The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-12-16


suppress Indian hOstilities.
The march Of the army to Salt Lake City,
through the Indian Territory, has had pow
erful effect in restraining the hostile feelings
against the United States, which existed
among the Indians 10 that region, and 10 Be-
curing emigrants 70 the Far West against
their depredations. This will also be the
means OF establishing military posts and pro-
noting settlement along the route.
recommend that the benefits Of our land
avs and pre- emption system be extended to
the people OF Utah, by the establishment Of
land office in that Territory.
CHINA.
| have occasion, also to congratulate
you on the result Of our negotiations with
China.
You were informed by my last annual
message, that our Minister had been in.
structed to occupy neutral position in the
bostilities conducted by Great Britain and
France against Canton. He was, however,
at the same time directed to cooperate
cordially with the British and French Min
isters, in all peaceful measures to secure by
treaty those just concessions to foreign
commerce, which the nations Of the world
had right to demand. 1t was impossible
for me to proceed further than on my own
authority, without usnrping the war max
ing power, which, under the constitution, be-
longs exclusively to Congress.
Besides, after . careful examination of
the nature and extent Of our grievances,
did not believe they were of such pressing
and aggravated character, as would have
justified Congress in declaring war against
the Chinese Empire, without first making
another earnest attempt to adjust them by
peaceful negotiation. l was more inclined
to this opinion because of the severe chas-
tisement which had then but recently been
inflicted npon the Chinese by our squadron,
in the capture and destruction,of the Barrier
forts, to avenge an alleged insult to our
flag.
The event has proved the wisdom OF our
neutrality. Our minister has executed his
instruction with eminent skill and ability
Ia conjunction with the Russian plenipoten.
tiary, he has peacefully, but etIectually, CO.
operated with the English and French pleni.
pOtentiaries and each Of the four Powers
has concluded separate treaty with China
Of q highly satisfactory character. The
treaty concluded by our own plenipotentia-
ry will Immediately be submitted to the
Senate.
am happy to announce that, through
the energetic yet conciliatory efforts Of our
Consul General in Japan, new treaty has
been concluded with that empire, which
may be expected materially to augment our
trade and intercourse in that quarter, and
remove from our countrymen the disabilities
which have heretofore been imposed upon
the exercise Of their religion. The treaty
shall be submitted to the Senate for ap-
prevail without delay.
GREAT BRITAIN.
II is my earnest desire that every misun-
Outstanding with the government Of Great
Britain should be amicsbly and speedily ad
justed. 1t has been the misfortune OF both
countries, almost ever since the period of the
revolution, to have been annoyed bya sue.
cession Of irritating and dangerous questions,
threatening their friendly relations. This
has partially prevented the full develope-
ment Of those feelings Of mutual friendship
between the people OF the two countries, 30
natural in themselves, and 80 conducive to
their common interests. Any serious inter-
ruption OF the commerce between 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 50 much good or
80 much harm.
Entertaining these sentiments, am graf
fed to inform you that the long pending
controversy between the two governments,
10 relation to the question OF visitation and
search, has been amicably adjusted. The
claim on the part Of Great Britain, forcibly
to visit American vessels on the high seas IN
time Of peace, could not be sustained under
the law of nations, and il has been overruled
by her most eminent jursts. This question
was recently brought to an issue by the re-
peated acts of British cru sers in boarding
and searching our vessels in the Gulf OF
Mexico and the adjacent SEAS. These acts
were the more injurious and annoying, as
these waters are traversed by large por-
ton OF the commerce and navigation Of the
United States, and their free and unrestrct-
ed use is essential to the security OF the coast
wise trade between different sections of the
Union. Such vexatious Interruptions could
not fail to excite the feelings Of the country
and require the interposition of the govern.
ment.
Remonstrances were ADDRESSED TO the
British Government against these violations
Of our rights Of sovereignty, and q naval
force was at the same time ordered TO the
Cuban waters, with directions ito protect
all vessels Of the United States on the high
seas from search or detention by the vessels
OF war OF any other nation" These meas.
ures received the unqualified and even the
enthusiastic appreciation of the American
people. Most fortunately. however, 90 col.
lIsion took place, and the British govern
ment promptly ayowed its recognition Of the
principles ofinternatioDal law upon this sub.
Ject, as laid down by the government, Of the
United States, in the note OF the Secretary
of State 20 the British Minister at W ash.
! ingtou, Of April 10, ISIS. which secure the
vessels of the United States upon the high