The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-12-14


We would not if we could acquire Cuba in any other
manner. This is due to our national character. All
the territory which have acquired since the ergn OF
the government has been by fair purchase from
nan and Mexico or by the free and voluntary act of
the Independent State of Texas in blending her destl
mics with This course we shall ever pursue,
unless circumstances should occur wnlch we 90 not
now anticipate rendering departure from 1t clearly
ustifable under the imperative and ovcrruhng law OF
representation.
The island of Cuba, from its geographical position
commands the mouth of the Mississippi, and the i'm
mense and trade foreign and coast
wise, from the valley Of that noble river; now embrace
ing half the sovereign States of the Union with tnat
island under the dominion of distant foreign power
this trade of vital Importance these States is
posed the danger of being destroyed In time OF war;
and it has hitherto been subjected to perpetual injury
and annoyance in time of peace. Our relations with
SPAIN which ought be of the most friendly charac-
ter always be placed in jeopardy whilst the ex-
listing colonial government the Island shall remain
in its present condition.
Whilst the possession of the Island would be OF vast
Importance to the United States its value to Spain Isl
comparatively unimportant. Such was the relative
situation of the parties when the great trans
erred Louisiana to the United States Jealous, as he
of the national honor and interests of France
person throughout the world has imputed blame to
him for accepting a pecuniary equivalent for this
cession.
The publicity which has been given to our former
negotiations upon this subject and the large appropra
ton which may be required to effect the pupose render
it expedent, before making another attempt to renew
the negotiation, that should lay the whole be-
fore Congress This is especially necessary it may
become indispensable to success, that should be
trusted with the of making advance to the
Spanish government Immediately after the signing of
the treaty. without awaiting the ratification of it by the
Senate. am encouraged to make this suggestion, by
the example of Mr. Jefferson previous to the purchase
Louisiana from France and by that of Mr. Polk in view
of the acquisition of territory from Mexico refer the
whole subject to Congress, and commend it to their
careful consideration.
repeat the recommendation made in my message of
December last in favor of appropriation to be paid
the Spanish government for the purpose of distrbu
ton among the claimants in the Amistad case. Presi
dent Polk first made similar recommendation in De-
cember 1S47, and it repeated by my immediate
predecessor in December. 1853. l entertain doubt
that indemnity is fairly due to these claimants under
treaty with Spain of the 9th October 1895; and
whilst demanding justice ought to do justice. An
appropriation promptly made for this purpose could
not fail exert favorable influence negotia-
tOns with Spain.
1.-THE message here speaks of Mexico as being in
condition of civil and scarcely hope of restor
alton to permanent government is entertained. Re-
ers to which led to the rupture of diplomatic
ations there, and speaks we'll of minister Forsyth's
efforts in that country If for the hope of
obtaining justice'from the Liberals, who appear
be approaching to power, the President would recon-
mend the taking of portion of Mcxico-sucient to in
demnify all claims and grievances.
In North Mexico, bordering territory, there
other considerations which claim attention. We
interested in the peace of that neghborhood. Lawless
Indians enter settlements in Arizona, and there
seems other way that this difficulty be removed,
than in establishing military posts at Sonora and Chi
huahua. The message recommends that this be done,
regarding Mexico as she is, in state of mbecility and
anarchy.
THE ISTHMUS ROUTES
The message here refers what was stated at the
last session. In that connection his views the sub
ect of the sthmus Routes accord with the policy here
tofore announced by Cass His only desire is to keep
the routes open. He desires other privileges for the
United States than expect other nations to enjoy:
but he will not consent for them to be closed by the i'm
becity of nations which reside there He regrets
that the Nicaragua has been closed and speaks
of the necessity of enforcing claims against Costa
RIGA and Nicaragua.
PARAGUAY DIFFICULTY.
On the End of June last Congress passed joint reso-
tuition authorizing the President adopt
and such force as in his Judgment may be necessa-
and the purpose of adjusting the differ
ences between the United States and the republic of
Paraguay, in connexon with the alta ok the United
States steamer Water Witch and with other
referred to" in his annual message And the 18th
ofJnly following, they made appropriation to defray
the expenses and compensation of a commissioner tc
that republic should the President deem it proper to
make snch an appointment.
In compliance with these enactments have appoint
ell commits Toner, who have proceeded to Paraguay
W tn full powers and instruct ons to settle these differ
ences in amicablc and peaceful manner if this be
practicable His experience and discretion justify the
hope, that he may be :ssful in convincing the
Parauayan government that it is due both honor and
justice that they should Voluntarily and promptly make
atonement for the wrongs which they have committed
against the United States and indemnify our injured
citizens whom they have forcibly despoed of their pro-
perty.
Should our commissioner prove unsuccessful, after a
sincere and earnest effort, to accomplish the object of
his mission, then alternative will remain, but
the employment of force to obtain sust satisfaction
from Paraguay. In view of this contingency the Sec
rotary of the Navy under my direction has fitted out
and despatched navel force rendezvous Buenos
Ayres, which, it is believed will prove sufficient for the
occasion. 1t is earnest desire, however it may
not be found necessary this last alternative
THE TARIFF.
The Message re-afirms former opinions in favor of
special duties certain articles, and submits the
whole question to Congress
lie recommends the passage of a uniform bankrupt
law applicable to banking institutions.
." TREASURY
The receipts into the treasury from all sources dur
ing the fiscal year ending Both of June 1855 were
So which amount, with the balance of
ia u remaining in the treasury the COM
of the year. made aggregate the SER
vice of the year of S87 1888 So. $50.
The public expenditures during the fiscal year end
ing June 30, 1885, amounted to $S1, 5s5, 667 76 of
which 49, 80 applied to the payment of the
the interest thereon leaving in the treasury on july
l. 1858, being the of the present fiscal
year, SG,39s 3l6 10. -
The public debt on the LIST July 1883 the commence
ment of the present fiscal year, S25,l5597 GO
Comparisons between the annual expenditure at tho
present tme and what it ten or twenty years 400
are altogether falacious The rapid increase of our
country in extent and population renders
ing increase Ofexpenditure to extent unavo;da