Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-12-10

The President, whilst saying we have no
right to doubt the sincerity of the British
Government in their construction of the
Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, at the same time
expressed his deliberate conviction this
construction is in opposition both to its
letter and its spirit. The fact is that
when two nations, like Great Britain and
the United States, are mutually desirous
of maintaining the most friendly relations
with each other, have unfortunately con-
cluded treaty which they understand in
senses directly opposite; the wisest course
is 10 abrogate such treaty by mutual
consent, and commence anew. Had this
been done promptly, all difficulties in Cen
trail America would most probably ere this
have been adjusted to the satisfaction of
both parties. Whilst entertaining these
sentiments shall, nevertheless, not refuse
to contribute to any reasonable adjustment
of the Central American question, which is
not practically inconsistent with the Amer
ican Interpretation of the treaty. Over
lures for this purpose have been recently
made by the British Government in a
friendly spirit, which I 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 rela-
tions of friendship still continues to exist.
The French Government has, in several re-
cent instances which need not be enumer-
ated, evinced spirit of good will and
kindness towards our country, which l
heartily reciprocate, it is, notwithstanding,
much regretted that two nations, whose
productions are of such character as to
invite most extensive exchanges and free
commercial intercourse, should continue to
enforce ancient and obsolete restrictions of
trade against each other. Our CONNER
cial treaty with France is, in this respect,
an exception from our treaties with all
commercial nations, for it jealously levies
discriminating duties both on tonnage and
on articles, the growth, produce and man
ufacture of the one country when arriving
in vessels belonging to the other. With
all other European governments, except
that of Spain, our relations are as peaceful
as we could desire. / regret to say that no
progress whatever has been made since the
adjournment of Congress towards the set
tlement of any of the numerous claims of
our citizens against the Spanish Govern
ment besides the outrage committed on
our flag by the Spanish war frigate Ferro-
lana, on the high seas, off the coast of Gu
ba, in March, 1855, by firing into the
American mail steamer, Ell Dorado, and
OBTAINING and searching her, remains un-
acknowledged and undressed.
The general tone and temper of the Spanish
Government towards the U. S. is much to be
regretted. Our present envoy extraordinary,
and Minister Plenipotentiary to Madrid has
asked TO be recalled, and it is my purpose to
send out new minister to Spain with special
instructions on all questions pending between
the two Governments and determination to
have them speedily and amicahly adjusted. if
this be possible. With regard to the China
mission the President says whilst our Minister
has been instructed to occupy neutral position
in refrence to the existing hostilities at Can
ton, he will cordially cooperate with the Brit
ish and French Ministers in all peaceful meas
ures to secure by treaty stipulations those Just
concessions 10 commerce which the nations of
the world have the right to expect and which
China cannot long be permitted to withhold
From assurance 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.
Our difficulties with New Granada. which a
short time since bore SO threatening an aspect,
are, is is TO be hoped, in fair train of settle
ment in manner just and honorable to both
parties
With respect to the Isthmus of Panama he
recommends to Congress the passing of an act
authorizing the President in the case of neces-
sity 10 employ the land and naval forces of the
U. S. to carry into effect the guarantee of neu-
trality and protection. ] also recommend SIM
liar legislation for the security of any other route
across the Isthmus in which we may require an
interest by treaty.
Respecting the Walker expedition to Nicar-
aqua he says-such enterprise can do no pos
sible good to the Country, but have already in
f1icted much injury both on its interests and its
character. / recommend the whole subject to
the serious attention of Congress, believing
that our duty and our interest as we'll as our
national character require that we should adopt
such measures as will be effectual in restricting
our citizens from committing such outrages.-
Citizens of the U. S. who are established in bus
mess in Paragua have had their property seized
and taken from them, and have otherwise been
treated by authorities in an insulting and arbi-
tary manner, which requires demand for those
purposes will be made in firm but cCnciliato-
ry spirit.
This will, ,the more probably be granted the
executive shall have authority to use other
means in the event of a refusal. This is accord
ingly recommended.
The Presidents next considers the Kansas
nj hot, fba
as-Nebraska Act the Convention were not
bound TO submit any other portion of the instru-
ment to an election, except that which relates
to the domestic institutions of Slavery. This
will be rendered clear by simple reference to
its language, At this election every citizen will
have an opportunity Of expressing his opinion
| by his vote, whether Kansas shall be received
into the Union with or without slavery, and
thus the exciting question may be peacefully
settled in the very mode required by theorgan-
ic law. The election will be held under the
legitimate authority, and if any portion of The
inhabitants shall refuse to vote, fair opportu-
nifty to do so having been presented, this will be
their own voluntary act, and they alone will be
| responsible for the consequences. Whether
| Kansas shall be a Free OF Slave State, must
eventually. under some authority, by decided
by an election, and the question can never be
more clearly or distincly presented to to the
people IMAM IL was the present moment. Snouid
this opportunity be rejected, she may be in
volved for years in domestic discord, and posi-
bly, in civil war befoIe she can again make up
an issee now so fortunately rendered and again
reach the point she has already attained; Kan
sas has, for some years, occupied too much pub
lie attention: it is high time this should be di-
rected to for more important objects. When
once admitted into the Union, whether with or
without slavery, the excitement beyond her
own limits, will speedily pass away, and she
will then, for the first time, be left she ought