The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1858-12-11

not atT,raes n market for slaves. As long
as This market shall rernsin open, there can
be 10 hope for the civilization OF benighted
Africa. Whilst the demand for slaves con-
tim. IN Cuba. wars will he waged among
the petty and baaharovs chiefs in Africa, for
the purpose Of Selling subjects to supply
this trade In such coni ton Of affairs,
it IS impossible that the light of civilization
and religion can ever penetrate these dark
aboics.
Il has ben made kuovn to tbs worId by
my predecessors, that the United States
have, on several occasions, endeayored TO
aquire Cuba from Spain by honorable nego-
,iation. If this we're accomplished, the
Iastreiic of the African slaYe trade would
instantly disappear. We would not, if We
cou,d, acquire Cuba ia any ether manner
This is dueto cur national character. All
the territory which we have acquired since
the origin of the government, has been by
fair purchase from France, Spain, and MeXi-
co, or bv the free and voluntary act Of the
independeut State of Texas, in Glandinc her
destinies with cur own. This course we
shall ever pursue, unless circumstances
should occur, which We DO not now antici-
pa;c, rendering departure from it clearly
ius;iIabie, under the Imperative and OVER u
ing law OF self preservation.
3ae Island OF Cuba, from its geographic
cal position, commands the mouth Of the
Mississippi, and its immense annually in
creas!ug trade, foreign and coastwise. from
the valley Of that noble river, now embrac-
ing ha!fthe sovereign States of the Union
y ith that island under the dominion Of
distant foreign power, this trade, of vital
iraportance to these States, is exposed to
tie danger OF being destroyed in time Of
var, and it has hitherto been subject to per-
l,etual injury and annoyance in time OF
rcrce. Our relations with Spain, which
eight 10 be of the most friendly character,
mast always be placed in jeopardy, whilst
:. existing coorial government over the
! nd shall remain in its present condition.
Whist the possessions of the island worth
l.. i yast Importance &c the United States,
!. 7aius to Spain is, comparatively unin
- amt Sach was the relative position OF
:. parties, when the great Napoleon trans
/ red Louisiana TO the United States. Jeal-
c., as he ever was, Of TIE national honor
;.t,.i interests Of France, ne person through
g.. the world has imputed blame to him for
arteF;jng q pecunigry equivalent foE this
iol.
Tie publicity which has been given TO
Cur former negotiations upon this subject,
srG the large appropriation winch may be
required TO effect the purpose, render 1t ex-
l.cs.ient. before making another attempt to
rraew the negotiation, that should lay the
whole subject before Congress. This is es-
/ eiaily necessary, as it may become indis-
nsablc to succts s., tIat should be IRstruc-
tgai with tha means OF making an advance to
tie Spanish government Immediately after
tie signing OF the treaty without awaiting
the ratification Of ii by the Senate. am
encouraged to make this suggestion, by OK
ample OF 3ir, Jefferson previous to the pAr-
C .ase Of Louisiana from France, and by
that Of MT. Polk in view OF the acquisition
Of territory from Mexico. refer the whole
subject to Congress, and commend it to
= y careful consideration.
! repeat the recommendation made in ny
message or December last, in iavcr Of an aP.
pointment 10 be paid to the Spanish gov
eminent for thc purpose OF distribution
among the claimants in The AmiStsd case.
President Polk first made similar recon-
mendation in December. ISfT, and it vas
repeated by my Immediate predecessor in
December, 1888. | entertain no doubt that
indemnity j. fairly due to these claimants
under Our treaty with Spain Of the 9th Oct.
1875; and whilst demanding justice we
ought TO DO Justice. An appropriation
promptly r.ale for this purpose, could not
fail to exert favorable influence n cur ne
gptiatiors with spain.
Onr position in relation 10 the ndepend
e1t States zouth Of Us this continent, and
especially those within the limits OF North
America, is OF peculiar character The
rthern bouHdry Of Mexico is coilciden.
VI h our own southern boundiy from ocean
10 ocean; and we must necessarily feel 4
deep interest in all that concerns the we'll
being and the fate OF 50 near \ neighbour
We have always cherished the l.ndest wish
IS for the success Of that repablie, and have
iniu -ed the hope that it nigh at last, after
al its trials. enjoy peace and prosperity IN
der free snu stable goVernneHt " .
hav, never hitherto iute!iered, directly or
indirectly, with its internal affairs, and 1t Is
duty which we owe to ourselves, to pro
tect ;ke integrity of Its territory against the
hostile interference OF any other power
Our ceo-rapbjcal position. our direct inter
est in all that concerns Mexico, and our
well settled policy in regard TO the North
-i.ue~.-.l continent, reader this al indispen.
s:b!e duty.
Mexico has been II state oil constant
revolution, almost ever since it achieved lis
independence. One military leader after
another has usurped the government in rap
i'll succession, and tie various constitutions
from lime TO time adopted have been set at
naught almost as seon as they were pro-
claimed. The successive governments have
afforded no adequate protection, either to
Mexican citizens or foreign residents,
against lawlcss violence. Heretofore, a Sci
Zure OF tic capital by military chleitaln
has been generally followed by al least the
nominal submission of the country to his
rule for a brief period, but not SO at the
prese.t crisis Of Mexican affairs. A civil
war has been raging for some throughout
the republic, between the central govern
ment at the city OF Mexico, which has en-
Geavored to subyert the constitution last
framed by military power, and those who
maintain the authority OF that constitution.
The antagonist paItIe each hold possession
of ditferen; States of the republic, and the
fortunes Cf war are constantly changing
MeanW lille, the most reyTaacns!ble means
have been employed hy both parties to ex-
tort money from foreigners, as veil as IA
tives, 10 carry on this ruinous contest The
truth *, that this fgo country, bes :cd with
a productive soil and a benign climate, mas
been reduced by civil discussion to a coudi-
lion of almost hopeless anarchy and Imbe.
ciiity. IL would be vain for this govern
ment TO attempt 10 enforce paviaent in mo-
rev Of the claims OF American citizens, now
amount Dg TO more than ten million dollars
against Mexico, because she is dcS itute OF
all re anary means to satisfy there de-
maUis-
Car late ministers was furnished with
ample powers and Instructions for the adj
justIuent OF all pendia. questions with the
central government of Mexico, and be per-
formed his duty with zeal and ability The
claims Of our citizens. some of them arising
out OF the violation of an express provision
ot the treaty of Guadalupe Ildaiso, and
Others from gross injuries topersons as well
a property, have remained unrsdressed
anu even uuuot!ced. circumstances against
these oTIr-aucgS have Le., III, with