The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1858-12-17
VOL. 2, NO. 90.

Cndnt vessels on lhe Guif nf M-Xico ami adjacent
seas. These acts were the more injurious and
annoying, as these waters are traversed by
/ large portion Of the commerce and navigation
OF the United States, and their free and unre-
strlcted use is essential 10 the security of
| the coast vase trade between different States of
the Union. Such vexatious interruptions could
not fail 10 excite the feelings OF the country,
and 10 require the interposion of the govern
ment. "Reminiscences were addressed 10 the
British government against these violations of
our rights and sovereignty, and naval force
was at the same time ordered TO the Cuban wa
ters, with directions 'to protect all vessels of
the United States on the high seas, from search
or detention by the vessels-of-war of any ether
nation" These measures received the unuuaI-
fed and even enthusiastic appreciation of the
American people. Most fortunately, however,
no collision took place, and the British govern
ment promptly avowed IFS recognition of the
principles OF international law upon this sub
jet, as laid down by the government of the u
nHed States, IN the note OF the Secretary of
State 10 the British minister al Washington, of
ApIl 10, 1898, which secure the vessels OF The
United States upon the high seas from vista
ton or search IN time OF peace, under any cir
! cumSauceS whatever. The claim has been a.
bandoned 10 a manner rehpcting 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 countries.
The British government al the same time
proposed 10 the United States that some mode
should br adopted, by mutual arrangement be-
tween the two countries, OF character which
may be effective without being offensive, for YER
flying the nationality of the vessels suspected on
good grounds of carrying false colors. They
have also invited the United States 10 take the
initiative aad propose measures for this pur-
pose. Whilst declining to assume so grave a
responsibility, the Secretary of State has infor-
med the British government that we are ready
to receive any proposals whichthey may feel
disposed TO offer, having this object in view, and
TO consider them 10 an amicabie spirit. A strong
opinion is however, expressed that the occa-
sional abuse of the flag of any nation, is an e.
vll far less 10 deprecated than would be the
establishment of any regulations which might
be incompatible with the freedom of the seas.
This government has vet received no communi-
ortirs,,,sru propose 10 carry OUT tneIr sugges-
ton and am inclined 10 believe, that no plan
which can be dev ised, will be free from grave
embarrasSments. Still, shall form no decided
opinion on the subject until shall have care
fully and in the best spirit examined any pro-
posals 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 Clay
ton and BnIwer treaty OF April, 1880, have been
finally adjusted.
AT the commencement OF your last session,
bad reason 10 hope that, emancpatin5 them
selves from further unavaiIing discussions, the
two governments would proceed to settle the
Central American questions in practical man.
ner alike honorable and satisfactory to.both and
this hope have not yet abandoned. In my
last annual message | stated that overtures had
been made by the British government for this
purpose, in friendly spirit, which l cordial
ly reciprocated. Their proposal was 10 with
draw these questions from direct negotiation be-
tween the two governments but 10 accomplish
the same object, by negotiation between the
British government and each OF the Central A
merican republics whose territorial interests are
immediately involved. The settlement was TO
be made IN accordance with the general tenor
Of the Interpretation placed upon the CLAYTON
and Bulwer treaty by the United States, with
Certain notifications. As negotiations are still
pending upon this basis il would not be proper for
me- now 10 communicate their present condition.
A final settlement OF these questions is greatly
manning subject of dispute between the two
countries.
With Spain our relations remain in an unsat-
istactory condition. In my message OF necem-
Der last, informed you that our envoy ex;raor-
dinary and minister plenipotentiary 10 Madrid
had asked Tor his recall and it was nv pur-
pose to send a new minister to that court, with
special instructions on all questions pending be-
tween the two governments. and with deter
minaticn to have them speedily and amicably
adjusted, il that were possible. This purpose has
been hitherto defeated BY causes which | need
not eGnmrrate.
Spanish officials, under the direct control of
the captain-general Of Cuba have insuted our ma
ional flag and in repeated Instances have from
time TO time inflicted injuries on the persons and
property of our citizens. These have given
birth to numerous claims against the Spanish
government the merits Of which have been ably
discussed for series of years by our successive
diplomatic representatives. Notwithstanding,
this we have not arrived at a practical result in
any single instance, unless may except the
case ofthe Black Warrior under the late admin
straton, and that presented an outrage OF sucha a
character as would have justified an immediate
resort to war. All our attempts to obtain re-
dress have been bafled and defeated. The fire.
quent and oft-recurring changes IN the Spanish
ministry have been employed as reasons for de-
lay. We have been compelled TO wait again
and again. until the new minister shall have
had time to investigate the justice of our de-
mands.
Even what have been denominated sqhe Gu
ban claims" in which more than hundred of
our citizens are directly interested have fur
nished no exception. These claims were Tor