The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1860-12-18
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
CONCLUDED.

complications with several nations, and
two of our Territories were in state oil
revolution against our Government, a
restoration Of the African Slave trade
had numerous and powerful advocates,
unlawful military expeditions were coun.
tenanced by many of our citizens, and
were suffered, in defiance of the efforts
of our Government to escape from oul
shores for the purpose of making wal
upon the unoffending people of the
neighboring Republics, with whom we
were at peace.
In addition to these and other diff
culties we experienced revulsion in
monetary affairs soon after my advent
proving of une xampled severity and ru-
nous consequences to the country
When we take retrospect of what was
then our condition, and contrast this
with its material prosperity at the time
of the late Presidential election, we have
abundant reason to return our grateful
thanks to that merciful Providence which
has never forsaken us, as nation, in all
our trials.
FOREIGN RELATIoNs-GREAT BRITAIN.
Our relations with Great Britain are
of the most friendly character. Since
the commencement of my administration
the two dangerous questions arising
from the Clayton and Bulwcr treaty,
and from the right of search claimed by
the British Government, have been ami,
cably and honorably adjusted. The dis
cordaEt constructions of the Clayton and
Bulwer treaty between the two Govern
ments, which, at different periods of the
discussion, bore a threatening aspect,
have resulted in final settlement, en-.
tirely satisfactory to this Government.
In my last annual message, | informed
Congress that the British government
had not then completed arrangements
with the Republics of Honduras and Mic
aragua IN pursuance of the understand
ing between the two Governments. 1t
was nevertheless confidently expected
that the good work would ere long be
accomplished. This confidence has since
been fulfilled. Her British Majesty con-
cluded a treaty with Honduras on the
28th of November, 1859, and with Mic
aragua on the 28th of August, 1860, re-
linquishing the Mosquito Protectorate.
Besides, by the former the Bay Islands
are recognized as part of the Republic
of Honduras.
1t may be observed that the stipula-
tions of these treaties conform in every
important particular to the amendments
adopted at London on the l7th Oct, 49,
Sc, between the Two governments. 1t
will be recollected that the treaty was
rejected by the British Government be-
cause OF its objection to the just and i'm
portant amendment of the Senate TO the
article relating to all classes of our fel-
low citizens, and especially to those en-
gagged in foreign commerce, that the
claim on the part of Great Britain forci-
bly, to visit aud search American mer-
chant vessels on the high seas, in time
of peace, has been abandoned. This was
by tar the most dangerous question to
the peace OF the two countries, which has
existed since the war of 1879. Whilst
it remained open, they might at any mo-
ment have been precipitated into war.
This was rendered manifest by the exas-
peraled state of public feeling through
out our entire country, produced by the
forcible search of American merchant
vessels by British cruisers on the coast
of Cuba, in the spring of 1853. The
American people hailed with general ac-
claim the orders Of the Secretary of the
Navy TO our naval force in the Gulf OF
Mexico, to protect all vessels of the Uni
ted States on the high seas from search
or detention by the vessels OF war ot any
other nation. These orders might have
produced an unfortunate collision be
tween the naval forces of the two coun-
tries.
This was most fortunately prevented
by an appeal TO the justice oil Great Brit
ain, and to the law of nations, expoun-
ded by her own most eminent jurists
The only question of any importance
which still remains open is the disputed
title between the two governments to the
island of San Juan, in the vicinity oi
Washington Territory. AS this ques
ton is still under negotiation, IT is deem
ed unadvisable at the present moment TO
make any other allusion TO the subject.
The recent visit OF the Prince OF Wales
in appropriate character, TO the people o.
this country, has proven TO be a most
auspicuous event IN its consequences. Ii
cannot fail to increase the kindred and
kindly feelings of both countries in theiI
political and social Intercourse with each
other.
With France. our ancient and power.
full ally, our relations continue 10 be oI
the most friendly character. A decis.
ion has recently been made by French
Judicial Tribunal, with the appreciation
Of the imperial Govt, which cannot fai
TO foster the sentiments of mutual regard
that has SO long existed between the two
countries. Under the French law nc
person can serve in the French armies
unless he be French citizen.
The law of France recognizing the
natural right Of expatriation, it follow:
as necessary consequence that {
Frenc Gilman, by the fact OF having be
come citizen OF the u. 5, has changed
his allegiance and has lost his nativ,
! character He cannot therefore, b,