True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-12-15
The transactions at Virgin Bay in April,

ANS, who were IN no way connected Win
ny belligerant conduct or party, were fred
pom by the troops of Costa Rica, and {
umbers OF them killed and wounded, was {
rought to the Knowledge of Congress by l
ny predecessor soon after its occurrence,
nG was also presented to the government
f Costa RiCs, for that immediate invest
CATION and redress which the nature of the
ase demanded. A similar course was
pursued with reference to other outrages
n these countries, some of which were
hardly less aggravated in their character
han the transaction at Virgin Bay.
At the time, however, that our present
minister to Nicaragua was appointed. IN
December, 1857, no redress has been
obtained for any of these wrongs, and no
reply even had been received to the de-
mands which had been made by this Gov
ernment upon that of Costa Rica more
than a year before. Our minister was
instructed, therefore, TO lose no time in
expressing to those governments the deep
regret with which the President had wit
messed this inattention to the just claims
Of the United States, and, in demanding
their prompt and satisfactory adjustment.
Unless this demand shall be complied
with at an early day, it well only remain
for this government to adopt such meas
ures as may be necessary, in order to OBJ
tain f,r itself that justice which it has in
vain attempted to secure by peaceful means
from the governments Of Nicaragua and
Costa Rica. While it has shown, and
will continue 10 show, the most sincere
regard for the rights and honor Of those
republics, it cannot permit this regard tc
be met by an utter neglect on their part o.
what is due 10 the government and citizens
of the United States. .
Against New Grenada we have lonG
standing causes of complaint, arising ou
of the unsatisfied claims Of oul citizens oI
that republic, and to these have beer
more recently added the outrages commit
ted upon our citizens at Panama in 1856
A treaty for the adjustment of these dlth
culties was concluded by the SecraiaEy o
State and the Minister of New Grenada
in September, 1857, which contained jus
and acceptable provision for that purpose
This treaty was transmitted to Bogot
and was ratified BY the government {
New Grenada, but with certain amend
r ments. 1t was not, however, returned
this city until after the close OF the la'
f session OF the Senate. It will be immed
f ately transmitted to that body for their az
r vice and consent, and should this be OF
tanned, it will remove all our exiStin
e causes Of complaint against New Grenad
s on the subject Of claims.
' Questions have arisen between the tw
Governments as to the right Of New CIR
q NADIA TO levy tonnage duty upon the vel
= sells of the United States in its ports
e the islhmus, and to levy passenger ia
4 upon our citizens arriving in that counir.
Q whether with design to remain there,
g 10 pass from ocean to ocean by the tran
| il route and also tax upon the mail
the United States transported over tt
Panama Railroad. The government
) New Grenada has been informed that I'll
United States would consider the collie
ton of either of these, taxes as an act
, violation of the treaty between the conI
f tries, and as such would be resisted
D the United States. Al the same time, "
are prepared 10 discuss these questions
? a spirit Of amily and juctice, and with
sincere desire 10 adjust them in satsfa
f tory auner. A negotiation for that pu
n pose has already been commenced. n
1 effort has recently been made 10 collie
these taxes, nor is any anticipated und
present circumstances.
IS With the empire Of Brazil our relatio
n are of the most friendly character. IT
If productions Of the two countries, and {
y pecialIy those Of an agricultural natuf
: are such as to invite extensive mutual e
}. changes. A large quantity Of Anne
10 can flour Is consumed in Brazil viii
r more than treble the amount in value
le Brazilian coffee is consumed in the u
" ten States.
is Whilst this is the case heavy dr
is has been levied until very recently, up
" The importation Of American -four i,
to Brazil. I am gratifed, however to info
Id you that in September last, This
been reduced from $l,35 TO about 40 c
" per Dbl, and the duties on other artic
IN of our production have been diminish
III in nearly the same proportion.
to regret to state that the Governm
,e of Brazil still continues to levy an exp
ii, duty of about II per cent on coffee, n
IS withstanding this article is admitted {
ID of duty in the United States. This
n, heavy charge upon the consumers of c
es fee in our country, as we purchase half
n. the entire crop Of that article in Brazil
ut Our minister under instruction will
n- iterale his efforts 10 have this export d.
,ir removed, and it is hoped that the enlig
ened government Of the emperor ,
IS. adopt this wise just and equal policy.
of thai event there is good reason to bell
that the commerce between the two COZ
he tries will increase much 10 our advanta
tv The claims Of our citizens against
ee government of Brazil are not in the age
he gale of very large amount, but some
he these rest upon plain principles of just
m. and their settlement ought not to be 10
his er delayed. A renewed and earnest, an
trust successful effort, will be made
.e, our Minister 10 procure their final adj
he Tnent.
i,b On the second Of June last, Cong
;9. passed joint resolution, authorizing
tes President "to adopt such measures,
ms use such force as, in his judgement n
kn .nnnnnnrrr and nd manila ~ for ihn r