Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1858-12-18

These acts were the more Injurious and
annoying,as these waters are traversed by
large portion of the commerce and naviga-
,ion of the United States, and ther free
and Unrestricted use is essential to the Sc
curity the coastwiSe trade between differ
tnt sections of the Union. Such vexatious
Interruptions could no. fail to excite the
feelings of tbs county and requrS
the interpretations of the government.
"Reminiscences were addressed to the Bri-
llish government against these violations OF
our rights of sovereignty, and a naval force
was at the same time ordered to the Cuban
waters, with directions 'to protect all ves-
sells Of the Uuited States on tile high seas
from search or detention by the vessels OF
war of any other nation" These meas.
ures received the unqualified and even en-
thusias,ic appreciation of the American
people. Most fortunately however, no COL
sion took place, and the British govern
ment 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
Secretary of State to the British Minisi sr
al Washington, of April 10, 1858, which
secure the vessels of the United States up
on the high seas from visitation or search
in time Of peace, under any circumstances
whatever. The claim has been abandoned
in manner rejecting honor on the Brits
i h government, and eyincing just regard
for the law of nations, and cannot fail to
strengthen the ainicable relations between
the Two countries.
The British government. at the same
time, proposed to the United States thst
sone 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
hationity of vessels suspected on COED
grounds of carrying false colors. 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, ha=
wing this object in view, and Ia consider
them in an amicable spirit. A strong O.
pinion is, however, expressed, that the oe-
casional ablse of the flag Of any uati6h is
an evil far less to be deprecated than wod
be the establishment of any regulations
which might be incompatible with the
freedom of the seas. The government
has vet received no communication speci-
fying the manner in which the British 60
vernmeht would propose to Garry out their
isuggestion; and | am inclined to believe
that no plan which can be devised, will be
free from grave emharrasments. Still Ishall
form no decided opinion on the subject I'M
T til shall have carefully and in the best
spirit examined any proposals which they
may think proper to make.
| am truly sorry cannot also inform
you that the complications between Great
Britain and the United States, arising out
of the Clayton and Bulwer treaty of A.
{ pril, 1850, have been finally adjusted.
At the commencement: Of your last ses-
sion, had reason to hope, that, emancipa-
ting themselves from further uhavaling
discussions, the two governments would
proceed to settle the Genital American
question in practical manner, alike hon.
orable and sa tisfactory to both; and this
hope have not yet abandoned. In my
last annual message, stated that over
lures bad been made ~ the British gov
ernment for this purpose, in a friendly spi-
rit, which cordially reciprocated. Their
proposal was, to withdraw these questions
from direct negotiation between the two
governments; and to accomplish the same
object by negotiation between the Brit
isl, government and each of the Central
American republics whose territorial inter-
ests are Immediately Involved. The act
Element was to be made in accordafice with
the general TENOR of the Interpretation plas
ced upon the Clayton aad Bulwer treaty
by the United States, with certain modi-
fications. As negotiations are still pend
ing upon this basis, It would not be proper
for me Row to communicate their present
condition. A final settlement of thesS
questions is greatly 10 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 we'll as with all 9TH
or governments on the continent Of Europes
except that of Spain, continue to be of the
most friendly character.
SPAIN.
With Spain our relations remain in all
unsatisfactory condition. In my message
of DECEMBER last informed you that our
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenl-
oelentiary to Madrid ha asked for his re-
call; and it was my purpose to send out
new minister to that court with special in-
ststfctions on all questions pending between
the two governments; aud with defermi-
nation TO have them speedily and amicably
adjusted, if that were possible. This pnr-
pose has hitherto been defeated by causes
which need not here enumerate.
The mission to Spain has been entrlst-
ed 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 off ia Under the direct control
of the Captain General of Cuba, have in.
.,I,oJ o,,r ,,of;oral AaO oud ;u vsSsG9iad