Arkansas true Democrat., 1857-12-22

demnity is justly due under the treaty With Spain of the 7th of October, 1795, l earnestly recommend such an appropriation to the favora- ble consideration of Congress.
 A treaty of friendship and commerce was concluded at Constantinope on the 18th De- cember. 1856, between the United States and Persia. the ratfcations of which were exchang ed at Constantnope on the 18th June, 1857, and the treaty was proclaimed by the President on the 18th of August, 1857. This treaty, it is believed will prove beneficial to American commerce. The Shah has manifested an earn. est disposition to cultivate friendly relations with our country, and has expressed strong wish that we should be represented at Teheran by a minister plenipotentiary; and l recommend that an appropriation be made for this purpose.
 Recent occurrences in China have been un- favorable to revision of the treaty with that empire of the 3d July, 1944, with view to the security and extension of our commerce. The 24th article of this treaty stipulated for revision of 1t, in case experience should prove this to be requisite; "in which case the two gov ernments will, at the expiration of twelve years from the date of said convention, treat amlca- ply concerning the same, by means of suitable persons appointed to conduct such negotiations" These twelve years expired on the Sd July, l856 but long before that period it was ascer-
 
 necessary; and several frutless 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 conjunc- ton with the ministers of England and France, but this was suspended by the occurrence of hostities in the Canton river between Great Britain and the Chinese Empire. These hos tilities have necessarily interrupted the trade of all nations with Canton, which is now in state of blockade Meanwhile the instruction with in the Empire against the existing imperial dy- nasty still continues, and it is difficult to antici. pate what will be the result.
 Under these circumstances, I have deemed 1t advisable to appoint a distinguished citizen of Pennsylvania envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to proceed to China, and to avail himself of any opportunities which may offer for changes i'll the existing treaty favorable to American commerce. He left the United States for the place of his destination ln July last, III the war steamer Minnesota. Special ministers to China have also been appointed by the gov ernment of Great Britain and France. Whilst our minister has been. instructed to occupy neutral position in reference to the ex- isting hostlities at Canton, he will cordially CO., operate with the British and French ministers in all peaceful measures to secure by treaty stip ulations those just concessions to commerce which the nations of the world have right to ex- pect, and which China cannot long be permitted to withhold. From assurances received, 1 have no doubt that the three ministers will act in har- monious 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 independent republics on our own 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. u a far train of settlement ill manner llst and honorable to both parties
 The 1sthmus os Central America, including that of Panama, is the great highway between the Atlantic and Pacific, over which large DOT ton 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 communi- cations across this Isthmus. It Is our duty, therefore, to take care that they shall not be in terrupted either by invasion from our own coun- | try, or by the wars between the independent States of Central America. Under our treaty with new Grenada of the 18th December, 1846, We are bound to guarantee the neutrality of the Isthmus of Panama, through which the Pan anna railroad passes, "as we'll as the rights of sovereignty and property which New Grenada has and possesses over the said territory" This obligation Is founded upon equivalents granted by treaty to the government and people of the 1 United States.
 | Under these circumstances 1 recommend to Congress the passage of an act authorizing the ! President, Tn case of necessity, to employ the land and naval forces of the United States to carry into effect this guarantee of neutrality and l protection. 1 also recommend similar leoisla- ton for the security of any other route across the isthmus in which we may acquire an inter. est by treaty.
 l With the independent republics on this con- l tinent, Il Is both our duty and our interest to cultivate the most friendly relations. We can never feel indifferent to their state, and must al- ways rejoice in their prosperity Unfortunate 1 ly, both for them and for us, our example and advice have lost much of their influence in con sequence of the lawless expeditions which have been fitted out against some of them within the limits of our country. Nothing is better calculated to retard our steady material progress or impair our character a nation, than the tol- eration of such enterprises in violation of the | law of nations.
 | It Is cue of the first and highest duties of any independent State, in its relations with the members of the great family of nations to re- straln It's people from acts Of hostile aggression against their citizens or subjects. The most eminent writers on public law do not hesitate to denounce such hostile acts as robbery and murder
 Weak and feeble States like those of Gen. tral America, may not feel themselves able to assert and viudioate their rights. The case would be far different if expeditions were set on loot within our own territories to make pr- vate war against powerful nation If such ex- | petitions were fitted out from abroad against portions of our own country, to burn down our cities, murder and plunder our people, and usurp our government, we should call any power on earth to the strlctest account for not preventing such enormities
 Ever since the administration of Gen. Wash lnSton, acts of Congress have been in force to punish severely the crime of setting on foot a military expedition within the limits of the United States, to proceed from thence against nation or State with whom we are at peace. The present neutrality act of April 2Oth. ISIS. IS but little more than collection of pre-exist- ing laws. Under this act, the President is en- powered to employ the land and naval forces and the militia, !" for the purpose of preventing the carrying on of any such expedition or en- terprlse from the territories and jurisdiction oi the United States" and the collectors of cus. toms 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 enter prses.
 When it was first rendered probable that ar mpt would be made to get up another un. lawful expedition against Nicaragua, the Secre tary of State issued instructions to the marsbals and district attorneys, which were directed bv the Secretaries of War and the Navy te tht appropr'ate army and navy officers, requiring them to be vigilant, and to use their best exer. tons in carrying into effect the provisions of the act of 1918. Notwithstanding these precau. tlons, the expedition has escaped from ou, shores. Such enterprises can do no possible good to the country, but have already inflicted much injury, both on its interests and its char acter. They have prevented peaceful emigra. ton from the United States to the States ot Central America, which could not fail to prove l bon al oil tb