The eastern clarion. [volume] (Paulding, Miss.) 1837-1863, 1858-12-18

iii porslblc LOT me 10 IfOCecu lufbHcI thaA
this, on my own authority, without usurp-
ing the war-making power, which, under
the constitution, belongs exclusively to
Congress.
Besides, after careful examination of
the nature and extent of our grievances,
did not believe they were of such press
lng 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. | was the
more inclined to this opinion, because of
the severe chastisement which had then
but recently been inflicted upon the Chi
nese 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 eXecu-
ted his instructions with eminent skill and
ability. In conjunction with the Russian
plenipotentiary, he has peacefully, but eff
tectually, co-operated with the English
and French plenipotentiGries and each
Of the four powers has concluded a sepa-
rate treaty with China, of highly salts
factory character. The treaty concluded
10y our own pleAipotentiary will immedi-
ately be submitted to the Senate.
the energetic yet conciliatory efforts of
our consul general in Japan, a new treaty
has been concluded with that empire,
which may be expected materially to aug
ment 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 sub
mitted to the Senate for approval without
delay.
1t is my earnest desire that every misun-
derstanding with the government of Great
Britain, should be amicably and speed
ily adjusted 1t has been the misfortune
Of both countries. almost every since the
period Of the revolution to have been
annoyed by a succession of irritating
| and dangerous questions, threatening
their friendly relations. This has partial
| ly prevented the full development of
| those feelings Of mutual friendship be-
| tween the people of the two countries, so
natural IN themselves and so conducive
to their common interest. ANY serious
| interruption 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 so much good or so much harm.
Entertaining these sentiments, | am
| cratitied to inform you, that the long-pen-
! ding controversy between the two gov
! ernments, III relation to the question of
| visitation and search, has been amicably
| adjusted. The claim on the part of Great
| Britain. iorcibly to visit American vessels
| on the high seas in time of peace, could
not be sustained under the law Of nations.
| and it had been overruled bv her own most
eminent Jurists This question was re-
| Gently brought to an issue by the repeat
! ed acts of British cruisers in boarding and
| searching our merchant vessels in the Gulf
| of Mexico and the adjacent seas. These
| acts We're the more injurious and annoy
| ing, as these waters are traversed by a
large portion of the commerce and navi-
| CATION Of the United States, and THEN
| free and unrestricted use is essential to
| the security Of the coastwise trade be-
| tween different States of the Union. Such
vcxatious Interruptions could not fail to
excite the feelings Of the country, and
to require the interposition of the govern
ment. "Reminiscences were addressed to
the British government against these vio-
| latlons Of our rights of sovereignty, and
| a 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 measures received the unqualified
and even enthusiastic appreciation of the
| American people. Most fortunately, how
everno collision took place, and the British
government promptly avowed its recog-
milton 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 minister at Washington, of April
| 10, 1858, which secures the vessels of the
United States upon the high seas from
visitation or search in time of peace, un-
| der any circumstances whatever Tho
claim has been abandoned in manner re-
hecting honor on the British government,
and evincing just regard for the law of
nations. and cannot fail to strengthen the
amicable relations between the two coun-
tries.
The British government, az the same
time, proposed to the United States that
some mode should be adopted, by mutual
| arrangement between the two countries,
of character which may be found effec-
tive without being offensive, for verifying
: the nationality of vessels suspected on
? good grounds of carrying false colors
They have also invited the United States
to take the initiative, and propose meas
ures for this purpose. Whilst declining
+ to assume grave responsibility, the Sec
! retary of State has informed the British
I government that we are ready to receive
: | any proposals which they may feel dispos-
? ed to offer, having this object in view, and
1 reconsider them in an amicable spirit. A
). strong opinion is, however expressed, that
Y the occasional abuse of the flag of any ma
/ ton. is an EVIL far less to be deprecated,
/ than would be the establishment of any
/ regulations which might be Incompatible
v with the freedom of the seas. This gov
n ernment has vet received no communica-
d ton specifying the manner in which the
e British government would propose to car
is nv out their suggestion: and | am inclined
d 10 believe that no plan which can be devils
n , ed will be free from grave embarraSsments.
It Sill. | shall form no decided opinion on
e the subject. until | shall have carefully
r and in the best spirit examined any propo-
$. sails which they may think proper to make.
q am truly sorry | cannot also inform
Il You that the complications between Great
IF Britain and the United States, arising out
d | OF the CLAYTON and Bulwer treaty of April.
/ 1850, have been finally adjusted
. At the commencement of your last ses.
4. sion, had reason to hope that, enamel.
v pating themselves from further unavail
$ ing discussions, the two government,
/ would proceed to settle the Central Amer
o can questions in a practical manner. alik,
IS honorable and satisfactory to both anC
G this hope have not yet abandoned. In
i my last annual message, | stated thai
d overtmes had been made by the British
7, government for this purpose, in friendl,
spirit, which | cordially reciprocated.-
: Their proposal was, to withdraw these
q questions from direct negotiation between
e the two governments; but to accomplish
the same object by negotiation between
2 the British government and each of the
r Central American republics whose terrific
y rial interests are Immediately involved
!. The settlement was to be made in accord
n ance with the general tenor of the inter
\. probation placed upon the Clayton and
OF Bulwer treaty by the United States, with
Al certain notifications. As negotiations
s. are still pending upon this basis, 1t would
n not be proper for me now to communicate
le their present condition. A final settle
ment of these questions is greatly to be
v desired. as this would wipe out the last
re remaining subject of dispute between the
G two countries.
ty Our relations with the great empires OF
n France and Russia, as well as with all 9th.
H. er governments on the continent of En-
rope, except that of Spain, continue to he
9 ofthe most friendly character.
I With Spain our relations remain in an
= unsatisfactory condition. In my message
of December last, | informed YOU that onr
envoy extraordinary and minister nleni.
! po entiary to Madrid had asked for bis
. recall: and it was my purpose to send ont
!, a new minister to that court, with special
instructions on all questions pending be-
!, tween tho two governments, and with a
n determination to have them speedily and
!, amicably adjusted if that were possible.
. This purpose has been hitherto defeated
by causes which need not enumerate.
p The mission to Spain has been intrusted
; to distinguished citizen of Kentucky,
!. who will proceed to Madrid without de
! lay, and make another and final attempt
to obtain justice from that government.
Spanish officials under the direct con-
4 troll of the captain general of Cuba, have
insulted our national flag, and, in repeat
ed instances, have from time to time in
i ficted injuries on the persons and proper
i ty of our citizens. These have given birth
n to the numerous claims against the
n Spanish government, the merits Of which