The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1858-12-09
1stract OF the PFcsident's Mes-
snge.


WASHINGTON CIrY, December, 6.--The
President, in his annual message, opens BY
congratulating the country on the contrast
Of the agitation which existed in Kansas o
year ago with the peace and quiet which
now prevails. He refers to the Lecompton
Constitution, and re.aifirms his position on
that subject--and thinks that If Kansas had
been admitted with that Constitution the
same quiet would have been secured at an
earlier day, being perfectly willing to acqui-
esce in any constitutional mode Of settle
ment. He signed Mr.. English's bill, and
probably when Kansas again applies for ad.
mission she will have the population requir-
ed By that bill. He goes at length into the
,subject, and recommends the passage of a
general law so that no new State shall be
admitted unless she has o population sutfi.
cient to entit,e her to one representatives. -
He congratulates Congress on the settle.
ment OF the Utah offSir without effusion OF
blood. He compliments the Officer Of the
army there, and expresses satisfaction with
the course Of Gov. Cumming,--and honor
ably mentions Col. Kane.
He refers to the importance of the treat.
les recently negotiated with China and Jap
an, and thinks The result In the former case
justified our neutral policy. He congratu-
lates the country on the abandonment OF the
right of search by Great Britain, and in re.
ference to Central America says that nego-
tiations are still progressing, and he has not
yet abandoned the hope OF success.
He refers to whut was stated at the last
session of Congress in that connection, and
that his views on the subject Of the Lsthmus
routes accord with the policy heretofore an.
nounced by Mr.. Cass. His only desire is
to keep the routes open, and he desires no
other privileges for the United States than
we expect other nations 10 enjoy, but will
not consent that they be closed by the i'm.
beciIity of nations which reside near there
He regrets that the Nicaragua route has
been closed. He speaks of the necessity OF
enforcing our claims against Costa Rica and
Nicaragua. He speaks of Mexico as in a
condition of civil war, with scarcely any
hope Of a restoration to permanent govern.
ment. He refers to the causes which led to
rupture of the diplomatic relations there.
He speaks well of Mr.. Forsyth's efforts, if
only tor the hope of obtaining justice from
the Liberals, which il now appears are ap.
preaching to power. He would recommend
the taking possession of portion of Mexi.
CO, sufficient to indemnify US for all our
claims and grievances, in the north of Mex.
CO, bordering on our territory. There are
other considerations which claim attention {:
We are interested in the peace of that neigh.
borhood. Lawess Indians enter our settle
ments in Arizona, and there seems no other
way that this difficulty can be removed than
in establishing military posts in Sonora and
Chihuahua. He recommends that this be
done, regarding Mexico as in state of i'm.
beCility and anarchy. AS to Spain, he re.
fers to the causes which delayed the appoint
ment of successor TO Mr. Dodge, and says
that Mr.. Preston will 60 out with powers to
settle the difficulties with Spain, il possible.
He says that Cuba ought TO belong to us, and
recommends that steps be taken for its pur-
chase. AS we acquire all new territory by
honorable negotiation, this should not be an
exception.
He reatirms his former opinions in favor
of specific duties on certain articles, and
submits the whole tariff question to Con-
gress. He calls attention to the Pacific
Railroad, and refers to The overland muils as
showing the practicability Of the route.--
Among other subjects he rciterates the re.
to establish Territorial GOV
for Arizona.