The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1860-12-12

as we'll as prove the certain means of immedi-
ately abolishing the African Slave trade
Throughout the world. I, would not repeat
this recommendation upon the present occasion
if L believed that the transfer of Cuba to the
United States, upon conditions highly favora-
kbfe>to Spain, could justly tarnish the national
honor of the proud and ancient Spanish mon
archy. Surely no person ever attributed to the
first Napoleon a disregard of the national honor
of France, for transferring Louisiana to the
United States for a fair equivalent both in
money and commercial advantage.
AUSTRIA, ETC.
With the Emperor of Austria, and the re-
naming Continental Powers of Europe, inclu-
ding that of the Sultan, our relations continue
to. be Of the most friendly character.
CHINA.
The friendly and peaceful policy pursued by
the government of the United States towards
the empire cf China has produced the most
satisfactory results. The treaty of Tientsin of
the 18th of June, 1858, has BEEN faithfully
observed by the Chinese authorities. The
convention of the 9Th of November, 1858,
supplementary to this act, for the adjustment
and satisfaction of the claims of our citizens
on China, referred to in my last annual Mes
sage, las been already carried into effect, 80
far as this was practicable.
Under this convention the sum of 100000
teals, equal to about S~TO0,UUO, was stipulated
to be paid in satisfaction of the claims of
American citizens, out of the enc fifth of the
receipts for tonnage import, and export duties
on American vessels at the ports of Canton,
Shanghae, and Fuchan; and it was "agreed
that this amount shall be in full liquidation of
al; claims of American citizens at the various
ports to this date" Debenture o this amount,
to wit 100000 tcals for Canton, loo, 900 for
Shanghae, and 100000 for Fuchan-were de-
livered according to the terms of the ccnven-
ton by the respective Chinese collectors of the
customs of these ports to the agent selected by
our minister to receive the same.
Since that time the claims of our citizens
have been adjusted by the Board of Commits
sioners appointed for that purpose under the
act of March 3, 1859, and their awards, which
proved satisfactoryto the claimants, have been
approved by our Minister. In the aggregate
they amount to the sum of S49S, 1894 7S. The
claimants have already received a large pro-
portion Of the sums awarded to them cut of
the fund provided. and it is confidently expect
cd that the remainder will ere long be entirely
paid. After the awards shall have been salts
fed there will remain a surplus of more than
sos 900 at the disposition of Congress. As
this will in equity belong to the Chinese gov
eminent, would not justice require its aproprl-
alton to some benevolent object in which the
Chinese may be especially int crested !?
Our Minister to China, ia obedience to his
instructions, has remained perfectly neutral in
the war 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 go ID offices in restoring peace be
tween the parties. 1t is but an act Of justice,
both to our present minister and his predeces-
sor, to state that they have proved fully equal
the delicate, trying and responsible positions
in which tkey base on different occasions been
placed.
The Publications of the treaty with Japan,
concluded at Yedo on the 10Th of July, 1858,
were exchanged at Washington the 22d of
May last, and the treaty itself was proclaimed
OH the succeeding day. There is good reason
to expect that, under its protection and infiu-
ence, our trade and intercourse with that dis
tart and interesting people will rapidly in
crease.
The notifications of the treaty were exchang-
ed with unusual solcmnity. For this purpose
the Tycoon had accredited three of his most
distip guishcd subjects as ENJOYS extraordinary
and ministers plenipotentiary, who were re
ceived and treated with marked distinction and
kindness both by the government and the peo-
pie of the United States. There Is every
reason to believe that they have returned to
their native land entirely satisfied with their
hAoAOt oho noPAANo " bhS NOo ALNShNJ ~
ings for our country. Let US ardently hope,
in the language of the treaty itself that "there
shall henceforward be perpetual peace and
friendship between the u. S. of America and
his Majesty the Tycoon Of Japan and his sue
cessors."
With the wise, conservative and liberal gov
eminent Of the empire of Brazil our relations
continue to be of the most amiable character.
-r.--.5 NEW RANAD
The exchange of the Publications of the
convention with the republic of New Granada,
signed at Washington on the 10th of Septem
Der, 1857, has been long delayed from acct
dental causes, for which neither party is CEN
surable. These ratifications were daily ex-
changed in this city on the 5th of November
last. Thus has a controversy been amicably
Terminated which had become so serious at
the period of my Inauguration as to require
me, on the 18th of April, 1857, to direc- our
Minister TO demaRd his passports and return
to the United States!
Under this convention the government of
New Granada has specially acknowledged itself
to be responsible to our citizens "for damages
which were caused by the riot at Panama on
the 18th of April, 1856" These claims, to-
gether with other claims of our citizens which
had been long urged in vain, are referred fer
to a Board of Commissioners II
a copy of the convention to Congress-,
and recommend the legislation necessary to
to carry it into effect.
COSTA RIGA AND
.Persevering efforts have been made for the
of the claims of American citizens
against the government of Costa RIGA, and 1
am happy to inform you that these have finally
prevailed. A convention was signed at the
of San Juan on the I'd of July last, be
tween the Minister resident of the United
StaEoe rn EOsto Rico apd tho Observation-Disclosures
Of that republic, referring these claims to a
of Commissioners, and providing for the
payment of their awards. This convention
be submitted Immediately to the Senate
for their constitutional action.
The claims of our citizens upon the repub-
lie of Nicaragua have not yet been provided
for by treaty, although diligent efforts for this