Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1860-12-08

between the two Goyernments which at differ
ent periods of the discussion, bore threaten
ing aspect, have resulted in final settlement,
entirely 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 Nicaragua in pursuance of the
understanding 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
Britanic Majesty concluded treaty with Hon.
duras on the 26th of November, 1859, and
with Nicaragua on the 2Sth of August, 1850,
relinquishing the Mosquito Protectorate. Be
sides By the former the Bay Islands are recog-
1t may be observed that the stipuations Of
these treaties conform in every important par
ticuar to the amendments adopted at London,
on the 18th October. 1856, between the two
governments 1t will be recollected that this
treaty was rejected by the British Government
because of its objection to the just and impor-
tant amendment of the Senate to the article
relating TO Ruatan and the other islands in the
Bay of Honduras 1t is a source of sincere
satisfaction to all classes of our felow-citZens,
and especially to those engaged in foreign
commerce, that the claim on the part of Great
Britain forcibly to visit and search American
merchant vessels on the high seas, in time of
peace, has been abandoned. This was by far
the most dangerous question to the peace of
the two countries, which has existed since the
war of 1872 Whilst it remained open they
might, at any moment, have been precipitated
into a war. This was rendered manifest by
the exasperated state of public feeling through
out our entire country, produced by the forci-
BILE search Of American merchant vessels by
British cruisers on the coast of Cuba, in the
spring Of 1853. The American people hailed
with general acclaim the orders of the Secre-
tary of the Navy to our naval force in the
Gulf of Mexico, to protect all vessels of
the United States ON the bigh seas from search
or detention blythe vessels of war of any other
nation. These orders might have produced an
unfortunate collision between the naval forces
of the two countries. This was most fortunate
ly prevented by an appeal to the justice of
Great Britain, and to the law of nations, as ex-
pounded 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 of Washington Territory. As
this question is still under negotiation, it is not
deemed advisable at the present moment to
make any other alluson to the subject.
The recent visit of the Prince of Wales in
appropriate character, to the people of this
country has proved to be a most auspicious
event in its consequences. 1t cannot fail to
increase the kindred and kindly feelings of
both countries in their political and social in.
tercOurse with each other
FRANCE.
With France, our ancient and powerful ally,
our relations continue to be of the most
friendly character A decision has recently
been made by a French Judicial Tribunal, with
the appreciation of the Imperial Government,
which cannot fail to foster the sentiments of
mutual regard that has so long existed between
the two countries. Under the French law no
person can serve in the armies of France un-
less he be French citizen.
The law of France recognizing the natural
right of expatriation, it follows as a necessary
that aFrenchEan, by the fact OF hav-
ing become citizen of the United States, has
changed his allegiance and has lost his native
character. He cannot, therefore, be compelled
to serve in the French armies, in case he should
return to his native country. These principles
were announced in 1852, by the French Minis
ter of War, and in two late cases have been
by the French Judiciary. In these,
two natives of France have been discharged
from the French army, because they had be-
come American citizens. To employ the Ian
guage of our present Minister to France, who
has rendered good service on this occasion, 81
do not think our French naturaliZed fellow
citizens will hereafter experience much annoy
ance on this subject. | venture to predict that
the time is not far distant when the other con-
tinental powers will adopt the same wise and
lust policy which has done so much honor to
the enlightened government of the Emperor"
In any event, our government is bound to
protect the rights of her naturalized citizens
everywhere, to the same extent as though they
lad drawn their first breath in this country
We can recognize no distinction between our
native and naturalized citizens
RUSSIA.
Between the great Empire of Russia and
he United States, the mutual friendship and
'egard which has so long existed, still contir-
les to prevail, and, if possible, to increase.
indeed, our relations with that Empire are all |
hat we could desire.
SPAIN.
Our relations with Spain are now of a more |
complicated, though less dangerous character, |
han they have been for many years. Our cit
zens have long held, and continue to hold, nu-
nerOus claims against the Spanish Government.
These have been ably urged for a series Of
ears by our successive diplomatic representa-
ives at Madrid, but without obtaining redress.
The Spanish Government finally agreed to in
titute joint commission for the adjustment of
heSe claims, and on the 9th day of March,
1850, concluded a convention for that purpose, /
With our present Minister at Madrid Under
his Convention, what have been denominated
he Cuban claims, amounting to Sl28,63 "a,
n which more than one hundred OF our fellow
itizens are interested were recognized, and
he Spanish Government agreed to pay one
undred thousand dollars Of This amount with
n three months following the exchange Of rat
ications. The payment of the remaining
2S, $50 81 was to await the decision of the
for or against the Amistead
lain, but in any event, the balance was to be
aid to the claimants, either by Spain or the
Inited States. Those terms, have every
casQn TO know, are highly satisfactory to the
olders of the Cuban claims. Indeed they
ave made a formal offer, authorizing the
tate Department to settle their claims, and to
educt the amount of the Amistead claims
rom the sums which they are entitled to re-
Give from Spain.
This Offer of course, can not be accepted.
IL other claims of the citizens of the United
tates against Spain, or of subjects of the
ueen of Spain against the United States, in
uding the Amistead claim, were by this Con-
ention referred to a Board of Commissioners
the usual form. Neither the validity of
le Amistead claim, nor any other claim
gainst either party, with the single exception
the Cuban claims, was recognized by the
OnventiOn. Indeed, the Spanish Government ;
id not insist that the validity of the Amistcad !
aim should be thus recognized, notwithstand- !
g its payment had been recommended to ,
Ongress by two of my predecessors, as well as !
yself, and an appropriation for that purpose :
ld passed the Senate of the United States.
hey were content that it should be submitted ;
the Board for examination and decision like i.
e other claims. Both Governments were .
,und respectfully to pay the amounts award .
the several claimants, at such times and
aces as may be fixed by and according to the =
nor of said awards, and transmitted by this =
to the Senate for their cOnstitu- :
1nal action on Sd May, 1860, and on the 9th 7
the succeeding June, they determined that
ey would not advise and consent to its ratifi-
tion. These proceedings place our relations y
th Spain in an awkward and embarrassing
,sitiOn. 1t is more than probable that the :
lal adjustment of these claims will devolve
ION my successor | reiterate the recon- !
endaton contained in my annual message of
ecember, 1868, and repeat that of De- :,
NH in fayO Of no of Z