Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-12-08
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

dering it almost impossible to appear entire in
an ordinary sized newspaper, and therefore we
give the following abstract, which we find in
our daily exchanges
The President says there is much reason for
gratitude when we compare&he condition of
the country at the present day, with what it
was one year ago at the meeting of Congress.
Much had been done by the legislation of the
last Congress to .allay the sectional strife on
the subject of slavery, which was fostered by
the application of Kansas for admission. 1t
was well established position that all Ameri-
can citizens have an equal right to take into
the territories whatever. is held as property,
and to hold such property under the guardian
ship of the Federal Constitution, and the pro-
ceedings of the last session were alone want
ing to give it effect. Left to manage its own
affairs, all resistance to the Federal Govern
ment has been finally abandoned. Had the
citizens been obedient to lawful authority it
would have contained a large additional popu-
latiOn. The refusal to vote for delegates to
constitutional convention was fruitful source
of all the evils that followed wiser spirit that
prevailed first. In January last large major
ity of the members elect belonged to party
which had previously refused to vote. The
anti-Slavery power was thus in the ascendant.
Ii the state admitted the Lecompton Constitu-
ton, the Legislature could have submitted the
QutSliOu Oi dlueUuitiS tile COuStllutiOU TO the
people, and the Kansas question would thus
have been finally settled. His recommenda-
tion for immediate admission having failed, he
cordially acquieSced in the English bill. in
accordance with this bill it is not probable that
the third constitution can be lawfully present
ed to Congress before the population has
reached the designated number, is it pre-
sumed they will attempt to adopt constitu-
tion in violation of the act of Congress. By
waiting for short time Kansas will glide into
the Union without the slightest impediment,
and the provision applied to Kansas ought to
be applied to all the Territories hereafter.
Had this been previously the rule of the coun-
try, we would have escaped all the evils expo
sed by the Kansas question. Justice requires
the establishment of this rule, and for these
reasons he recommended the passage of such
an act.
He regards the present condition of Utah as
q subject of congratulation, the Governor and
other officers performing their duties without
resistance, and he recommends the extension
of the benefits of land law to the people of
Utah.
The result of affairs in China had proved the
wisdom of the neutral policy of the United
States, and the treaty which had been made
would be submitted to the Senate.
new treaty has been concluded with ia
pan, which would materially augment our trade
and intercourse in that quarter, and remove
the disabilities heretofore imposed on account
of religion.
1t was his earnest desire that every misun-
derstanding with Great Britain, be amcably
and speedily adjusted. The question of visi-
tation and search has been settled, by the a
bandonment OF the claim of Great Britain.
4 proposition for mutual agreement had
been submitted, in reply to which the Secreta-
ry of State said, the Government was ready
to receive any proposals. He had formed no
opinion on the subject, but did not believe
any plan could be adopted free Of embarrass
ment.
He was sorry the difficulties growing out of
the Clayton Bulwer treaty had not been set
tied. A final settlement is greatly desired,
as it would wipe out the last remaining sub
ject of dispute.
Our relations with France and Russia, as
vel, as all other governments on the continent
of Europe, except that of Spain, continue to
be of the most friendly character. Spanish
official insulted our flag, and inflicted injuries
on our citizens, and all attempts to obtain re-
dress have been bafflea and defeated. 1t was
great grievance that this Government was
obliged to apply to Madrid for the settlement
OF the question, when they are Immediately
referred back to China.
Cuba was the constant source of annoyance
to Americans, and so~long as 1t remains open
as market for the slave trade, there could be
no hope of civilization. The Island of Cuba
commands the Mississippi, and with that island
under the dominion of distant foreign power,
our trade must be exposed to the danger of
being destroyed in time of war. Whilst it is
important to US, the value of this island to
Spain Is comparatively unimportant.
The publicity of former information, and
the large appropriations required to effect the
purpose, render 1t eXpedIent to lay the whole
subject before Congress, as it might become
indispensable to success, that he should be in
trusted with the means of making an advance
to the Spanish Government, after the signing
of the treaty and before its ratification by the
State.
He repeats the recommendation made in re.
latlon to the Amisted case, as an appropria-
tion for this purpose could not fail to exert a
favorable influence.
Our relations with Independent States in
South and n orth America are peculiar. Mex
ico mas been IN constant state of revolution,
and 1t would be vain to attempt to force the
payment of claims of American citizens.
Abundant cause now exists for resort to
hostilities against the government holding
possession of the Capitol, and should they sue
ceed in subduing the Constitutional forces, all
hope of peaceful settlement of our difficult
ties will have expired. On the other hand
should the Constitutional party prevail, there
is reason to hope for speedy redress. But
for this he would have recommended Congress
to grant the necessary power to take possess
sion of the remote territory of Mexico, to be
held In pledge until the demands are satisfied
for the protection of the frontier.
He recommends the establishment of mill
tary posts and the assumption of temporary
protectorate over the northern portions of Chi
huahua and Sonora. This protection could be
Withdrawn as soon as the local government is
established.
He repeats his recommendation for a terri
torial Government in Arizona
In relation to the Transit rnuta ooross fI,o
lSthmus the President says the Government
has no objection to a demand for a fair COM