Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1858-12-15


Senate for approval without delay,
II is my earnest desire that every mis-
with the Government of
Great Britain,s should beamicably and spec
Oily adjusted. 1t has been the misfortune
Of both countries, almost ever since tho
revolution, to have been annoyed by
of irritating and dangerous
questions, threatening their friendly re-
latons. This has partially prevented the
full deyelopement of those feelings of mu-
tual friendship between the people of
the two countries so natural in them.
selves and so conducive to their 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 ev-
er existed on the face of the earth, which
could do each other SO much good or SO
much harm.
Entertaining these sentiments l am
eratiiied to inform you that the long pen
ding controversy between the two govern
ments, in relation to the question of vista
ton and search, has been amicably adjust
ed. The claim on the part of Great Brit.
ain, torclbly to visit American vessels OH
the high seas, in time Of peace. could not
be sustained under the law of nations, ard
it had been oyerruled by her most emil
nent Jurists. This question was recently
brought to an issue, by the repeated acts
OF British cruisers, in boarding and search
ing our merchant vessels, in the Gulf Of
Mexico, and the adjacent seas. These acts
were the more injurious and annoying, as
these waters were trayersed by q large por-
Of ha al 30 Of
the United States, and their free and UNI
restricted use is essential to the coastwise
trade between the different states OF the
Union. Such veXatious interruptions
could not fail to excite the feelings of the
country, and to require the interposition
Of the government Remonstranees were
addressed to the British government a.
gainst these violations of our rights of SOW
e.eignty, and a naval force was at the
same time ordered to the Cuban waters,
with directions 'to protect all vessels of
the United States on the high seas, from
search or detention by the vessels Of
war of any other natson." These measures
received the unqualified and even enthu-
siastic appreciation Of the American peo-
pie. Most fortunately, however, no COLI
sion took place and the British govern
ment promptly avowed its recognition Of
the principles Of in ternational law upon
this subject, as laid down by the governs
ment Of the United States, in the note of
the Secretary of State to the British Min
ister at Washington, of April 10, 1858,
which secures the vessels of the United
States upon the high seas from visitation
or search, in time OF peace. under amy cir
cumstances whatever. The claim has been
abandoned in a manner rejecting honor
on the British government, and eyiucing
a just regard for the law OF nations and
cannot fail to strengthen the amicablc re-
lations between the two countries.
The British government at the same
time, proposed to the United States that
some mode should be adopted, by mutual
arrangement between the two countries,
of character which may be found effec-
tive without being offensive, for verifying
the nationality of vessels suspected on
good grounds OF carrying false colors. They
have also invited the United States to take
the initiative, and propose measures for
! this purpose. Whilst declining to assume
so grave responsibility. the Secretary Of
State has informed the British governs
ment that we are ready TO receive any
proposals which they may feel disposed to
offer, having this object in view, and to
consider them in an amicahc spirit. A
strong opinion is, however, expressed, that
| the occasional abuse of the flag of any ma
/ ton, is an evil far less to be deprecated,
( than would be the establishment of any
regulations which might be incompatible
with the freedom of the seas. This goy-
ernment has yet received no communiea-
/ tion specifying the manner liz which the
British government would propose TO car
~ out their suggesti)n; aud / am incli-
ned to believe, that no plan which can 10
devised, will be free from grave embarass-
ments. Still | shall form no decided
opinion on the subject, until | shall have
carefully and in the best spirit examined
any proposals which they may think pro-
per to make.
/ am truly sorry that | cannot also in
form you that the complications between
Great Britain and the United States, ari-
sing out Of the Clayton and Bulwar treaty
7 of April, 1850, have been finally adjusted
At the commencement Of your last ses-
sion, had reason to hope that, emanci-
pating themselves from further unavailing
Il discussions, the two governments would
proceed to settle the Central American
questions in practical manner, alike ho~
norable and satisfactory to both; and this
hope | have not yet abandoned. In my
last annual message | stated that over
lures had been made by the British gov-
ernment for this purpose in a friendly spi-
rit which cordially reciprocated. Their
proposal was, to withdray these questions
from direct negotiation between the two
governments; but to accomplish the same
object by a negotiation between the Bri-
tish government and each Of the Central
American republics whose territorial in
terests are Immediately involved. The
/ settlement was TO be made III accordance
- with the general tenor of the inlerpreta.
ton placed upon the Clayton and Bulwer
treaty by the United States, with certain
, notifications. As negotiations are still
pending upon this basis, it twould not be
J proper for mePow TO communicate their
f present condition. financial settlement
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