Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-12-07

Aplt hNNAi iloo1b hlbAA tlit tAtIClot OF lDtlF
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 seen the misfortune of both countries, al
most ever since the period of the revolution,
to have been annoyed by a succession of irrit-
atng and dangerous questions, threatening
their friendly relations This has partially
prevented the full developement of those feel
ings Of mutual friendship between the people
Of the two countries, so natural in themselves
and so conducive to their common interest
Amy serious interruption of the commerce be-
tween 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
to inform you that the long pending contro-
versy between the two governments, in rela-
ton to the question of visitation and search,
has been amicably adjusted, The claim on
the part of Great Britain, forcbly to visit
American vessels on the high seas in the time
of peace, could not be sustained under the law
of nations, and it had been overruled by her
own most eminent 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 Mex
leo and the adjacent seas. These acts were
the more injurious and annoying as these
waters are traversed by a large portion of the
commerce and navigation of the United States.
and their free and unrestricted use is essential
to the security of the coastwise trade between
different States of the Union. Such vexatious
interruptions could not fail to excite the feel
ings Of the country and TO require the inter
position of the government. "Reminiscences
were addressed to the British government
against these violations of our rights of SOW
ereignty, and a naval force was at the same
time ordered to the Cuban waters, with direc-
tons "t0 protect all vessels of the United
States on the high seas from search or deten-
ton by the vessels of war of any other nation"
These measures received the unqualified and
even enthusiastic appreciation of the American
people. Most fortunately, however, no coils
ion took place, and the British government
promptly avowed its recognition of the prin-
ciples of international law upon this subject,
as laid down by the United States in the note
of the Secretary of State to the British Min
lister at Washington, of April 10, 1858, which
secure the vessels of the United States upon
the high seas from visitation or search in time
Of peace, under any circumstances whatever.
The claim has been abandoned in a manner
rejecting honor on the British government,
and evincing just regard for the law of ma
tons and cannot fail to strengthen the annie
able relations 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 be-
tween the two countries, Of a character which
may be sound effective without being often
sive, for verifying the nationality Of vessels
suspected on good grounds Of carryin false col
Ors. 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 government 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 ami
cable spirit. A strong opinion is, however,
expressed, that the occasional abuse Of the flag
Of any nation is an evil far less to be depreca-
ted than would be the establishment of any
regulations which might be incompatible with
the freedom of the seas. This governmenthas
yet received no communication specifying the
manner in which the British government
would propose to carry out their suggestion
and | am inclined to believe that no plan which
can be devised will be free from grave embar-
easements. Still, | shall form no decided opn-
ion 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 complications between Great Britain
and the United States, arising out of the Clay
ton and Bulwer treaty Of April, 1850, have been
finally adjusted.
AT the commencement of your last session,
had reason to hope that, emancipating them
selves from further unavailing discussions, the
two governments would proceed to settle the
Central American question in practical man
ner, alike honorable and satisfactory to both :;
and this hope l have not yet abandoned In
my last annual message, | stated that over
lures had been made by the British govern
ment for this purpose, in friendly spirit
which l cordially reciprocated. Their pro-
posal was, to withdraw these questions from
direct negotiation between the two govern
ments; but to accomplish the same object, by
negotiation between the British government
and each Of the Central American republics
whose territorial interests are Immediately in
volved. The settlement was to be made in
accordance with the general tenor of the inter
probation placed upon the Clayton and Bulwer
treaty by the United States, with certain mod
ifications. AS negotiations are still pending
upon this basis, it would not be proper for me
now to communicate their present condition
A final settlement of these questions is greatly
to be desired, as this would wipe out the last
remaining subject Of dispute between the two
countries.
Our relations with the great empires of
France and Russia, as well as with all other
governments on the continent of Europe, ex-
cept that OF Spain, continue to be of the most
friendly character.
With Spain our relations remain in an I'M
satisfactory condition. In my message of De-
cember last, l informed you that our Envoy
extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to
Madrid had asked for his recall; and it was NV
purpose to send out new minister to that
court, with special instructions on all questions
pending between the two governments, and
with determination to have them speedily
and amicably adjusted, if that were possible.
This purpose has been hitherto defeated by
causes which l need not enumerate
The mission to Spain has been entrusted to
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 insulted our
national flag, and, in repeated instances, have
from time to time inflicted injuries on the per-
sons and property of our citizens These have
gwen DHth 10 numerous claims against the
Spanish government, the merits of which have
boon ably discussed for series of years by
our successive diplomatic representatives Not
withstanding this, we have not arrived at a
practical result in any single instance, unless
we may except the case Of the Black Warrior
under the late administration; and that pre-
sented an outrage Of such character as would
nave Justified an immediate resort to war. All
our attempts to obtain redress have been bafIled
and defeated. The frequent and oft-recurring
changes in the Spanish ministry, have been
employed as reasons for delay. We have been
Cnmnnllnl IN !rait amni, mi a..n;.. ,...L;I