Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1859-12-28

l again recommend that an appropriation be
made TO De pad to the Spanish government for the
purpose of distribution among tile claimants in the
Alnistad CASE. In common with two of my prede-
cessois entertain no doubt that this is required by
our treaty with Spain of the 9th October, 1885
The failure TO discharge this obligation has been en-
poyed by the cabinet at Madrid as a reason against
the settlement of our claims
need not repeat the arguments which urged in
my last annual message i'll favor of the acquisition
OF Cuba by fair purchase. My opinions on that
measure s remain unchanged 1, therefore, again in
vie the serious attention of Congress to this impor-
tan subject. Without a recognition of this policy
on their part it will be almost impossible to inst
tute negotiations with any reasonable nrosnect of
success.
Until recent period there was good reason to be-
heVethat should be able to announce to You on the
present occasion that difficulties with Great Br
TAM arising out of the Clayton and Bulwer treaty
had been finally adjusted in manner alike honora.
pie and satisfactory to both parties. From causes,
however, which the British Government had NOT
anticipated they have not completed treaty arrange
ments with the republics of Honduras and NicaTa-.
qua IN pursuance OF the understanding between the
two governments If is, nevertheless, confidently
expected that this good. work will ere long be ac-
complished.
Whilst indulging the hope that no other subject
remained which could disturb the good understand
ing between the two countries the question arising
out OF the adverse claims of the parties to the island
OF San Juan under the Oregon treaty of the 18th of
June, 1916, suddenly assumed threatening promi-
nehce IN order TO prevent unfortunate collision on
that remote frontier the late Secretary of State on
the 18th of july 1856 addressed note to Mr. Cram
ton, the British Minister at Washington commune
eating to him copy of the instructions which he
tMr Marcy had given, on the 14th of July to Gov
ernor Stevens OF Washington Territory having a
tween our citizens and the British subjects on the
Island OF San Juan.n To prevent this the Governor
was instructed "that the officers of the Territory
should abstain from all acts the disputed grounds
which are calculated to provoke any conflicts so far
as it can be done without implying the concession
10 the autnontles OF Great Britain of exclusive
heAt In urlt 4nI
lieu before either party should attempt to exclude
the other by force, exercise complete and exclu-
sive sovereign rights within the fairly disputed linn
its.
In acknowledging the receipt on the next day of
Mr. Marcys note, the British Minister expressed his
ehtre concurrence lin the propriety of the course
recommended to the Governor of Washington Ter
ritory by your Mr.. Marcy's) instructions TO that
officer and stating that lie had "lost no time in
transmitting copy of that document to the SOW
ernor General of British North America ); and had
earnestly recommended to his Excellency to take
such measures as to him may appear best calculated
to secure on the part of the British local authorities
ana the inhabitants of the neighborhood of the line
IN question: the exercise of the same spirit of for
bearance which is inculcated by YOU MIR Marcyl
on the authorities and citizens of the United States
mus matters remained upon the faith of this ar
rangement until the 9Th of July last, when General
Harvey paid a visit to the island He found upon it
twenty-five American residents with their families,
ana also an establishment of the Hudson's Bay
Company for the purpose of raising sheep A short
time before his arri'al one of these residents had
sHot an animal belonging to the company, whilst
trespasslng upon his premises, for which, however,
he offered to pay twice its value; but that was re-
fused Soon after "the chief factor of the company
at Victoria, Mr.. Dalles, son-in-aw of Governor
Douglas, came to the island i'll The British sloop-of-
war Satellite, and threatened to take this American
Mr. CUTTER by force to Victoria, to for the
trespass he had committed. The American seized
his rifle and told Mr., Dallas if any such attempt
was made he would kill him the spot. The at
fair then ended"
Under these circumstances the American settlers pre-
scented petition to the General, Through the United
States Inspector OF Customs Mr. Hubbs to place force
as the oppressive nererense Of the authorities Of the
asgm Bay Company at Victoria with their rights
to this petition, and ordered Capt. Geo E. Pickett 9Th
Juan Island suitable position near the harbor at
the southeastern extremity. This order was promptly
designated The force was Afterwards increased SO thai
the last return the whole number of troops then
Inc island amounted in the aggregate to 69l men
MIST 40 not deem 1t proper on the present occasion
to 80 further into the subject, and discuss the weight
Wch ought to be attached to the statements of the Brit
sn colonial authorities, contrasting the accuracy of the
information on which the gallant general acted was
issuing the order to Captain Pickett From these it is
quite clear that his object prevent the British a
ton over American residents the island OF San Juan
as well as to protect them against the ncursons of
Much excitement prevailed some time throughout
t; ana serious danger OF collision between the
parties was aprehended The British had large naval
force IN the vicinity and is simple Justice to
the admiral on that station lie wisely and
discreetly orebore to commit any hostile act but deter
mined 10 refer the whole affair to his government and
await their instructions
This aspect OF the matter, in my opinion demanded Sc
foas attention 1t would have been great calamity for
both nations had they been precipaed into acts OF hos
ty not Oh the question oftle the island merely
concerning Wnat should be its condition during the in
teryenins period whilst the two COVER mens might be
employed III settling the question to which of them 1t
longs For this reason Lieutenant General Scott dis
patched on the 18th OF September last TO Washington Ter
rtory to take immediate command the United States
Trees on the Pacific coast should he deem this necessary
mani OBJECT OF his mission was to carry out the spirit
eret Minister and thus 10 pre-
serve the peace and prevent collision between the British
ana american authorities pending the negotiations be-
tween the two governments. Entertaining no doubt Of
the validity Of our title need scarcely add that i'll any
at least as favorable that British subjects it being
understood that Captain Pcketts company should re-
main on the island Its proper to observe that consd
erng the distance from scene OF action and in igor
ance OF what might have ransped on the spot before
the Generals arrival it was necessary leave much to
his ulscreon and am happy the event has prov
Ell that this discretion could have entrusted
more Sospeteht halds General scott has recently
TUNED from his mission, having successfully accom-
on to apprehend collision between thu forces of the two
tons.
lregret to inform you that there has been no improve.
nent IN the affairs OF Mexico my last annual mes
sage and again obliged the earnest attention
The constituent Congress Mexico which adjourned
on the 18TH of February 1851 adopted constitution and
provided 9r popular election This took place i'll the
following July (lo57, and Gen. CUmontort chosen
ir,resldent almost without opposition At the cleo
ton new Congress chosen whose first session com
mehceu on the 10th q September 1851 BY the constit-
tO VI 1891 the presidential begin on the LIST
Of December 1851 aud continue for four Years on that
aay Gen Comotort appeared before the assembled Con-
gess III the CITY OF Mexico took the oath TO support the
new constitution and duly inauguraed as PRESIDENT
Wltmn month AFTERWARDS he had been driven from the
power of the republic Gen Zuloaga. The constitution
provided thrt in the absence the President his office
Court and, Gen ComonorI having left the country his
luctiolary Cen Julrez, proceeded to form. Guanau-
aly KNOWN however, at the capital the government
Luioaga had been recognized BY the entire diplomatic
al thn
Ge iacto government Of Mexico. The constitutional
Presldeht, nevertheless maintained his position with
Irlness, and was established with his cabinet at
vera Cruz Meanwlile the government of Zuloaga was
in the capital portion OF the army having pronounced
against IT, It's Functions declared terminated and an
assembly of citizens was invited for the choice Of new
PRESIDENT This assembly elected Gen. Miralnon, but
that officer repudated the plan under which he was cho
SEN ana Auloaea was thus restored his previous posi-
ton He assumed it, however, only withdraw ron it,
and Miramon having become by his appointment "Prcsi-
dent Substitute continues with that title at the head
OF the lsurgeIt party
III my last annual message communicated to Congress
the circumstances under Which the late Min OF the
United States suspended his relations with the central
government, and withdrew from The country, 1t was l-
possible to maintain friendly relations with government
like that at the capital, under whose usurpcd authority
WRONGS were constantly committed never redressed
extending, by the the people over the whole
o. MeXc9 resort g nostties against 1t would have
been wholly jnstiiable, and indeed necessary But the
country was prey to civil war; aud it hoped that
condition Of things less injurious to the United States
ms success became 50 probable, that January last
epioNeu TclldDle agent 10 visit MEXICO and
me the actual condition and prospects of the concndg
parties IN consequence of his report and from iniort
ton which reached from other suerces favorable to
the prospects OF the constitutional cause, elt justified
III appointing new minister Mexico, who might EN-
Dee Tue nrs suitable opportunity oi restoring dpo
lnatlc relations with that republic For this purpose Il
distinguished citizen of Maryland selected who pro-
ceeued on his mission the oth March last with dis
cretioiary authority to recognize the government of
fresiuelt Juarez II on his arrival in Mexico he should
mud entitled to such recognition according to the es-
tabished practice OF the United States On the It'll Of
April following Mr. McLane presented his credentials
u, uci "
the government Of Juarez to be the only existing govern
mcnt of the republic" lie cordially received by
the authorties at Vera Cruz and they haYe ever since