Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1857-12-24

ties in Central America would most
probably, ere this, have been adjusted
to the satisfaction Of both parties.l
The time spent in discussing lbeI
meaning Of the Clayton and Bulwef
treaty would have been devoted to
this praiseworthy purpose. and the
task would have been the more east
ly accomplished Because the Interest
Of the two countries in Central
America is identical, being confined
to securing safe transits over all the
routes across the lsthmns.
While entertaining these senti-
ments, ! shall nevertheless not refuse
to contribute TO any reasonable adj
justmcnt of the Central American
questions. which is not practically in
consistent with the American interpre-
tation Of hetreaty. Overtures for
this purpose have been recently made
by the British Government in friend
ly spirit. which | cordially recipro-
cate; but whether this renewed effort
will result in success, | 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 has in seve-
raj recent instances. which need not
be enumerated, evinced a spirit Of
good will and kindness towards our
country which / heartily reciprocate.
1t is, Notwithstanding, much to be re-
GREETED that two nations whose pro-
ductions are Of such a character as to
invite the most extensive exchanges
and freest commercial intercourse,
should continue TO enforce ancient
and obsolete restrictions of trade a
gainst each other. Our commercial
treaty with France is in this respect
an exception from our treaties with
all other commercial nations. II jeal-
ously levies discriminating duties both
on tonnage and on articles, the growth,
produce, or manufacture of the one
s country, when arriving in vessels be-
longing to the other.
More than forty years ago, on the
Sd Of Mlrch, 1915, Congress passed
an act offering to all nations to admit
their vessels laden with their national
productions into the ports of the Uni
ted States upon the same terms with
our own vessels, provided they would
recipr jcate to us similar advantages
This act confined the reciprocity te
the productions Of the respective for
eign nations who might enter into the
proposed arrangement with the Uni
3 ted States. The act of May "a
1928, removed this restriction, ane
offered similar reciprocity to al
such vessels without reference to thu
origin Of their cargoes. Upon thes,
principles our commercial treaties ant
arrangements have been founded, ex
cept with France; and let us hope tina
this exception may not long exist
Our relations with Russia remain
as they have ever been-on the mos
friendly footing. The present En-
peror, as we'll as his predecessors
have never failed, when the occasion
offered, to manifest their good will t
our country; and their friendship ha
always been highly appreciated by tn
Government and people of the Unite'
States.
With all other European Govern
ments, except Spain, our relations ar
as peaceful as We could desire. / re
greet to say that no progress whateve
aas been made, since the adjournment
Of Congress, towards the settlement
of any of the numerous claims Of gu
citizens against the Spanish Govern
ment. Besides the Outrage commit
ted on our flag by the Spanish wal
frigate Frenola on the high seas, Of
the coast Of Cuba, in March, 1856
by firing into the American maj
steamer FL Dorado, and detaiDing an,
searching her, remains unacknowl
edged and unredressed. The genera
tone and temper Of the Spanish gov
eminent towards that of the Unite'
States are much to be regretted
Our present envoy extraordinary AM
minister plenipotentiary to Madrid ia
asked to be recalled; and it is my pur
pose to send new minister to Spain
with special instructions on all ques
tons pending between the two gov
ernments, and with determination
to have them speedily and amicably
adjusted, if this be possible. In tn
meantime, whenever our ministe
urges the just claims Of our citizens
on. the notice Of the Spanish govern
Il :. .~~ok NTH fbo oh.oo4s,