True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-12-16
F0hn 99,.N0. 5074.


that empire of the I'd July, 1914, with
view to the security and extension of our
commerce. The 9th article of this treaty
stipulated for a revision Of it, in case ex-
perience should prove tais to be requisite;
g in which case the two governments will,
at the expiration of twelve years from tho
date Of said convention, treat amicably
concerning the same, by means of suitable
persons appointed to conduct such negotia.
tiOns." These twelve years expired on the
Sd of July, 1856; but long before that
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
commissioner, in conjunction with the
ministers Of Engllnd and France, but this
was suspended by the occurrence of hostil-
tiles in the Canton river between Great
Britain and the Chinese Empire. Tho
hoStilities have necessarily interrupted the
trade Of all nations with Canton, which is
now in state Of blockade, and have oc-
casioned serious loss of life and property.
Meanwhile the insurrection within the
empire against the existing imperial dynas.
ty still continues, and it is difficult to an,
ticipate what will be the result.
Under these circumstances, have deem.
ed it advisable to appoint distinguished
citizen Of Pennsylvania envoy to China,
and to avail himself Of any opportunities
which may offer to effect changes in the
existing treaty favorable to American com.
merce. 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 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 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 deep interest in
all that concerns the welfare of the inde.
pendent republics on our own continent, as
we'll as the Empire of Brazil. s'
Our difficulties with New Grenada,
which short time since bore so threatens
ening On aspect, are, it is to be hoped, in
fair train of settlement, in q manner just
and honorable to both parties. The Isth-
mus of Central America, including that Of
Panama, is the great highway between the
Atlantic and Pacific, over which large
portion Of tie commerce of the world is
destined to pass. The United States ars
more deeply interested than any other ma
tion in preserving the freedom and security
of all the communications across this 18TH
mus. 1t is our duty, therefore, to take
care that they snail not be interrupted eli
thcr by invasions from our own country, or
by wars between the independent States Of
Central America. Under our treaty with
New Grenada of the 18th December, 1846,
we are bound to guaranty the neutrality Of
the Isthmus of Panama, through which the
Panama rail road passes, Gas we'll as the
rights Of sovereignty and property which
New Grenada has aud possesses over the
said Territory. This obligation is founded
upon equivalents granted by treaty to the
government and people of the United States.
Under these circumstances, recommend
to Congress the passage of an act author.
izing the President in case of necessity to
employ the land and naval forces of the
United States to carry into effect the guar.
antee of neutrality and protection. l also
recommend similar legislation for the secu-
rity of any other route across the Isthmus
in which we may acquire an interest by
treaty. M
With the independent republics upon
this continent, it is both our duty and our
interes to cultivate the most friendly re-
latiens. We can never feel indifferent to
their fate, and must always rejoice 10 their
prosperity. Unfortunately. both for them
and for Us, our example and advice have
lost much Of their influence in consequence
of the lawlcss expeditions which have been
fitted out against some ofthem within the
limits of our country. Nothing is bettOr
calculated to retard our steady material
progress, or impair our character as o ma
ton, than the toleration Of such enterpris
ses in violation Of the law Of nations.
Itls one of the first and highest duties
Of any independent State, in its relations
with tho members of the great family Of
nations, to restrain Its people from acts of
hostile aggression against their citizens
aud subjects. The most eminent writer's
on public law do not hesitate to denOunce
such hostile acts as robbery aud murder.
Weak and feeble States like those loi
Central America, may not feel themselves
able to assert and vindicate their rights.
The case would be far dfsrent If expedi.
tions were set on foot within our own terri
torres to make private war against pow
erful nation, II such expeditions were
| lOoNcLUsIoN ON FOURTH p4dEl