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

severe chastisement which had then but re-
Gently been inflicted upon the Chinese by
our squadron, in the capture and destruction
| OF the Barrier fors, TO avenge an alleged in
/ suit to our flag.
The event has proved the wisdom of our
neutrality. Our minister has executed his
instructions with eminent skill and ability.
In conjunction with the Russian plenipoten-
( tiary, he has peacefully, but effectually, CO.
operated with the English and French plen-
| ipotentiaries; and each of the four powers
has concluded a separate treaty with China,
OF highly..r Satisfactory character The
treaty concluded by our own plenipotenitary
will Immediately be submitted 10 the Senate
am happy to announce that, through the
energetic yet conciiatory efforts of our con.
sui general in Japan, new treaty has been
concluded with that empire, which may be
expected materially to augment our trade
and intercourse in that quarter, and remove
| from our couiltrymen the disabilities which
have heretofore been imposed upon the
exercise of their religion. The treaty shall
be submitted 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 speedily
adjusted II has been the misfortune of both
countries, almost ever since the period of
the revolution, to have beer annoyed Sy a
succession of irritating and dangerous ques.
tions, threatening their friendly relations
This has partially prevented the full devel-
opment ithose feelings of mutual friendship
between the people of the two countries, so
natural in themselves and so conducive 10
their common interest. Amy serious inter-
ruption ofthe commerce between the United
States and Great Britain, would be equally
injurious 10 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, i am gratifed
10 inform you, that the long pending contro.
versy between the two governments, in rea-
ton of the question of visitation and search,
has been amicably adjusted The claim on
the part Of Great Britain. forcibly 10 visit
Ameriean vessels on the high seas in time
of peace, could not be sustained under the
law OF nations, and it had been overruled by
her own most eminent jursts. This qnes.
| ton was recently brought TO an issue, by the
repeated acts of British cruisers, in boarding
and searching our merchant vessels in the
Gulf of Mexico and the adacent seas. These
acts were the more injurious and annoying
as these waters are traversed by large por-
ton OF the commerce and navigation of the
United States, and their free and unrestricted
use is essential to the security OF the coast
wise trade between different States of the
Union. Such vexatious interruptions could
not fail to excite the feelings of the country,
and TO require the interposition of The gov
eminent Remonstrances were addressed
TO the British government against these
violations of our righis of sovereignty. and
naval force was at the same time ordered
TO the Cuban waters, with directions "to
protect all vessels of the United States on
the high seas. from search or detention by
the vessels oi.war of any other nation -
These measures received the unqualified
and even enthusiastic appreciation of the
American people Most fortunately, how
ever, no collision took place, and the British
government promptly avowed itsrecognillon
of the principles of International law upon
this subject, as laid down by the government
OF the United States, in the Hote of the Sec-
retary OF State to the British minister at
| Washington. ofApril 10, 1858, which secure
the vessels OF the United States upon the
high seas from visitation or search in time
/ oil peace, under any circumstances whatever.
Tha el4<H.has been abandoned in manner
reiIec(I Neaor on the British government
and evineluz Ajnst regard for the law of
nations, and cafnot fail 10 strengthen the
amicable relations between the two coun.
tries.
The British government, at the same time,
proposed 10 the United States that some
mode should be adopted, by mutual arrange
ments between the two countries, of char
acter which may be found effective without
being offensive, for verifying the nalionalityof
vessels suspected on good grounds of car.
| rying false colors. They have also invited
! the IInita1 Statae 70 oh he ;n,,
propose measures for this purpose. Whilst
declining TO assume so grave responsible.
ity, the Secretary of State has informed the
/ British government that we are ready 10
receive any proposals which they may feel
! disposed 10 offer, having this object in view
and to consider them in an amicable spirit.
| A strong opinion is, however, expressed.
that the occasional abuse of the flag of any
! nation,is an evil far less 10 be deprecated than
would be the establishment OF any regula.
lions which might be incompatible with the
freedom of the seas This government has
! yet received no communication specifying
the manner i'll which the British govern
ment would propose to carry out their sug.
gesllon; and am inclined to believe, that
no plan which can be DEVISED will be free
from grave embarrassments. Still, shall
form no decided opinion on the subject, un-
til shall have carefully and in the best
spirit examined any proposals which they
may think proper 10 make.
am truly sorry cannot also inform you
that the complication between Great Britain
and the United States, arising out OF the
Clayton and Bulwer treaty of April, 1850,
have been finally adjusted.
At the commencement of your last sess-
| ion, had reason 10 hope that, emancipating
| themselves from further unavailing discuss
ions, the two governments would proceed to
settle the Central American questions in
practical manner, alike honorable and salts.
factory 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 | cordially recipro.
Gated. Their proposal was, 10 Withdraw
these questions from direct negotiation be-
tween the two governments; but to accom-
plish the same object, by the negotiation
between the British government and each of
the Central American republics whose ter
rltorial interests are Immediately involved
The settlement was TO be made in accor-
dance with the general :enor of the interpre.
tation placed upon the Clayton and Bulwer
treaty By the United States, with certain
notifications. AS negotiations are still PEN
ding upon this basis, it would not be proper
for me now to communicate their present
condition. A final settlement of these ques.
| tions is greatly 10 be desired as this would
1 l. r.