The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1858-12-14

'uPhB 'no."ar making power, which, unde
the constitution, belongs exclusively to Congres.
Besides, after careful examination of tbe ma ns
ture and extent of our grievances, did not be
heve they were Of such pressing and aggrava
ted character as would have justified Congress il
declaring war against the Chinese Empire, with
out hrst making another earnest attempt to ad
Just them by peaceful negotiation. was TN
more inclined to this opinion, because of the ne
we're chastisement which had then but recent,
been inflicted upon the Chinese by our squadron
in the capture and destruction of the Barrie
Forts, to avenge an alleged insult to ou
| flag
The event has proved the wisdom of our neu
trality. Our minister has executed his instruc
tions with eminent skill and ability. In coninc
ton with the Russian plenipotentiary, he ha.
peacefully, but efectually, co-operated with the
English and French plenipotentiaries; and each
OF the four Powers has concluded separate trea.
ty with China, of highly satisfactory character
The treaty concluded by our own plenipotentiary
will Immediately be submitted to the Senate.
NEW TREATY CONCLUDED WITH JAPAN.
am happy to announce that, through the en-
ergetic yet conciliatory efforts of our Consul.
General in Japan, new treaty has been conclu-
ded with that empire, which may be expected
materially to augment our trade and intercourse
In that quarter, and remove from our country
men the disabilities which have heretofore been
imposed upon the exercise of their religion. The
treaty shall be submitted to the Senate for appro-
val without delay.
SETTLEMENT OF THE RIGHT or SEARCH orFsrIox
WITH ENGLAND.
1t is my earnest desire that eyerv misunder.
standing with the government of Great Britain
should be amicably and speedily adjusted. II
has been the misfortune of both countries. al
most ever since the period of the revolution. TO
nave been annoyed by a succession of irritating
ana dangerous Questions threatening their friend.
ly relations. This has partially prevented the full
developement of those feelings of mutual friend
ship between the people of the two countries, so
natural in themselves 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 ever existed on the
face of the earth which could do each other SO
much good or so much harm.
Entertaining these sentiments, am gratified
70 inform you that the long pending controversy
between the two governments, in relation to the
question of visitation and search, has been AMIGA
oly adjusted. The claim on the part of Great
Britain, forcibly to visit American vessels on the
llgh seas in time Of peace, could not be sustain
"a under the law of nations, and it had been
,verruled by her own most eminent jurists-
ms question was recently brought to an issue
~ the repeated acts of British cruisers in board
ng and searching our merchant vessels in the
iulf of Mexico and the adjacent seas. These
cts were the more injurious and annoying as
hese waters are traverscd by large portion of |
he commerce and navigation of the United |
tates, and their free and unrestricted use is es,
entail TO the security of the coastwise trade be-
ween different States Of the Union Such vexa.
ous interruptions could not fail to excite the
'ellngs OF the country and TO require the inter-
osltlon of the government. Remonstrances
ere addressed to the British government against
lese violations OF our rights of sovereignty, and
naval iorce was at the same time ordered to the
uban waters with directions ITO protect all YES
els of the United States on the high seas from
'arch or detention by the vessels of war of any
lher nation" These measures received the un-
naihed and even enthusiastic appreciation of the
mercan people. Most fortunately, however.
0 collision took place, and the British govern
ent promptly avowed its recognition of the
'incipes OF international law upon this subject
laid down by the government of the United
ates, In the note of the Secretary of State to
10 British Minister at Washington, of April 10,
'oS, which secure the vessels Of the United
ates upon the high seas from visitation or
arch in time of peace under any c rcumstan-
IS whatever. The claim has been abandoned
manner rejecting honor on the British gov
nment, and evincing n ust regard for the law
nations, and cannot fail to strengthen the ami
BILE relations between the two countries.
Inc British government at the same time pro
sed to the United States tina. some mode
ould be adopted, by mutual arrangement be-
een the two countries, Of character which
~ be found effective without being offensive
verifying the nationality of vessels suspected
good grounds of carrying false colors. They
ha fpit toll IL .
tiative, and propose measures for this purpose !
hllst declining to assume so grave response
ity, the Secretary OF State has informed the
itish government that we are ready tn receive !
proposals which they may feel disposed to
or having this object in view, and to consider
I'm IN an amicable spirit. strong opinion is,
wever, expressed that the occasional abuse of
fag OF any nation is an evil far less to be de- I
'cated than would be the establishment of any q
'ulations which might be incompatible with =
freedom 1.-THE seas. This government has I
received no communication specifying the o
nner IN which tho British government would 7
,pose to carry out their suggestion; and am y y
lined to believe that no plan which can be de- q
ed, VIII be free from grave embarrassments.- v
IL shall form no decided opinion on the SUBJ n
until shall have carefully and in tho best i,
rit examined any proposals which they may n
nix proper to make.
THE CLAYTON BULwER TRATY. y
am truly sorry cannot also inform YOU that l.
complication bet yeen Great Britain and the /,
tied States, arising out of the Clayton and Bull j
re treaty of April 1850, have been finally ad. il
ted W
At the commencement Of your last session I p
reason to hope that, emancipating themselves n
N further unavailing dccussion, the two gov
ments would settle the Central American m
stion in practical manner, alike honorable al
satisfactory to both; and this hope have not p,
abandoned. In my last annual message, | u u
ed that overtures had been made by the Brit l.
government for this purpose, in a friendly D,
It, which l cordially reciprocated. Their pro- W
Al was to withdraw these questions from di- is
negotiation between the British govern th
IT'S but to accomplish the same object, by bl
citation between the two governments and 81 -!
of the Central American republics who Sc y, y,
torial interests are directly involved. The II,
lement was to be made in accordance with the to
eral tenor of the interpretations placed up- er
he Clayton and Bulwer treaty by the United.
es, with certain notifications. As negotia-
8 are still pending upon this basis, il would ag
be proper for me now TO communicate their y
ent condition A final settemnt of these PLu
'tions Is greatly TO be desired as this would -,
our the last remaining subject of dispute W,
'een the two countries De
ur relation with the great empires of France Mi
Russia, as well as with all other governments ire
he continent 81 Europe, except that Of Spain wi
linue to be OF the most friendly character al al