Mariposa Democrat., 1858-01-07
PRESIDENT BuoHANAN's MESSAGE.

The Presidents Message to Congress, Q
document which has been looked for with
more than usual interest, is before the people
of the United States We had made prepara
tions to furnish it to our readers in supple
ment with this weeks issue, but owing to caus
es beyond our control, we were disappointed
and can therefore give but a synopsis of the
principal points considered in the Message,
of immediate interest The mastery manner
in which public affairs are taken up and con-
sidered, in detail; the facility with which all
the diverse matters under the Presidents su.
pervision are discussed; and the plain, easy
and common-sense way that remedies are sug-
gested for difficulties both domestic and for
eign, stamp the Message as one that must
rank with the first papers that have emanated
from the Executive Office
Commencing with the customary passing
notice of the general condition Of the country,
which is described as being prosperous, the
late financial convulsion is taken up, its causes
logically sifted and explained, the effects dwet
advised:
After all, we must mainly rely upon the patriotism
and wisdom of the States for the prevention and re-
dress of the evil 1t they will afford real specie
basis for paper circulation by increasing the de-
nomination Of bank notes, first to twenty, and after
wards to fifty doars if they will require that the
banks shall at all times keep hand at least one dol
0od eilvar fnr averx throa doIora THAR
circulation and depostes; and if they will provide by
q selfexecuting enactment which nothing can arrest
that the moment they suspend they shall go into
liquidation, believe that such provisions, with
weekly publication by each bank of statement of its
condition, would go far to against future
pensions OF specie payments.
Congress, it is opined, has the power to pass
bankrupt law applicable to all banks, and its
exercise is strongly recommended. And it is
suggested that the banks be altogether de-
prived of the power to issue paper currency,
and con6ne them to the functions of banks of
deposit and discount, rather than suffer a re-
petition Of the calamities hitherto inflicted on
the country by their excesses. Foreign re-
lations are thus spoken of:
Our relations with foreign governments are upon
the whole, in satisfactory condition.
The diplomatic difficulties which existed between
the Of the United States and that of Great
Britain at the adjournment of the last Congress- have
been happily terminated by disappointment Of Brit
ish minister to this country who has been cordially
received.
An elaborate relation of the somewhat irri-
tating question with Great Britain is then en-
tered into, in which calm, logical view is taxi
en- Of the many points presented, and proceed
ings had, showing the clear-headed statesman
throughout; and expressing readiness to ac-
cede to any proposition for an amicable ar
rangement of the difficulties, that may be made,
not practically inconsistent with the American
Interpretation of the treaty. Of France it
says:
With France our ancient relations of friendship still
continue to exist. The French government have in
several recent instances which need not be enumer-
ated, eyinced spirit of good will and kindness to-
wards our country which heartily reciprocate.
Reference is made to duties on goods to and
from France and the United States, and the
hope expressed that more agreeable COM
mercial treaty will soon replace that now in
existence. Our relations with Russia are des
cribed as being of the most friendly character
The Message continues:
With all other European governments except that
of Span our relations are peaceful as we could de
sire. regret to say that no progress whatever has
been made, since the adjournment of Congress, towards
the settlement Of any of the claims Of our
citizens against the 81 anish Government
Recent occurrences in China have been unlavorable
toa revision of the treaty with that empire of the Sd
July, 1874, with view to the security and extension
Of cur commerce.
Passing subjects of comparatively minor i'm
ton which considers the Isthmus of Panama
and that of Nicaragua as the highways of ma
tons, and their relations to the United States :
The Isthmus of Central America, including that of
Panama, is the great highway between the Atlantic
and Pacific, which large portion of the COM
merce of the world ia destined to pass The United
States deeply interested than any ether ma
ton in preserving the freedom and security of all the
communications this Isthmus. 1t is our duty,
therefore, to take that they shall not be inter
rupted either by nyasions from country by
wars between the independent States of Central Amer
lea. Under treaty with New Granada of the 18th
December, 1916, we are bound to guaranty the neu-
traity of the lsthmus of Panama. through which the
Panama railroad passes, as well the rights Of
reignty and property which New Granada has and
possesses the said Territory" This obligation is
founded upon equivalents granted by the treaty to the
Government and people of the United States.
Under these circumstances | recommend to Con
gress the passage of act authorizing the President
in case of necessity, to employ the land and naval
forces of the United States to carry into effect this
guaranty of neutrality and protection. also recon.
mend similar legislation for the security Of any other
route across the Isthmus in which may acquire an
interest by treaty.
The Expedition to Nicaragua is thus no.
ticed:
When It first rendered probable that an attempt
would be made to get up another unlawful expedition
against Nicaragua, the Secretary of State issued in
stuctions to the mashals and district attorneys which
,vara diraetad bv tha gecretarv War and Navv