Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1858-12-16

be amicably and speedily adjusted. 1t has been the
misfortune of both countries. almost since the
period of the revolution, to have been ammo, ed by
succession of irritating and dangerous questions
threatening their friendly relations. This has par
tally prevented the full development of those feel
ings of mutual friendship between the people of
the two countries, SO natural in themselves and so
conductive to their common interest Any serious
interruption of the commerce between the United
States and Great Britain. would be equally iujuri-
Gus to both. In fact no two nations have ever ex-
listed on the face of the earth, which could do each
other so much good or so much harm.
Entertaining these sentiments. l am gratiied to
tween the two governments, in relation to the ques-
tion of visitation and search, has been amicably
adjusted. The claim on the part of Great Britain.
forclby to visit American vessels on the high seas
in time of peace. could not be sustained under the
law of nations, and it has been overruled by her
Gently brought to an issue by the repeated acts of
British cruisers. in boarding and searching our
merchant vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and the ad-
I Jacent seas. These acts were the more injurious
and annoying, as these waters are traversed By a
large portion of the commerce and navigation of
the United States, and their free and unrestricted
use is essential the security of the coastwise trade
between different States of the Union. Such ve4-
feelings of the country and to require the nterpo-
sition of the government. Remonstrances were ad-
dressed to the British government against these vi
force at the same time ordered to the Cuban
waters with directions to protect all vessels of the
tenton BY the vessels of any other nation." "
These measures received the unqualified and even
enthusiastic appreciation of the American people.
Most fortunately, however, collision took place,
and the British government promptly avowed its
recognition of the principles of international law
upon this subject, as laid down by the government
of State to the British minister at Washington, of
April TO- 1858, which secure the vessels of the Uni
ted States upon the high seas from visitation or
search in time of peace, under any circumstances
whatever. The claim has been abandoned in a
manner rejecting honor on the British government
and cannot fail to strengthen the amicabl relations
between the two countries.
posed to the United States that some mode should
| be adopted, by mutual arrangement between the
two countries, of character which may be found
effective without being offensive, for verifying the
nationality ofvessels suspected good grounds of
carrying false colors. They have also invited the
States at ahe ths b and
| sumo so grave responsibility, the Secretary of
State has informed the British government that we
feel disposed to offer, having this object in view
! and to consider them in an amicable spirit. A
casonal abuse of the flag of ahy nation, is an evil
far less tObe deprecated, than would be the estab-
lishment of any regulations which might be incom-
patible with the freedom of the seas This govern
ment has vet received no communication specifying
| the manner in which the British government would
cined to believe, that no plan which can be deyis-
ed, Will be free from grave embarrassments. STILL
til shall have carefully and in the best spirit ex-
amined any proposals which they may think proper
| to make. '.-i-'
| am truly sorry cannot also inform you that the
complications, between Great Britain and United
States rising 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. emancipating themselves from
! further unayailing discussions, the two govern
ments would proceed to settle the Central Ameri-
can questions in practical manner. alike honora-
bic and satisfactory to both ); and this hope have
| not yet abandoned. In my last annual message,
stated that overtures had been made BY the British
government for this purpose, in friendly spirit,
| to withdraw these questions from direct negotia-
/ tlon between the two governments; but to accom-
pish the same object, by negotiation between the
/ British government and each of the Central Amer
ican republics whose territorial interests mme
| diately involved. The settlement was to be made
probation placed upon the Clayton and Bulwer trea
ty by the United States, with certain notifications
would not be proper for me now TO communicate
their present condition. final settlement of these
questions is greatly to be desired as this would wipe
out the last remaining subject of dispute between
the two countries.
Our relations with the great empire of France &
Rusaia, as well as with all other governments ON
the continent of Europe, except that of Spain.
| tinue to be of the most friendly character.
With Spain our relations remain in an unsatis-
factory condition. In my message of December last
informed you that our envoy extraordinary and
minister plenipotentiary to Madrid had asked for
his recall; and it purpose to send out a
minister to that court, with special instructions on
all questions pending between the two vernments
and with a determination to have them speedily
amicably adjusted, If that were possible. This pur
pose has been hitherto defeated by causes which
need not enumerate.
The mission to Spain has been intrusted to dis
tinguished citizen of Kentucky, who will proceed
to Madrid without delay, and make another and
a final attempt to obtain justice from that gov
ernment. 4
Spanish officials, under the direct control of the
captain-general of Cuba have insulted our nation
to time inflicted injuries the persons and prop
erty of our citizens. These have given birth to nu
merits of which have been ably discussed for Sc
res of years, by our successive diplomatic represen
tatives: NotWtlhstand5Ing this. we have not arri-
less we may except the case Of the Black Warrior
under the late administration; and that presented
an outrage of such character as would have justi
to obtain redress have been baffed and defeated -
The frequent and Oft-recurring changes in the
Spanish ministry, have been employed reasons
for delay. We have been compelled to wait. again
and again, until the new minister shall have had
time toinyestigate the justice of our demands.
Even what have been denominated 1.-THE Cuban
claims in which more than hundred of our citi-
zens are directly interested have furnished no ex-
ception. These claims were for the refunding of
duties unjustly exacted from American vessels at
year 1874. The principles upon which they rest
so manfestly equitable and just, that after peri
by the Spanish government, Proceedings were af
terwards instituted to ascertain their amount and
this was finally fixed according to their own state
ment with which we were satisfed) at the sum of
one hundred and twenty-eight thousand six hun
dred and thirty five dollars and ffty-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 propO
sal offering to refund one-third of that amount,
Gorty-two thousand eight hundred and seventy
eight dollars and forty-one cents) but without in
terest if would accept this in full satisfaction.
The offer is also, accompanied by declaration that
this indemni flea tion is not founded any reason
of strict justice; but is made as special favor.
One alleged cause for procrasti3atiOn in the ex-
animation and adjustment of our Claims arise from
obstacle which it is the duty of the Spanish gov
ernment to remove. Whilst the captain-general of
Cuba is invested with general despotc authority in
the government of atisand, the power is with
held from him to examine and redress wrongs COM
ntted by officials under his control, citizens of
the United States. Instead of making our, COM
plants directly to him at Havana. we are obliged
10 present them through our minister at Madrid.-
These then referred back to the captain gener
al for information; and much time Is thus.consum-
ed in preliminary investigations and correspond
ence between Madrid and Cuba, before the Span
ish government will consent to proceed to negotia
tion. Many Of the difficulties between the two gov.
ernments would be obyiated, and a long train of
negotiation avoided, if the captain general in
vested with AUTHORITY to settle questions of easy
luton on the spot where all the facts are resh and
could be promptly and satisfactorily ascertaned.-
We have hitherto in vain urged upon the Spanish
government, to confer this power upon the captain
general and our minister to Spain ,Tn will again ot be
this respect we occupy adierent position from the
powers Of Europe. Cuba is almost within sight OF
that Of any other nation, including Spain ITSELF
and citizens in habits of daily ana extend-
ed personal intercourse with every part Of the is
land; II is therefore, great grievance tnat, Wnen
which night be readily set tied Mt the moment, we
should be Obliged to resort to Madrid, especially
when the very first step to be taken there is to refer
it back to Cuba. f.s. ..n tsft. |
The truth is that Cuba, in its existing colonial
condition. is constant source Of injury and annoy
ance to the American people i Is the only spot IN
the civilized world where the African slave trade
is tolerated. and we bound by treaty with Great
Britain, to maintain naval force on the coast OF
Africa at much expense no.n 81 NE & ana roasdlre