Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-12-15
The Presidents Message.
Dec. 18th, 1858.
SYNOPSIS By TELEGRAPH.

The President opens by congratulating the
Country on the contrast between the present
peaceful condition Of the country, and the
agitation which existed twelve months since
Oh the subject of Kansas. He re-afirms his
position on the subject, and thinks that if
Kansas had been admitted upon the Lecomp-
ton Constitution the same quiet would have
prevailed at an earlier period. Being perfect
ly willing to acquiesce in any other consti-
%tutional mode of settlement, he had signed
the English Bill, and it is probable that
when Kansas again applies for admission
she will have the population required by
that Bill. He goes at length into the sub
Ject, and recommends the passage of a gen
eral law, so that no new State shall be adj
mltted unless with a population sufficient to
entitle her to one representative.
The President congratulates Congress on
the settlement of the Utah affair without
e%ffusion of blood. He compliments the Off
GERS of the army, and expresses his high
satisfaction at the course of Gov. Cummings.
ia also makes honorable mention of Col.
Kane.
The President refers to the importance of
the late treaties with Japan and China. The
result in the latter case, he thinks, justified
our neutral policy.
-AO ONAiNi IL NOilSL VII JllC dAOdtl-
donment Of the right Of search by Great
Britain.
In reference to Central America, the mes
sage announces that negotiations are yet in
progress, the hope Of a successful completion
not yet having been abandoned.
lie refers to what he stated at the last ses-
sion, on the subject of the Isthmian Routes,
his views accord with the policy heretofore
announced by Gen. Cass.
He only desires to keep the routes open,
and demand no privileges Of the United
States that other nations may not equally en-
JOY. But he will not consent that the 18TH
mus be closed by the imbecility Of the ma
tons residing near it.
He regrets that the Nicaraguan route has
been closed, and speaks of the necessity of
enforcing our claims against Costa RIGA and
Nicaragua.
of Mexico, he speaks as in q condition of
civil war, with scarcely the hope of perma-
nent government being restored. The causes
which led to a rupture of diplomatic relations
are detailed.
OfMr. Forsyth's efforts, he speaks WE'LL
If not for the hope of obtaining Justice from
the Liberals, who now seem steadily advan-
cling to power, he would recommend taking
possession of a portion of Mexico, sufficient
to indemnify us for all claims and grievances
; He says that in Northern Mexico, border.
ing upon our territory, there are other con
| siderations claiming our attention.
We are interested in the peace of tina
neighborhood. LaWless Indians enter oul
e settlements IN Arizona, and there seems M
S other mode of removing the difficulty thar
a by establishing military posts in Chihuahu;
e and Sonora. He recommends that this b.
d done in consideration of the fact that Mexic,
is in a state of imbecility and anarchy.
AS to Spain, he refers to the causes which
$ delayed the appointment of a Minister t
d succeed Mr.. Dodge. He states that Mr.. Pres
ton will go out with full powers to settle al
difficulties, if possible.
The President says that Cuba ought t
belong to us, and recommends that steps b
taken for its purchase. As we acquire al
territory by honorable negotiation, this shout
not be an exception.
He re-affirms his former opinions in fave
of specific duties on certain articles, and sui
mits the whole question of the Tariff to Cor
gress.
The Pacific Railroad receives attention.
gs The success Of the overland mails he r
de CARDS as substantiating the practicability
Dis routes.
he Among other subjects, he reiterates his +
Ill commentator that territorial governmer
a be given to Arizona.