Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1860-12-14

continental powers will adept the same wise
and just policy whlch has done SO much honor
to the enlightened government of the Empe-
ror. In any event, our Government is bouhd
to protect the rights of our naturaiized citizens
everswhere to the same extent as though they
had drawn their first breath in this country
We can recognize no distinction between our
native aud naturalized citizens.
RUSSIA.
Between the great empire Of Russia and the
United States the mutual friendship and re-
gard which has so long existed still continues
to prevail, and, If possible, to increase. In
deed, our relations with that empire are all that
nc could desire.
SPAIN.
Oar selatious with Spain are now of more
complicated though less dangerous character
than they have been for many years. Our CIT
lzcns have long held, aud continue to hold,
numerous claims against the Spanish govern
ment These had been ably urged for series
of years by our.snsoessiVa diplomatic repre-
sentatiVes at Madrid, tut without obtaining
redress. The Spanish government fnally
agreed to institute joint commission for the
adjustment Of these claims, and ou the 9th day
Of March, 1860, concluded convention for
this purpose with our present minister at Ma
drid. Under this convention, what have been
deEomiuated "tbe Cuban claims" amounting
to Sl2S. .635 45, in which more than one bun
dred OF our fellow citizens are interested, were
recognized, and the Spanish government agreed
to Fay 100000 of this amount "within ihreo
months following the exchange of ratiica-
iiens." The payment of the remaining $685.
635 54 was TO await the decision of the COM
missioners for or against the s'Amistad claim;
but 10 any event the balance vas 10 be paid to
the claimants either by Spain or the United
States. These terms have every reason 10
know are highly satisfactory TO the holders of
the Cuban claims. Iudeed, they have made a
formal offer authorizing the State Department
10 settle these claims, and to deduct the amount
OF the Anistad claim fIou the sums which
they are entitled 10 receive from Spain.
This offer, If course, cannot be accepted.
All other claims of citizens of-the United
Siaies against Spain, or Of subjects Of the
Queen OF Spain against the United States, iu-
cluding the s'Aulistad claim, were by this
convsbtion referred TO a board of commission
ers in the usual form Neither the validity o.
the Amistad Claim nor Of any other claim
against either party, with tie siugIe exception
CT tho Cuban caiu. was recognized By the
convention. Indeed, TIE Spanish government
did not Insist that the vslidity OF the Amistad
claim should be recognized, Notwithstanding
its payment had beeu recommended TO Con-
gress by two Of my predecessors IS we'll as BY
myself, aud an appropriation for that purpose
had passed the Senate OF tie United States. -
They were contcui taat il should be submitted
4 IL
the other claims. Both governments were
bound respectively to pay tae amounts awarded
to the several, al4inanis sfat such 4iu4cs and
places as may Ee liked by AL according TO the
tenot of SAID Awards,
transmitted the proceedings Of this con
7eLtion to the Senate for their constitutional
action ou the of May, 1860, and on The
9th OF the succeeding june they determined
that they would "1oG 4dllse aud consent" to
lis ratification.
These proceedings place cur relations with
Spain il an awkward aud embarrassing position.
Is is more than probable that the 6ual adjust
ment OF these claitns will devoiye upon my
successor.
| reltcrate the Recommendation contained in
my annual message OF Decencer, 1859, and
repeated 10 thar OF December, 1898, in favor
OF the acquisition Of Cuba from Spain by air
purchase. firmly believe that such an ac-
QUESTION would contribute essentially to the
well being and prosperity of both countries in
future time, as well as prove the certain means
OF Immediately abolishing GLe African slave
trsde throughout the world. would net re-
psat this recommendation upon the present oc-
c4slou, il | believed that tns transfer OF Cub4
to the United States, upon conditions highly
favorable to Spain, could justly t4rnish the ma
tional honor ef the proud aud ancient Spanish
Monarchy Surely 30 person ever attributed
to the irst Napoleon a disregard OF tbs ua,ion-
al honor OF France, for irenafmrug louisiana
! to the United States Tor i fair equivalent both
| III money aud commercial advantages.
AUSTRIA, &c.
With tbs Emperor of Austria, aad tue re-
manning continental powers OF Europe, inclu-
ding that of the Sultan, our relations coutiune
10 be Of the most friendly character
CHINA.
The friendly and peaceful policy pursued by
tie Government Of the United States towards
the Empire Of Cuina, has prodaced the most
satisfactory results. The treaty OF Tieatsin OF
the lSth ef June, 1858, has been faithfully
observed by the Chinese auth2rities Tne
convention Of The STA November, 1858, sup
Elementary to this treaty, for the adjustment
aud satisfaction of the claims Of cur citizens
Oh Chiua, referred t1 in my lust annual mes
sage, has teea already carried into effect, SO
far as this was practicable.
Under this convention the sum OF 100000
tael>, equH 10 aeout 100000, was stipulated
10 be paid IN satisfaction of the claims OF
Ameriean citizens, cut Of the Que tifth of the
Etcsipts for tJunagc import, anl export duties
on American vessels at the ports Of Canton,
Snanghae aud Fuchau; and it was s'agreed that
this amount shall be in full liquidation Of all
claims tf Ameriotn citizens at the various
ports to this date" Debeutures for this
amouut--to vii: 30l, 900 taels for Canton,
100 600 for Shauphae aud l0O. coo Tor Fuehan