Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1858-12-11

ETTp1TC,
earnest attempt to adjust them by peaceful nego-
tiation. was the more inclined to this opinion,
because Of the severe chastisement which had
then but recently been inflicted upon the Chinese
by our squadron, In the capture and destruction
Of the Barrier forts, to ayenge an alleged insult to
our flag.
The event has proved the wisdom of our neu-
trnlity. Our minister has executed his instruction
with eminent skill and ability. In conjunction
with the Russian plenipoteDtary, he has peace
fully, but effectually, cooperated with the English
and French plenipoentiaries and each of the four
powers has concluded separate treaty with Chi
ma, Of q highly satisfactory character The
treaty concluded by our own plenlpotentiary will
Immediately be submitted to the Senate,
am happy TO announce that, through the en-
ergetic vet conciliaiory efforts Of consul gen.
ernl in Japan, a new treaty has been concluded
with that empire, which may be expected mate
rally to augment our trade and intercourse in that
quarter, and remove from our countrymen the
disabilities which have heretofore been imposed |
upon the exercise OF their religion. The treaty |
shall be submitted to the Senate for approval
without delay.
| 1t is my earnest desire that every misunder. |
standing with the government Of Great Britain |
should be amicably and speedily adjusted. 1t has |
been the misfortune OF both countries, almost |
ever since the period of the revolution, TO have |
been annoyed by succession Of irritating and
dangerous questions, Threatening their friendly
| relations. This has partially prevented the iu
development of those feelings Of mutual friend
ship between the people Of the two countries, so
|
common interest. Any serious interruption Of
the commerce between the United States and
Great Britain would be equally injurious TO both.
In fact, no two nations have ever existed on the
face Of earth which could do each other so much
good or SO much harm.
Entertaining these sentiments am gratfed TO
inform you that the long pending controversy be-
tween the two governments, In relation 10 the
question of visitation and search, has been ami
cably adjusted. The claim on the part of Great
Britain, forciby TO visit American vessels on the
high seas In time of peace could not be sustained
under the law of nations, and 1t had been over
ruled by her own most eminent jursts This
question was recently brought TO an issue by the
repeated acts of British cruisers, in boarding al
searching our merchant vessels in the Gulf of
Mexico and the adjacent seas These acts were
the more Injurious and annoying as these waters
are trsverscd by large portion of the commerce
and navigation of the United States, and their
free and unrestricted use is essential 10 the Sc
curly of the coaswise trade between the differ
ent states OF the Union Such vexatous inter-
ruptons could not fail TO excite the feelings of
the country and 10 require the nerposition OF the
government. RESPONSIVENESS were addressed 10
the British government against these violations
, Of our rights of sovereignty, and naval force
was ut the same time ordered TO the Cuban wa
ters with directions ito protect all vessels of the
= United States on the high seas from search or
detention by the vessels OF war of any other ma.
{ ton" These measures received the unqualified
and even enthusiastic appreciation of the Ameri-
| can people. Most fortunately, however no COLI
.
promptly avowed its recognition of the princi.
piles of international law upon this subject as laid
4 down by the government OF the United States,
in the note Of the secretary of state 10 the British
| minister AT Washington, of April 10, 1875 which
: secure The vessels of the United States upon the
high seas from visitation and search in time Of
4 peace, under any circumstances whatever. The
: claim has been abandoned IN n manner rejecting
, | honor on the British government, and evincing
n Just regard for the law of nations, and cannot
= fail to strengthen the amicable relations between
s the two countries.
y The British government, at the same time, pro-
J. posed TO the United Suites that some mode should
z be adopted by mutual arrangement between
= the tive countries, of character which may he
found effective without being off nsive, for veri-
flying the nationality Of vessels suspected on good
: grounds of carrying false colors. They have also
d invited the United States TO take the initiative,
g and propose measures for this purpose. Whilst
d declining TO assume so grave responsibility, the
secretary of state has informed the British gov
they y
II ing this object In view and to consider III, m in
y an amicable spirit. A strong opinion is, however
expressed, that the occasional abuse of the flag
of any nation is evil far less TO be deprecated
81 than would he The establishment of any regula
s. lions which might he incompatible with the free
n dom of the seas. Tsis government has yet re-
n ceived nc communication specifying the manner
e in which the British government would propose
ir to carry OUT their suggestion; and am inclined
l. 10 believe that no plan which can be devised will
y be free fiom grave ADVERTISEMENTS. Still, shall
l. form no decided opinion on the subject until
shall have carefully and in the best spirit exam.
1t ined any proposals which they may think proper
l. 10 make.
. am truly sorry cannot also inform you iha,
G. the complications between Great Britain and the
n United States, arising out of the Clayton and
IS Buwer treaty of April, 1850, have been finally
|. adjusted. At the commencement of Your last
4 session, had reason TO hope that, emancipatng
" themselves from further unavailing discussions
}, the two governments would proceed 10 settle the
Capfr Anar M N N IN q
n alike honorable and satisfactory TO both; and this
o hope have not yet abandoned. In my last an
" nual message. l stated that overtures had been
@ made nv the British government for this purpose
l. in friendly spirit, which | cordially fcciproca
+ ted. Their proposal was, TO withdraw these ques
y lions from direct negotiation between the Two
i governments; but TO accomplish the same object
o by negotiation between the British government
= aud each of the Central American republics whose
d territorial interests are Immediately involved
e The settlement was TO be made in accordance with
Q the general tenor of the Interpretation placed
z upon the Clayton and Bulwer treaty by the Uni
It ted States, with certain notifications. As nego-
i iiaiions are still pending upon this basis, II would
l. 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 be-
tween The two countries.
y Our relations with the great empires of France
/ and Russia, rs well MS with nll other governments
+ on the continent of Europe except that of Spain,
+ continue to be of the most friendly character.
With Spain our relations remain In an un>atis-
t factory condition. In my message of December
Q lust Informed you that our envoy extraordinary
t and minister pienipotentiary 10 Madrid had asked
a for his recall; and it was my purpose TO send out
a minister TO that court, with special instruc-
), tions on all questions pending between the two
y | governments, and with determination to have
: them speedily and amicably adjusted, ifthat were
: possible This purpose has been hitherto defeat
ed by causes which need not enumeratc. The
r mission TO Spain has been entrusted TO dstin-
: gushed citizen of Kentucky, who will proceed to
}. Madrid without delay, and make another and a
final attempt TO obtain justice from that govern
ment.
Spanish officials under the direct control of tho
r captain general Of Cuba, have nsulted our ma
tonal flag, and, in repeated instances, have from
D time 10 time inflicted injuries on the persons and
l property of our citizens. These have given birth