Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-11
FRANCE.

With France our ancient and powerful ally, our re
ations continue to- be of the most friendly character
decision has recently been made by French Judi
cal tribunal. with the appreciation of the Imperial
Government, which cannot fail to foster the sent
ments of mutual regard that have long existed be-
tween the two countries Under the French law, no
French citizen. The law of France recognizing the
natural right of expariation it follows as necessary
consequence that Frenchman, by the fact of having
become citizen of the United States has changed
his allegiance and has lost his native character He
cannot therefore, be compelled to in the French
armies in he should return to 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 these,
two natives of France have been discharged from the
French army because they had become American cit-
zens. To employ the language of our present minis
ter to France who has rendered good service on this
occasion, 81 do not think French naturazed fe-
citizens will hereafter experience much annoy
ance on this subject"
venture to predict that the time is not far distant
when the other continental powers will adopt the
same wise and just policy which has done much
honor to the enlightened government of the Emperor.
In any event. government is bound to protect the
rights OF our naturalzed citizens everywhere to the
same extent as though they had drawn their first
breath in this country. We recognize dstinc-
ton between our native and naturalized citizens.
RUSSIA.
Between the great empire of Russia and the United
States the mutual friendship and regard which has
long existed SJI continues to prevail and, POSSIBLE
to increase. Indeed our relations with that Empire
are all that we could desire.
SPAIN.
Our relations with Spain now of more coUpli-
Gated, though less dangerous character, than they
have been for many years Our citizens have long
held and continue to hold numerous claims against
the Spanish government. These had been ably urged
for series OF years by successive diplomatic re-
presentatives at Madrid, but without obtaining re-
dress The Spanish government finally agreed to in
cfyf Of
claims and the 9th day Of March, 1860, concluded
convention for this purpose with present minis
ter at Madrid. Under this convention what have
denominated "the Cuban claims, amounting to $l28,
635 "a, in which more than hundred of our fellow
citzens interested, recognized, and the Span
ish government agreed to pay 100000 of this amount
'wlthin three months following the exchange of rat-
fcation. Tne payment of the remaining $2S, ,635 54
was to await the decision of the commissioners for
against the "Amistad claim" but in any event the
balance was to be paid to the claimants either by
Spain or the United States. These terms have
ry reason to know are highly satisfactory to the hold
ers of the Cuban claims. Indeed, they have made a
formal offer authorizing the State Department to set
tie these claims, and to deduct the amount of the Am
stad claim from the sums which they entitled to
receive from Spain. This offer, of course, cannot be
accepted.
All other claims of citizens of the United States a.
gainst Spain, Of subjects Of the Queen of Spain
gainst the United States, including the "Amistad
claim by this convention referred to board of
commissioners in the usual form. Neither the yaidi
ty of the Amstad claim of any other claim against
either party, with the single exception of the Cuban
claims, was recognized by the convention.
Indeed, the Spanish government did not insist that
the validity of the Amistad claim should be thus
cognized Notwithstanding its payment had been re-
commended to Congress by two of my predecessors
well as by myself, and appropriation for that pur
pose had passed the Senate of the United States
They content it should be submitted to the board
for examination and decision, like the other claims.
Both governments were bound to pay the
amounts awarded to the several claimants, sat such
times and places as may be fixed by and according to
the tenor of said awards"
transmitted this convention to the Senate for their
constitutional action the Sd May, 1s60 and the
9th of the succeeding June they determined that they
would mot advise and consent to its ratification.
These proceedings place our relations withSpain in
an awkward and embarrassing position. 1t is more
than probable that the final adjusmentof these claims
will devOlve upon my successor.
relterate the recommendation contained in my an
nual message of December 1885, and repeated in that
OF December 1852 in favor of the acquisition of Cuba
from Spain by fair purchase l firmly believe that
such acquisition would contribute essentially to the
welbelng and prosperity of both countries in all fu
ture time, as well prove the certain of i'm
medately abolishing the African savetrade through
out the world. would not repeat this recommends
ton upon the present occasion, if believed that the
transfer of Cuba to the United States upon conditions
highly favorable to Span could justly arnish the
tional honor of the proud and ancient Spanish mon
archy Surely no person ever attributed to the first
Napoleon disregard of the national honor of France
fair equivalent both in money andcommercial advan-
tages.
AUSTRIA, ETC.
With the Empire of Austria and the remaining con-
tinenta powers of Europe, including that of the Sui
tan, relations continue to be of the most friendly
character.
The friendly and peaceful policy pursued by the
Government of the United States towards the empire
of China has produced the most satisfactory results
The treaty of Tentsin of the 18th of June 1885, has
been faithfully observed By the Chinese authorities.
The convention OF the 8th November, 1858, supple
mentary to this treaty, for the adjustment and salts
faction of the claims of our citizens China referred
to In my last annual message, has been already
ried into effect far this was practicable
Under this convention the sum of 100000 taels, E.
quail to about 100000 stipulated to be paid in
satisfaction of the claims of American citizens out of
the one-tth of the receipts for tonnage import and
export duties American vessels at the ports of Can
ton. Shanghae and Fuchau; and it ''agreed that
this amount shall be in full liquidation of all claims
OF American citizens at the various ports this date
Debentures for this amount to wit: 100000 taels for
Canton, 900 for Shanghae and 900 for Fuchau
were delivered according to the terms of the
ton by the respective Chinese collectors of the
toms OF these ports to the agent selected by
lister to receive the same.
Since that time the claims of our citizens have been
adjusted by the board of commissioners appointed for
that purpose under the Of March 3d. 1882 and their
awards, which proved satisfactory to the claimants
have been approved by our minister. In the aggre.
gate they amount to the sum of $498, 1854 78. The
claimants have already received large proportion of
the sums awarded to them out of the fund provided,
and 1t Is confidently expected that the remainder will
ere long be entirely paid. After the awards shall
have been satisfied, there will remain surplus of
more than 100000 at the disposition of Congress-
As this will in equity belong to the Chinese govern
ment would not justice require its appropriation to
some benevolent object in which the Chinese may be
specially interested?
Our minister to China, in obedience to his instruc
tons has remained perfectly neutral in the war be-
TWEEN Great Britain and France and the Chinese en-
plre although in conjunction with the Russian min
lser he ready and willing, had the opporu-
nifty offered, to employ his good offices in restoring
peace between the parties 1t is but act of simple
JUSTICE both to present minister and predeces
sor state that they have proved fully equal to the
delicate, trying and responsible positions in which
they have different occasions been placed.
JAPAN.
The ratification of the treaty with Japan concluded
at Yedo on The 29th July, 1858, were exchanged at
Washington on the 22d May last, and the treaty itself
proclaimed on thesucceeding day. There is good
to expect that under its protection and infu
ence trade and intercourse with that distant and
interesting people will rapidly increase.
The ratltcations of the treaty exchanged with
unusual solemnIty. For this purpose the Tycoon had
accredited three of his distinguished subjects
envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary
who were received and treated with marked distlnc
ton and kindness both by the Government and peo-
pie of the United States. There is every reason to
believe that they have returned to their native land
entirely satisfied with their VISIT and inspired by the
most friendly feelings for our country. Let us
IDENTIFY hope the language of the treaty ITSELF that
ssthere shall henceorward be perpetual peace and
friendship between the United States of America and
his Majesty the Tycoon of Japan and his successors.
BRAZIL.