Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1858-12-15
VOL. 6---NO. 4.

laege portion of the commerce and naviga-
ton of the United States, and their free and
nrestricted 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 feelings of the
country, and to require the interposition OF
the government. Remonstrances were ad-
dressed to British government against these
violations Of our rights of sovereignty, and
naval force was at the same lime ordered to
! the Cuban waters, with directions ''to pro-
! tect all vessels Of the United States on the
! high seas, fro, search or detention by the
vessels of war of any other nation" t
These measures received the unqualified
and even enthusiastic appreciation of the
American people. Most fortunately, howev-z
er. no collision took place, and the British
government promptly avowed its recognition
| of the principles Of international law upon
this subject. as laid down by the government
of the United States, in the note of the Sec.
! retary of State to the British Minister at
| Washington, of April 10, 1858, which Sc
cures the vessels of TIE 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 eyincing a just regard for the law of na-
tons, and cannot tai! to strengthen the ami
| cable relations between the two countries.
] The British government, at the same time,
proposed 10 the United States that some mode
shou uld 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
ing false coIors Thay have also invited the
United States to take the initiative, and pro-
pose measures for this purpose. Whilst de-
cllnlng to assume SO grave responsibility
the Secretary OF 5 tate has informed the Brit
ish government that We are ready to receive
any proposals that they may feel disposed to
offer, having this object iD view. and to con-
slider them in an amicabie spirit 4 strong
opinion is, however. expressed, that the oc-
casional 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
j no communication specifying the manner in
D.. which the British government would propose
/ to carry out their suggestion; and l am in
j clined to believe that 10 plan which can be
5 devised Will be free from grave embarass-
: ments Stil, [ shall form decided opin-
c ion on the subject. until l shall have care
Y fully and in the best spirit examined any
1 proposals which they may think prop to
e make.
h 1 am truly sorry l cannot also inform you
: that the complications between Great Britain
q and the United States, arising out of the
: Clayton and Bulwer treaty of April, 1850,
y have been finally adjusted.
' A. the commencement OF your last session,
[ had reason to hope that, EN- ancipating
= themselves from further unavailing discus
i sious, the two governments Wou' proceed TO
- practical manner, alike honorable and salts
y factory to Doth and this hope have not yet
. abandoned. In my last annual message I
- stated that overtures had been made by the
= British government for this purpose in 4
- friendly spirit, which | cordially reciprocated
- Their proposal was, to withdraw these ques-
tions from direct negotiation between the two
governments but TO accomplish the same
object by a negotiation between the British
lr government and each of the central American
us republics whose territorial interests are imme-
- diately involved The settlement was to be
D. made in accordance with the general tenor OF
j. the Interpretation placed upon the Clayton
n and Bulwer treaty by the United tatcs, with
rs certain notifications As negotiations are
still pending upon this basis, it would not be
y, proper for me now to communicate their pre-
Ill sent condition. \ final settlement of these
ne would wipe out the last remaining object ol
d dispute between the two countries.
~ ~ Our relations with the great empires o.
u u France and Russia. as well as with all Other
~ ~ governments on the continent Of Europe, ex
40 cept that of Spain, continue to be of the mos
of friendly character,
"a With Spain our relations remain In an un
:" satisfactory condition In my message o
- December last, Informed you that our envo,
.at extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary t
4. Madrid had asked for his recall; and it va
,tb my purpose so send out new minister h
h. that court with special instructions al
- questions pending between the two govern
~ ments, and with determination to have then
-, speedily and amicaby adjusted, if possible
-. This purpose has been hitherto defeated b.
ON causes which need not enumerata.
90 The mission to Spain has been entruste
- to a distinguished citizen of Kentucky, VIII
u will proceed to Madrid without delay, ant
'n1 n5 make another and final attempt to obtai
=, Justice from that government.
ax Suanlsh officials, under the direct contrC
40 Of the captain-general of Cuba, has ing insu
m ted our patonal flag, and. in repeated instar
Of ces have from time to time inflicted injurie
ing on the persons and properties of our cltizeh'
;6 These have given birth to numerous claim
md AGAINST the Spanish Government, the meri
The of which have been ably discussed for ssri
= to of years. by our successive diplomatic repr
in senatives Notwithstanding this. we ha'
der not arrived at Q practicel result in any sing
lied instance, unless we may except sne case
les the Black :" arrlor unuer the late ae'nihisti
the ton. and that presented an outrage OF sucn
ing character as would have lusuheh an im'ne1
the ate resort to war. Al! our attempts I'd o
tain redress have been batied and dofoate
aud The frequent and oft-recurring changes