The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1857-12-19
SELECTIONS.
The Presidents Message,

We abridge from the South the following
summary of the Presidents Message:
The topics discussed in the Presidents
Message are conveniently classed under the
general heads of Foreign and Domestic af-
fairs.
In the main the diplomatic relations of
the country are represented to be Of a salts
factory character. All matters inissue with
Great Britain have been adjusted, excepting
only the Central American dispute; and
with a view to the pacific disposition Of this
last difficulty, the Message recommends a
repeal of the Clayton Bulwer Treaty, and a
resumption of negotiations on another basis.
Oyertures for final settlement of the affair
have recently been offered by the British
Government, but the President is not yet
prepared to give positive assurance of sue
cess in the endeavor.
The President anticipates an early adjust
ment of the difficulty with New Granada,
provoked by the massacre at Panama and
other less important differences. The United
States are bound by Treaty to guaranty the
neutrality of the territory through which the
Panama Railway passes, and to that end the
President asks authority of Congress to en-
ploy the land and naval forces ON the 18TH
mus.
1t seems we are in danger of hostilities
with the almost unknown and inaccessible
republic of Paraguay. The President of
that formidable Government refuses to rati
fy treaty with the United States, to in
demuify certain of our citizens for the spo-
liation of their property, and to afford salts
faction for the insult and violence inflicted
upon the Water Witch when in the peaceful
prosecution Of a scientific and commercial
enterprise in the La Plata river. In conSi-
Iteration Of all these grievances tits recon-
mended in the Message that the Executive
be authorized to support a friendlyremon-
STRANGE with the Government Of Paraguay
by a demonstration of military force.
Our ancient relations of friendship with
France still stand upon a solid basis; but
the President regrets that the two countries
continue to enforce obsolete restrictions of
trade against each other. He desires that
the principles of the most liberal recipro-
city should govern their commercial inter
course.
With Russia we are on terms Of the most
cordial confidence and good will.
Our relations with every other European
Government are satisfactory, if we except a
chronic and apparently incurable quarrel
with Spain. To this day the Court of Ma
drid obsGnately refuses to satisfy our hume
rous and urgent demands for the reparation
of wrongs and the redress of grievances.
Such has been the ill-success of our present
Minister in his negotiations with the Spanish
Goyernment-such the abortion of all his
plans for the support Of the rights and honor
of his country-that he entreats permission
to resign his office The United States are
satisfied in none of their claims, and We are
told by the President that 1.-The general
tone and temper of the Spanish Government
towards this country are much to be regret
ted" Mr.. Buchanan says it is his purpose
to send d new Minister to Spain, with special
instructions speedily and amicably" to ad-
Just all differences with that Governments
On the 18th of December, 1856, treaty
of friendship and commerce was concluded
between the United States and the Shah
Of Persia. The President recommends an
for the appointment Of a
Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of
Teheran.
Thinking it an appropriate time to secure
a revision of our Treaty with China of the
Sd July, 1914, with view to the advantage
of American trade in the East, the Presi-
dent has appointed an Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister PIenipotentiary to the Celes-
tial Empire; but while he is to cooperate
with the French and English Representatives.
in peaceful measures for the benefit of com
merce, he is instructed to occupy a neutral
position in reference to the existing hostili-
ties at Canton.