The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-12-16

rights of sovereignty, and naval force was
at the same time ordered to the Cuban waters,
with directions 'sto protect all vessels of the
United States on the high seas from search or
detention by the vessels OF war of any 9TH
CIR nation" These measures received the un.
qualified and even enthusiastic appreciation
OF the American people Most fortunately,
however no collision took place, and the Brit
ish government promptly avowed its recogni-
tion of the principles of international law up-
on this subject, as laid down by the gov
erument of the United States, in the note Of
the Secretary Of State to the British Minis
Ter at Washington, of April 10, 1858, which
secure the vessels Of the United States upon
the high seas from visitation search in
time OF peace, under any circumstances what
ever. The claim has been abandoned in a
manner rejecting honor on the British gov
eminent, and evncing just regard for the
law of nations, and cannot fail to strength
en- the smicable relations between the two
countries. a
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 a character
which may be found effective without being
offensive, for verifying the nationality OF
vessels suspected on good grounds of carry
United States to take the initiative, and pro-
pose measures for this purpose. Whilst de-
clning to assume 50 grave responsibility,
the Secretary of State has Informed the Brit
ish government that we are ready to receive
any proposals which they may feel disposed
to offer, having this object i'll view, and to
consider them in an amicable spirit. A strong
opinion is, however, expressed that the occa-
sional abuse of the flag of any nation 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 government has yet received no
communication specifying the manner in
which the British government would propose
to carry out ther suggestion; and am inclin-
I'd to believe that no plan which can be de-
vised will be free from grave embarrassmeIts.
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 proper to make.
/ am truly sorry l cannot also inform you
that the com OBLIGATIONS between Great Britain
and the United States, arising out of the Clay
ton and Bulwer treaty of April, 1850, have
been finally adjusted. srH a.rr. S.
At the commencement of your last session,
1 had reason to hope that, emancipating them
selves from further upavailing discussions,
the two governments woula proceed TO settle
the Central American question in dractical
manner alike honorable and satisfactory to
both; and this hope | have not yet abandoned.
In my last annual MESA ge, l stated that over
lures had been made by the British govern
ment for this purpose, in friendly spirit
which cordially reciprocated. Their propo-
sal was to Withdraw these questions from di-
rect neg tiatiou between the two governments;
but to accomplish the same object by nego-
tiation between the British government and
each Of the Central American republics, whose
territorial interests are Immediately involved.
.s The settlement was to be made in accordance
With the general tenor of the Interpretation
placed upon the Clayton ana Bul,ver treaty
by the Uuited States, with certain modifca-
lions. A negotiations are still pending up.
on this basis, it would not be proper for me
now to communicate their present condition.
4 final settlement ofthese questions is great
ly to be desired, as this would wipe out the
last remaining subject of dispute between the
two countries.
Our relations with the great empire of
France and Russia, as well as with all other
governments on the continent of Europe, except
that OF Spain, continue to be OF the most friend
ly character.
With Spain cur relations remain in an I'M
satisfactory condition. In my message of De-
cember last informed you that our Envoy
Extraordinary and Pienipotentiary to Madrid
had asked for his recall; and it was my pur-
pose to send out a new minister to that court,
with special instructions on all questions
pending between the two governments, and
with determination to have them speedily
amicably adjusted, if that were possible.
his purpose has been hitherto defeated by
canses which need not enumerate.
The mission to Spain has been entrusted to
a distinguished citizen of Kentucky, who
will proceed to Madrid without delay, and
make another and final attempt to
obtain justice from that government.
Spanish officials, under the direct control
of the Captain General of Cuba, have insult
ed our national flag, and in repeated instances
have from time to time inflicted in uries on
the persons and property OF our citizens
These have given birth to numerous claims
against the Spanish government, the merits
OF which have been ably discussed for a series
of years by our successive diplomatic repre-
sentatives. Notwithstanding this, we have
not arrived at practical result in any single
insta nee. unless we may except the case of the
Black Warrior under the late administration
and that presented an outrage OF such char
acter as would have justified an immediate
resort to war. All other attempts to obtain
redress have been batFled and defeated. The
frequent aud oft recurring changes in the
Spanish ministry, have been employed as rea-
son for delay. We have been compelled to
wait, again and again, until the new minister
shall have had time TO investigate the justice
of our demands tal
: Even what have been denominated 'the
Cuban claims in which more than hundred
of our citizens are directly interested, have