The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-12-05

The understanding between the two governments. It is
.;nn sl ere re- long This confident sxpeeta
concluded treaty with Honduras the 2sth November
1859, and with Nicaragua the 2sh August 1860 re-
former the Bay Islands recognised Fart Of the
republic Of Honduras It may be observed thahe stp
particular to the amendments adopted by the Senate Of
the United States to the treaty concluded at London on
the 18th October, 1856. between the two governments
British government because Of its objection to the lust
and important amendment Of the Senate the article re-
atng to Rustan and the other islands in the Bay Of
1t must be source Of sincere satisfaction to all sass
e Of our and especially those enEag
ed in foreign commerce, that the claim the part of
Great Britain forcby to visit and search American mer
chant vessels on the high in time of peace has been
to the Of the two countries has existed since
the war Of 1872 Whilst it remained open, they might
was rendered manifest the state Of public
feeling entire country, produced by
cruisers the coast Of Cuba, in the Spring OF
The American people hailed with general acclaim the
de Of the Secretary Of the Navy to naval force in
the Gulf OF hexco to protect all vessels Of the United
States the high from search detention BY the
Of any other patton These orders MIGHT
forces of the two This was most fortunately
prevented by An appeal to the justice of Great Britain
eminent jurists.
The only question Of any importance which still IL
mains open is the disputed title between the govern
ments to the island Of San Juan, in the vicinity of
Washington Territory As this question is still under
negotiation it is not deemed advisable the present mo
ment to make any other allusion to the subject.
The recent visit Of the Prince of Wales In private
character to the people of this country has proved
not fail to increase the kindred and Siny seen,.
trust may ever actuae the government and people
both countries in their political and social intercourse
With France our ancient and powe full ally, our rea.
ons continue TO be Of the most friendly character.
decision has recently been made by French judicial tr
bunal nth the appreciation Of tie Imperial Government
which cannot fail to foster the sentiments Of mutual re-
Under the French law serve in the armies
of France unless he be French citizen. The law Of
France recognizing the natural right of expariaon
follows as necessary consequence that Frenchman by
the fac. of having become citizen of the United States
has changed his allegiance and has lost his native char
the French armies in he should return his native
country. These principles were announced in 1859 by
the French Minister of War; and in late cases have
been confirmed By the French judiciary In these two
natives Of France have been discharged from the
army because they had become American citizens Tc
employ the language of present minister to
who has rendered good service this occasion, de
much ono this
to predict that the time is far distant wher
the other continental powers will adopt the same wis,
and policy which has done much honor to the en-
lghtened government Of the Emperor. In any event
our Government is bound to protect the rights Of ou
though they had drawn their first breath in this country
We can recognize distinction between our native ant
paturalized citizens.
| RUSSIA.
Between the great empire Of Russia and the Unite
States the mutual friendship regard which has
long existed still continues to prevail and fpossble
increase Indeed, our relations with that Empire
that we could desire.
Our relations with Spain now Of more complics
ted though less character than they have
for many years Our citizens have long held, and
tnue to hold numerous claims against the Spanish gov
ernment These had been ably urged for seires O
years by successive diplomatic representative
Madrid, but without obtaining redress. The spanis
government finally agreed to institute joint commission
for the adjustment Of these claims, and the 5th da
of March, 1860 concluded convention for this purpos
with our present minister at Madrid Under this con
yention, what have been denominated the Cuba
claims amounting to $12s 1886 and 81 cents in whic
ested, were recognized, and the Spanish government
agreed to pay s1O0,00O this amount "within thre
payment of the remaining 635 81 was to await tn
decision of the commissioners for against he Amista
the claimants either by Spain or the United States
These terms hare every reason to know, are hghl
they have made formal offer authorizing the State De
partment to settle these claims TO deduct
Of the Amistad claim from the sums which they
titled 10 receive from Spain. This offer, Of course car
not be accepted.
All other claims Of citizens of the United States agars
Spain, Of subjects of the Queen of Spain against
United States, including the Amisad ciaim,' were
this convention referred to board of commissioners
the usual form. Neither the validity OF the Amiss
claim of any other claim against either party wit
the single exception of the Cuban claims recognize
, by the convention. Indeed, the Spanish governmer
did not insist that the validity of the Amistad cla
should be thus recognized, notwithstanding its paymer
had been recommended to Congress by two of pred
that purpose had passed the Senate the United States
They content that it should be submitted to tt
board for examination and decision, like the other
Both Governments were bound respectively pay ii
amounts awarded to the several claimants, at sue
times and places as may be fixed by and according to IL
tenor OF said awards"
transmitted this convention to the Senate for the
constitutional action the Sd May 1860 and the
Of the succeeding June they determined that thew won
" not advise and consent" to its ratification.
These proceedings place relations with Spain in
awkward and embarrassing position 1t is more tha
probable that the final adjustment of these claims wi
devolve upon my successor.
e reerate the recommendation contained in my A,
nual Message of December 1858, and repeated in tn
of December 1859, favor the acquisition of Gu
from Spain by fair purchase. firmly believe that su,
an acquisition would contribute essentially to the wei
well prove the certain Of imme diatey abe
ishing the African slave trade throughout the world
would not repeat this recommendation upon the prese
il occasion, if believed that the transfer Of Cuba to
q United States, upon conditions highly favorable
- proud and ancient Spanish Monarchy. eurely no Dc
attributed to the First Napoleon disregard
national honor of France, for transferring louisa
to the United States, for fair equivalent both in mon
Q and commercial advantages.
e AUSTRIA, &c.
, With the Emperor of Austria, and the remaing con
netal powers of Europe including that of the Sulta
relations continue to be of the most friendly CHI
y acter.
The friendly and peaceful policy pursued by the &c
eminent of the United States towards the the empire
China has produced the most satisfactory results.
treaty of Tieutsin of the 18Th of June, 1853 has
faithfully observed by the Chinese authorities. The
venton of the 9Th of November 1885, supplementary
this treaty, for the adjustment and satisfaction of
$, claims Of citizens China, referred to in my Il
Annual Message, has been already carried into affect
n far as this was practicable.
Under this convention the Of 100000 aes, eqr
to about 0OOO stipulated to be paid in sasa
tion of the claims Of American citizens, out Of the
fifth of the receipts for tonnage and export
American vessels at the ports Of Canton, Shangh
and Fuchau; and it 'agreed that this amount
in full liquidation Of all claims American citizens
n the various perts to this date" Debentures for
r amount-to wit: 100000 taels for Canton, 100000
Shanghae, and Joe, ,OO0 for Fuchau-were delivered
cordng to the terms of the convention by the
Chinese collectors of the customs Of these ports
agent selected by our minister to receive the
Since that time the claims of citizens have been
purpose under the act Of March 1852
which proved satisfactory to the claimants, have
approved by minister. In the aggregate they
to the Of S496 694 70. The claimants
received large proportion of the awarded to
ID out Of the fund provided and it il confidently