Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1860-12-06


ceived with favor By all the States OF the Con-
federacy. II any event, Il ought 10 be tried
in a spirit OF conciliation, before any Of these
States shall separate Themselves from the
Union.
When entered upon the duties Of the Pres
idential Office, tie aspect neither ofour foreign
nor domestic Affairs was at all satisfactory
We were involved IN dangerous complications
with several nations, and two Of our Terrific
ries were in state Of revolution against the
Government. restoration Of the African
Slave Trade had numerous and powerful ad-
vooates-unlswful military expeditions were
countenanced by many of our citizens, and
were suffered, il defiance Of the efforts Of the
Government. 10 escape from our shores, for the
purpose Of making war upon the unoiiending
people Of neighboring republics with whom
we were at peace. IL addition 10 these and
other difficulties experienced revolution
In monetary Affairs soon after my advent into
power Of unexampled severity, and Of ruin
Gus consequences TO all the great interests OF
the country. When we take retrospect OF
what was then our condition, and contrast this
with its material prosperity at the time OF the
late Presidential, election, we have abundant
reason to return our grateful thanks 10 that
merciful Providence which has never fcrsaken
Us as nation in all our past trials.
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.
GREAT BhiTAiy
Our relations with Great Britain gre OF the
most friendly character. Since the commence
ment Of my administration, the two danger
Gus questions arising from the Clayton and
Bulwer treaty, and from the right Of search
claimed by the British Government, have been
amicably and honorably adjusted. The dis
cordant construction ofthe Clayton and Bulwer
treaty between the two Governments, which,
at different periods Of the discussion, bore
threatening aspect, has resulted in final
settlement entirely satisfactory tothis Govern
ment. In my last annual message, informed
Congress that the British Government had not
then completed arrangements with the Repub
lies Of Honduras and Nicaragua in pur-
suanee of the understanding between
the two Governments. II is, neverthe-
less, confidently expected that this good
work will ere long be be accomplished. This
confidence has since been fulfilled. Her Bril-
tanic Majesty concludeda treaty with Hondu-
ras on the 18th of November, 1859, and with
Nicaragua on the 2sth of August, 1860, reln-
gushing the Mosquito Protectorate; besides,
by the former, the Bay Islands are recognized
as n part of the Republic of Honduras. 1t may
be observed that the stipulations Of these treat
les conform in every important particular 10
the amendments adopted at London on the
nth of October, 1855, Between the two Govern
ments. II will be recollected that this treaty
cause of its objection to the just and important
amendment 10 the Senate TO the article relat-
ing 10 Ruatan and the other islands in the
Bay of Honduras.
II is source OF sincere satisfaction TO all
classes of our fellow-citizens, and especially TO
those engaged in foreign commerce, thatthe
claim on the part Of Great Britain forcibly 70
visit and search American merchant vessels on
the high seas, in time Of peace, has been aban-
doncd. This was by far the most dangerous
question TO the peace Of the two countries
which has existed since the war Of 1912.
Whilst il remained open, they might at any
moment have been precipitated into n war.
This was rendered manifest by the cxaspera-
ted state OF public feeling throughout our en-
tire country, produced by the forcible search
Of American merchant versels in the spring Of
1858. The American people hailed with gem
eral acclaim the orders Of the Secretary Of the
Navy, 10 our naval force in the Gulf Of Mexi-
co, TO protect all vessels Of the United States
on the high seas from search or detention by
the vessels Of was Of any other nation. These
orders might have produced an immediate
collision between the naval forces of the two
countries. This was most fortunately prevent
ed by an appeal 10 the justice Of Great Britain
and 10 the law of nations, rs expoundcd by her
own most eminent jurisis. The only question
of any importance which still remains open is
the disputed title between the two govern
ity Of Washington Territory. As this question
is still under negotiation, il is not deemed ad-
visablc ut the present moment 10 make any
allusion = the subject.
| The recent whit of the Prince of Wales in
appropriate character, 10 the people of this
country, has proved TO be most auspicious
event. In its consequences il cannot fail to
increase the kindred and kindly feelings which
l trust may ever actuate the government and
people of both countries in their political and
social intercourse with each other.
FRANCE.
With France, our ancient and powerful ally
our relations continue to be of the most
friendly character. 4 decision has recently
been made by q French judicial tribunal
with the appreciation Of the Imperial Govern
ment, which cannot fail 10 foster the senti-
ments OF inutu. regard that have so long ex-
listed between the :wo Countries. Under IL
French Law no person can serve in the armies
OF France unless ne French citizen. The
law of + france secos nizing he natural right of
expatria.ion, IL follows as a necessary conse-
quence that a Frenchman, by the fact of hav-
ing become n citizen Of the United States, has
changed his allegiance aid has lost his native
character. He cannot, therefore, be compel
led TO serve in the French armies, in case he
should return 10 his native country. These
! principles were announced in 1852, by the
/ French Minister of War and in two late cases
have been confirmed by the French Judiciary
/ in that two natives of France have been dis
charged from the French army because they
/ had become American citizens. To employ
! the language Of our present Minister 10
/ France, who has rendered Government service
on this occasion, DO net think our French
naturalizcd fellow citizens will hereafter ex-
perience much annoyance on this subject.
venture to predict that the time is not far dis
tant when the other continental powers will
adopt the same wise and just policy, which has
/ done so much honor to the enlightened Gov
eminent of the Emperor. In any event,
our Government is bound to protect the rights
of our naturaiizcd citizens everywhere 70 the
same extent. Although they have not drawn
their first breath in this country, we cannot
recognize q distinction between our native and
nsturalized citizens.
RUSSIA.
Between the great Empire of Russia and
the United States, the mutual friendship and
regard which has so long existed still contin-
Indeed our relations with that Empire are oil
tina, we could desire
Our relations with Spain ale Of more com.
plicated though less dangerous character than
they have been for many years. Our citizens
have long held and continue 10 hold nuIner
Que claims against the Spanish Government
These had been ably urged for series of
years by our successive diplomatic represent
atves at Madrid, but without obtaining re-
dress. The Spanish Government finally agreed
10 institute joint commission for the adjust
ment of these claims, aid on the 5th day of
March, 1850, concluded a convention for that
purpose with our present Minister at Madrid.
Under this convention, what have been de-
nominated the Cuban claims, amounting 10
Sl2s,63j 81, in which more than one hundred
of our fellow citizens are interested, We're re
cognized, and the Spanish Government agreed
10 pay 500, 900 of this amount within three