Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1858-12-24
PRESIDENTS MESSlGE.
ICoNoLuDED.l


30th December 1858, secures to the citizeLs Of
the United States right Of transit over it for
their persons and merchandise, and stipulates
that neither government shalt nffterpose any
obstacle thereto. 1t also comedies to ihe u.
States the "the right to transport across the
Isthmus, in closed bags, the mails Of the u.
States not intended fer distribution along the
line of the communication also, the effects Of
the United States government and its citizens
which may be intended for transit, aud not for
distribution on the isthnHs free of csUtom-
house or other charges by tic Mexican govern
Inent"
These trenty stipulations with New Granada
and Mexico, in addition to the considerations
applicable to The Niearagua route, seem to re-
quire legislliion for the purpose of carrying
them into effect.
The injuries which have been inflicted upon
our citizens in Costa Rca and Nicaragua, du-
ring the last two or three years, have received
the prompt attention of this government -
Some of these injuries were of the most ag-
gravatcd character. The transaction at Virgin
Bay in April, 1856, when company Of un-
armed Americans, who were in no way con-
anected with any belligercnt conduct or party,
were fired upon by the troops of Costa Rica,
and numbers of them killed and wounded, was
brought to the knowledge Of Congress by my
predecessor soon after its occurrence, aud was
also presented to the government of Costa Rlca,
for that immediate investigation and redress
which the nsture Of the case demanded.
A similar course was pursued with reference
to other outrages in these countries, some OF
which were hardly less aggravated in their
character hlan the transaction at Virgin Bay.
At the time, however whsn our present Minis
ter to Nicaragua was appointed, in December.
1857, no redress had been obtained for any OF
these wrongs, and 10 reply even had been re-
oeiged to the demands which had been made by
this government upon that of Costa Rea, more
than year before. Our Minister was instruc-
ted, therefore, to lose no time in expressing to
those governments tie deep regret with which
the President had witnessed this inattcntlon to
the Just claims OF the United States, and 10
demanding tlleir prompt and satisfactory adj
Iustment. Unless this demand shall be COM
piled with at an early day, it will only remain
for this government TO adopt such other meas
uIes as may be necessary, in order TO obtain for
itself that justice which it has in vain attempt
cd to secure hy peaceful means from the gov
ernments Of Nicaragua aud Costa Rca. While
it has shown, and will continue to show, the
most sincere regard for the rights and honor of
these republics, il cannot permit this regard to
be met by an utter neglect, on their part, OF
what is due to the government and citizens OF
the United States.
Against New Granada we have loug-stand-
ing causes of complaint, arising out of the un-
satisfied claims Of our citizens upon that re-
public and to these have been more recently
added the outrages committed upon cur ciIl-
gems at Panama in April, 1856. A treaty for
the adjustment Of these difficulties, was con-
cluded BY the Secretary of Stale and the Nin>
lister of New Granada, in September, 1857,
which contained just and acceptable provisions
for that purpose This treaty was Transmitted
TO Boeola, and was ratified by the government
Of New Granada, but with certain amendments.
1t was not, however, returned to 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, il will remove all our existing
causes of complaint against New Granada on
the subject of claims.
Questions have arisen between the two gov
ernments, as to the right of New Granada to
levy tonnage duty upon the vessels of the L.
States in its ports Of the Isthmus, and to levy
passenger tax upon our ctizers arriving in
that country, whether with a design to remain
there or to pass from ocean to ocean by the
transit route and also tax upon the mail OF
the United States transported over the Panama
railroad. The government of New Granada
has been informed, that the United States
would consider the collection of either of these
taxes, as an act in violation of the treaty be-
tween the two countries, and as such would be
resisted by the United States. At the same
time we are arepared TO discuss these ques-
tions in spirit Of amity and justice, and with
sincere desire to adjust them in satisfactory
manner. Il negotiation for that purpose has
already been commenced. No effort has re-
Gently boen made 20 collect these taxes, nor is
any anticipated under present circumstances.
With the empire of Brazil our relations are
of the most friendly character. The produce
tions Of the two countries, and especially those
of AL agricultural nature, are such as 10 invite
extensive mutual exchanges. A large quanti-
ty of American -four is consumed in Brazil !;
whilst more than treble the amount in value Of
Brazilian coffee is consumed in the u. States.
Whilst this is the case, heavy duty has been
levied, until very recently, upon the importa-
tion of American flour into Brazil. L am graf
flied, however, to be able to inform you that in
September last this has been reduced from Sl,
81 to about 40 cents per barrel, and the duties
other articles of our production have heen
diminished i'll nearly the same proportion.
regret to state that the government or
Brazil still continues to levy an export duty of
about IL per cent. on coffee, notwithstanding
sJhis article is admitted free from duty ia the
u. States, This is a heavy charge upon the
consumers Of coffee in our country, as We pur-