Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-04

with present minister at Madrid Under This con-
venton, What have been denominated the Cuban
Claims amounting to S128, 635 and 81 cents in which
than hundred of fellowcitizens are inter-
ssted, recognised, ana the Spanish government
agreed to pay $780, 600 of this amount "wtin three
months folloring the exchange of raisfcatons." The
payment OF the remaining $2S, 635 "a was to await the
decision of the commissioners for against '.the tmstad
claim " but in any event the balance was to be paid to
che claimants either by Spain or the United States
These terms have every to know are highly
satisfactory to the holders of the Cuban claims Indeed
they have made formal offer authorizing the State De-.
parmeDt to settle these claims, and to deduct the
amount of the Amistad claim from the sums which
they are entitled to receive from Spain This offer Of
| course, cannot be accepted.
All other claims of citizens of the United States against
Spa OF OF subjects of the Queen of Spain against the
United States, including the Amstad claim were by
this convention referred to board of commissioners in
the usual FORM Neither the validity of the Amistad
claim Of any other claim against either party with
the single exception of the Cuban claims was recognised
10y the convention. Indeed the Spanish government did
not insist that the validity Of the Amstad claim should
be thus recognised, Notwithstanding its payment had
been recommended to Congress by of INV preeces-
well by myself and appropriations for that
purpose had passed the Senate of the United States
They content that it should be submitted to tho
board for examination and decision like the other claims
Beth governments were bound respectively to pay the
amounts awarded to the several claimants such times
and places as be fixed by and according to the tenor
of said awards
transmitted this convention to the Senate for their
constitutional action the Sd May, $780, and on the
9th of the succeeding June they determined that they
would mot advise and consent to its ratification.
These proceedings place relations with Spain
awkward and embarrassing position. 1t is more than
probable that the final adjustment of these claims will
devolve upon my successor.
reerate the recommendation contained in my An
nua Message of December 1885, and repeated in that
in 81 ,l~cf
Spain by fair purchase l firmly believe that such an
acquisition would contribute essentially the we'll being
and prosperity Of both countries in all future time as
well provo the certain of Immediately abolish
ing the African slave trade throughout the world would
not repeat this recommendation upon the present
son if believed that the transfer of Cuba to the United
States, upon conditions highly favorable to Spain, could
justly tanish the national honor of the proud and an
Gent Spanish Monarchy Surely person ever attribu
ted to the first Napoleon disregard of the national
honor of France for transferring Louisiana to the United
States for fair equivalent both in money and CONNER
cal advantages.
AUSTRIA, SC.
With the Emperor of Austria, and the remaining cont-
mental powers of Europe including that of the Sultan
relations continue to be of the most friendly char
acter
The friendly and peaceful policy pursued by the Gov
eminent of the United States towards the empire OF
China has produced the most satisfactory results. The
treaty of Tentsn of the 18th of june 1885, has been
faithfully observed by the Chinese authorities The
venton of the 9Th November 1858, supplementary to
this treaty. for the adjustment and satisfaction Of the
claims of citizens on China referred to in nv last
Annual Message, has been already carried into effect
far as this was practicable.
Under this convention sum of 500 900 tacls equal
to about $500 O00 stipulated to be paid in satsfac
ton of the claims of American citizens out of the one
fifth Of the receipts for tonnage import and export duties
American vessels at the ports of Canton Shanghai
and Fuchau and it was agreed that this amount shall
be in full liquidation of all claims of American citizens
the various ports to this date" Debentues for this
amount-to wit 300 600 taes for Canton 100 900 for
Shanghae and 100 900 for Fuehau-wcre delivered
codng to the terms of the convention by tho respective
Chinese collectors of the customs of these ports to the
agent selected by our minister to receive the
Since that time the claims of citizens have been
adjusted by the board of commissioners appointed for
that purpose under the act of March g. 1885, and their
Awards which proved satisfactory to the claimants have
been approved by minister In the aggregate they
amodnt 70 the sum of S49S 694 rs. The claimants have
already received large proportion of the awarded
to them out of the fund provided and it is confidently
expected that the remainder will long be entirely
paid After the awards shall have been satisfied there
will remain surplus of than $780, 900 at the dis
position of Congress. AS this will in equity belong to
the Chinese government would not justice require its
appropriation to benevolent object in which the
Chinese MAY be specially interested?
Our minister to Chna In obedience to his instructions,
has remained perfectly neutral in the between Great
Britain and France and the Chinese empire although,
in conjunction with the Russian minister, he was
ever ready and willing, had the opportunity offered,
to employ his good Offices in restoring peace between
the parties 1t is but act of simple justice, both
to our present minister and his predecessor to state that
they have proved fully equal to tho delicate trying and
responsible positions in which they have different oc
casions been placed.
The ratfcatons of the treaty with Japan concluded at
Yedo the goth July, 1858, exchanged at Wash
ingon the 2sd May last and the treaty itself pro-
claimed the succeeding day. There is good reason to
expect that under its protection end influence trade
and intercourse with that distant and interesting people
| viii rapidly increase.
The ratications of the treaty exchanged with
usual Soemnity For this purpose the Tycoon had
credited three of bis most distinguished subjects ENJOYS
extraordinary and ministers penpoentary, who
ceved and treated with marked distinction and kindness
by the Government and people the United States
There every to believe that they have returned
to their native land entirely satisfied with their VISIT and
inspired by the most friendly feelings for country
Let areny hope in the language of the treaty ITSELF
that there shall henceforward be perpetual peace and
friendship between the United States of America and his
Majesty the Tycoon of Japan aud his SUCCESSORS
BRAZIL.
With the wse conservative and liberal government of
the empire of Brazil relations continue to be of the
most amicable character.
NEW GRANADA. :
The exchange of the notifications of the convention will,
the republic of New Granada, signed at Washingto, on
the 10th September 1857 has been long DELAYED from
accidental causes, for which neither party is censu able
These notifications duly exchanged in this CITY on th,
9th of November last Thus has controversy been ami