The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1858-12-15

our citizens at Panama, in April, 1856. A
treaty for the adjustment of these difficulties
was concluded by the Secretary of Stale
and the Minister of New Granada in Sept,
1857, which contained just and acceptable
provisions for that purpose. This treaty was
transmitted to Bogota, and was ratified by
the Government of New Granada, but with
certain amendments. II was not, however,
returned 10 this city until after the close of
the last session of the Senate. 1t will be
Immediately transmitted TO that body for
their advice and consent; and should this be
obtained it will remove all our existing
causes OF complaint against New Granada
on the subject OF claims .-.
Questions have arisen between the two
governments as to the right of N. Granada
TO levy tonnage duty upon the vessels of
the United States in its ports of the 18th
mus, and to levy passenger tax upon our
citizens arriving in that country, whether
with design 10 remain their or TO pass from
ocean 10 ocean by the transit route; and
also tax upon the mail of the u States
transported over the Panama Rail Road
The Government of New Granada has been
informed that the u. S. would consider The
collection of either of these taxes as an act
In violation OF the treaty between the two
countries. and as such would be resisted by
the United States. AT the same time, we
are prepared TO discuss these questions in
spirit OF amity and justice, and with a
since desire 10 adjust them in satisfactory
manner A negotiation for that purpose
has already been commenced. No effort
has recently been made to collect these
taxes, nor is any anticipated under present
circumstances.
With the empire of Brazil our relations
are OF the most friendly character The
productions oil the two countries and espe-
cially those of an agricultural nature, are
such as 10 invite extensive mutural ex.
changes. A large quantity of American
-four is consumed in Brazil whilst more
than trebble the amount in value OF Brazil.
ian coffee is consumed in the U. S. Whilst
this is the case heavy duty has been
levied. until very recently, upon the impor-
iation OF American flour into Brazil. am
gratllied, however, TO be able 10 inform YOU
that i'll Sept, 1853, this has been reduced to
from 81 80 TO about 40 cents per barrel, and
the duties on other articles of our produc.
ton have been diminished in nearly the
same proportion.
regret 10 state that the government of
Brazil still continues 10 levy an export duty
of II per cent on coffee, Notwithstanding
this article is admitted free from duty in the
U. s. This is heavy charge upon the
consumers OF coffee in our country, as we
purchase half the entire surplus crop of that
article raised in Brazil. Our Minister, under
instructions. will reiterate his eflerts to have
this export duty removed and il is hoped
the enlightened Government of the Empe-
ror will adopt this wise, just and equal pol.
icy. In that event there is good reason 10
believe that the commerce between the two
countries will greatly increase much to the
advantage of both.
The claims OF our citizens against the
Government of Brazil are not, in The arcre
gate, of very large amount; but some OF
these rest upon plain principles of Justice,
and their settlement odght not TO be longer
delayed. renewed, and earnest, and,
trust, successful effort will be made by
our Minister TO procure their final adjust
ment.
On the second of June last, Congress pas
ed Joint resolution authorizing the Presi.
dent ITO adopt such measures and use such
iorce as, in his judgment, may be necessary
and advisable" "lor the purpose of ADJUST
ing the difference between the U. States
aud the Republic OF Paraguay, in connec-
ton with the attack on the United States
steamer Water Witch, and with other meas
ures referred 10" in Ills annual message
And on The 18th July following, they made
an appropriation 10 defray the expense and
compensation OF commissioner 10 that
Republic, should the President deem il
proper 10 make such AN appointment.
In compliance with these enactments,
have appointed a commissioner, who has
proceeded 10 Paraguay with full powers
and Instructions 10 settle these differences
III an amicable and peaceful manner, if thi:
be practicable. His experience and discre
tion justify the hope that he may prove sue
cesslul in convincing the Parag guayan Gov
ernment that II is due, both lo.ahnaor anc
justice, that they should vaI5Id E} anc
promptly make atlonemenf 81 fIze Wrongs
which they have committed against the U
States, and indemnify our injured citizen.
whom they have forcibly deprived of the
property.
Shouid our commissioner provo unsnccess
tu, aftera sincere and earnest effort TO ac
complish The object of his mission, then nc
alternative will remain but the employmen
OF force 10 obtain ',iusl satisfaction" from
Paraguay. In view of this contingency the
Secretary of the Navy, under my direction
has fitted out and despatched a naval force
TO rendezvous near Beunos Ayres, which i
is believed will prove sufficient for the oc
casion. 1t is my earnest desire, however
that il may not be found necessary to resor
10 this last alternative.
When Congress met in December last
the business of the country had Just beer
crushed, by one of those periodical revu
sions which are the inevitable consequence
of our unsound and extravagant system o
bank credits and inflated currency. Will
all the elements of national wealth in abun
! dance, our manufactures were suspended
our usual public and private enterprises
were arrested, and thousands of laborer
were deprived of employment, and reduced
TO want. Universal distress prevailed a
mong the commercial, manufacturing, ant
mechanical classes.
This Revision was felt the more severel'
| in the United States, because similar causel
had produced the like deplorable effec
throughout the commercial nations of Eu
rope. All were experiencing sad reverse
al the same moment. Our manufacture
everywhere suffered severely, not becaus
of The recent reduction in the tariff of duie
on imports, but because there was no de
mand al any price for their productions
The people were obliged TO restrict them
selves, in their purchases, 10 articles O
prime necessity. In the general prostra
ton OF business, the iron manufacturers il
different States, probably suffered more tha
any other class, and much destltution wa
the inevitable consequence, among the grea
number of workmen who had been EN-
ployed in this useful branch of our industry
There could be no supply where there wa
| no demand To present an exam ple: ther