The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-12-16

the United States to take the initiative, and
propose measures for this purpose. Whilst
declining to assume SO grave responsible
ty, the Secretary Of State has informed the
British Government that we are ready to
receive any proposals which they may feel
disposed to offer, having this object in view
and 10 consider them in an amicable spirit.
A strong opinion is, however, expressed,
that the occasional abuse of the flag Of any
nation is an evil far less to be deprecated
than would be the establishment of any reg
ulations which might be incompatible with
the freedom Of the seas. This government
has yet received no communicated specify.
ing the manner 10 which the British govern
ment would propose to cary out their sug-
gestion; and am inclined to believe that
no plan which can be devised, viii! be free
from grave embarrassments. Still l shall
form 20 decided opinion on the subject until
shall carefully and in the best spirit exam
ined any proposals which they may think
proper to make.
am truly sorry cannot also inform you
that the complications between Great Brit
ain and the United States, arising out Of the
Clayton and Bulwer treaty Of April, 1850,
have been finally adjusted.
AT the commencement OF your last session
had reason to hope that, emancipatDg
themselves from further unavailing discus
sions, the two governments would proceed
to settle the Central American question in
isiactory to both; and this hope have not
yet abandoned. In my last annual mes
sage, stated that overtures had been made
by the British Government for this purpose
in friendly spirit, which cordially recip-
rocated. Their proposals was, TO withdraw
these questions from direct negotiation be-
tween the two governments; but to accom-
pllsh the same object, by negotiation be-
tween the British government and each Of
the Central American republics whose terri
toral interests are Immediately involved.
The settlement was to be made in accord.
ance with the general tenor of the interpret.
alton placed upon the Clayton Bulwer
treaty by the United States, with certain
notifications. As negotiations are still
pending upon this basis, it would not be
proper for Inc now to communicate their
present condition. A final settlement Of
these questions is greatly to be desired
as this would wipe out the last remaining
subject ofdispute between the two countries.
Our relations with the great empires Of
France and Russia, as well as with all other
governments on the continent OF Europe,
except that OF Spain, continue to be Of the
most friendly character.
SPAIN.
With Spain our relations remain in an
unsatisfactory condition. In my message
OF December last, informed you that our
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipo-
Tertiary to Madrid had asked his recall
and it was my purpose TO send out new
minister to that court, with special instruc.
tons on all questions pending between the
two governments, and with determination
to have them speedily and amicably adjust
ed, if that were possible. This purpose has
hitherto been defeated by causes which
need not enumerate.
The mission to Spain has been entrusted
to distinguished citizen of Kentucky, who
will proceed to Madrid without delay, and
make another and final attempt to obtain
justice from that government.
Spanish officials under the direct control
OF the Captain General OF Cuba, have insult
cd our national flag, and, in repeated instan-
ces have from time to time inflicted injuries
on the persons and property Of our citizens.
These have given birth to numerous claims
against the Spanish government, the merits
OF which have been ably discussed for num-
Der Of years, by our successive diplomatic
Nnt~ huta
have not arrived at q practical result in any
single instance, unless we may except the
case of the Black Warrior under the late I'D.
ministratioD; and that presented an outrage
Of such character rs would have justified
an immediate resort to war. All our At
tempts to obtain redress have been bsfiied
and defeated. The frequent and oft recur-
ring changes in the Spanish ministry, have
been employed as reasons Tor delay. We
have been compelled to wait, again and again
until the new minister shall have had time to
investigate the justice Of our demands.
Even what have been densminated " the
Cuban claims in which more than humid
red OF our citizens are directly interested,
have furnished no exception. These claims
were for the refunding Of duties unjusty ex.
acted from American vessels at different
custom houses in Cuba, so long ago as the
year ls4l. The principles upon which they
rest are go manifestly equitable and just that
after a period Of nearly ten years, to 1854,
they were recognized by the Spanish govern
ment Proceedings were afterwards institu-
ted to ascertain their amount. and this was
finally fixed according to their own statement
with which We are sstisfed) at the sum Of
one hundred and twenty eight thousand six
hundred and thlrty6ve dollars and fifty four
cents. Just at the moment, after delay Of
fourteen years, when We had reason to expect
that this sum would be repaid with interest,
We have received q proposal Offering to re-
fund one third Of that amount, (42,S7s,7I,
but without interest if We would accept this
in full satisfaction. The offer is, also, accom-
panied by declaration that this indemnif-
cation is no, founded 90 any reason Of strict
justice; but is made as special favor.
Ona alleged cansa for decentralization i;