered similar reciprocity
to oil such vessels without reference to the
origin Of their cargoes. Upon these prin-
ciplcs, our commercial treaties and arrange
ments have been founded, except with
France and let us hope that tho exception
may not long exist.
Our relation with Russia remain, as they
have ever been, on the most friendly foot
ing. The present Emperor, as well rs
his predecessors, have never failed, when
the occasion offered to manifest their good
will to our country, and their friendship
has always been highly appreciated by
the government and people Of the United
States.
With all other European governments,
except that Of Spain, our relations are as
peaceful rs we could desire. regret to
say that no progress whatever has been
made since tho adjournment of Congress,
towards the settlement of the numerous
claims of our citizens against tho Spanish
Governments. Besides, the outrage COM
mitted on our flag by the Spanish war
frigate Ferrolana on the high seas, of the
coast of Cuba, in March 1855, by fling
into the American mail steamer El Dora
do and OBTAINING and searching her, remain
unacknowledged and uuredressed. The gen
eral tone and temper Of tho Spanish gov
ernment towards that of the U. States are
much TO be regretted.
Our present envoy extraordinary and
minister pleuipotentiary to Madrid has
asked TO be recalled; and it is my pur-
pose to send out now minister to Spain
with special instructions on all questions
pending between the two governments
and with the determination to have them
speedily and amicably adjusted, if this be
possible. In the mean time, whenever
our minister urges the just claims of our
citizens on the notice Of tho Spanish gov
ernment, it is met with the objection
that Congress have never made the appro-
priation recommended by President Polk in
his annual message Of December, 1s47,
"to be paid to the Spanish government for
the purpose Of distribution among the
claimants in tho Amistcd case" A sim
liar recommendation was made by my i'm
mediate predecessor, in his message of
of December, 1853; and entirely concur
{ ing with both, in tho opinion that this in
demnity is Justly due under the treaty with