The Placer herald., 1860-01-21
Presidents Message.

space in our columns precludes its publica-
ton entire; we therefore publish synopsis
of the same from the Sacramento Bee
1t opens with proper acknowledging
to the Almighty Power which has bestowed
upon us during the past year, SO many bles-
sings, among which, not the least, are health
and plenty; and then drops at once into the
HARPERs FERRY AFFAIR,
And, after discussing it on both sides,
concludes that
"Ihe events at Harpers Ferry, by causing
the people to pause and reflect upon the
possible peril to their cherished institutions
will be the means under Providence of al
laying the existing, and preventing future
outbreaks of similar character They will
resolve that the Constitution and the Union
shall not be endangered by rash counsel;
knowing, that should the silver cord be loos-
ed, or the golden bowl be broken at the
fountain, human power could never re unite
the scattered fragments"
SLAVERY IN THE TERRITORIES.
He congratulates Congress and the coun
try upon the final settlement by the Supreme
Court Of the question of slavery in the Ter
ritories(?):
THE right has been established of every
citizen to take his property, of any kind, in
Guiding slaves, into the common territories
belonging equally to all the States of the
under the Federal Constitution. Neither
Congress nor Territorial Legislature, nor
any human power, has any authority to an
nul or impair this vested right"
THE AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE.
All awful means at his command has been
employed, and shall continue to be employed
to execute the laws against the African slave
trade. Upon full investigation, he was not
able to discover that any slaves have been
landed on our coasts lately, save only the
Wanderers cargo, amounting only to some
three or four hundred He devotes column
to this subiect-arguing against the re
opening of that trade-and hints, very deli
cateIv, that if we had Cuba, the whole world
would then be closed against this illegal and
iniqutous traffic.
He defends the course pursued by his Gov
ernment in China, and thinks that it has re-
suited favorablv. The ratifcations of the
treaty of June 18th, 1858, were exchanged
on the 10th of August last, although Com
missioner Ward did not have the pleasure
OF an interview with the Chinese Emperor,
because he would not submit to the for
malities required upon such occasions.
PARAGUAY.
All our difficulties with this Republic
have been satisfactorily adjusted. 1t was not
necessary to employ the fleet for this pur-
pose, which Congress had placed at his dis
posal. as Commissioner Dowln ably and sue
cessfully adjusted everything that needed ad
justment.
FRANCE AND RUSSIA.
Our relations with these Empires, as we'll
as with other Continental Governments, save
only Spain, are of the most friendly char
acter. The main cause of our present un
satisfactory relations with Spain is to be
found in the fact that under existing treaties,
we owe that Government, or rather its sub
jects, much money, which we have to pay,
and it owes our citizens money which it re-
fuses to pay also, although it acknowledges
the debt, on the ground of our refusal in
like cause; therefore the President recon-
mends that we pay and secure reputation
for honesty.
lie strongly favors the acquisition of Cuba,
by fair purchase, and recommends the sub
ject to Congress, and reindorses the opinions
of his last Message on that point.
GREAT BRITAIN.
Tho inf Of
Bulwer treaty, have not yet been adjusted;
but are soon expected to be. In relation to
the San Juan Island matter he holds that
the title to it ought to be settled, before
either party should attempt to exclude the
other by force, or attempt to exercise excu-
sive Jurisdiction within the disputed limits.
1t was to carry out this in spirit, that Gen.
Scott was dispatched to the Pacific coast,
and be succeeded so well, that there is now
no fear of collision between the two powers.
The President however, believes our title to
the Island to be good
MEXICO.
He sent special agent to Mexico in
January last to see how things were conduct
ed there, and ascertain which of the con-
tending parties was likely to be successful.
The special" pronounced for the Juarez
party, and the President accepted his views
Then Minister McLane was sent TO the Juarez
Government. Congress should authorize the
President to enter Mexico with military for
ces, at the request Of the Constitutional
Government, for the purpose "of obtaining
indemnity for the past and security for the
future" and also for the purpose of placing
the Juarez Government in possession of the
Capital.
ARIZONA
He recommends that Territorial Govern
ment be established over Arizona.
NICARAGUA.