Litchfield enquirer., 1863-12-17
Alistellanp.
Presidents Message.


 Another year of health and sufficient, abundant harvests has passed. For these and especially for the improved condition of our natlonal affairs, our renewed and profound. est gratitude is due. We remain in peace and iendship with foreign powers The efforts ot d'sloyal tizens of the United States to n- voNe us ln foreign wars to ald an inexcusable insurrection nave been unavailing. Her Brit. annie MaJssty's Gov rnment, as was justly ex. pected' have exercised their authority to pre- vent the departure of new hostile expeditions from British ports.
 The Emperor of France has, by like pro. ceedlng promptly indicated the neutrality which he proclaimed at the beginning of the contest. Questions of gr at intricacy and im- poriance have arisen ont of the blockade. and o'her belliSerent operations between the Gov. eminent and several of the maritime powers. but they have been discussed, and, as far as was possible, accommodated in n spirit of 'rahknesS' Justice, and natural good will.
 It Is especially gratifying that our Prize Courts, by tho impartialIly of their adjuaics 'iohs' ha'" commandcd the respect and conf dence of Maritime puwers
 TREATIES.
 The supplemental treaty between the United States and Great Britain for the suppression ot the African slave trade made on the l7th ot February last, has been duly ratified and carried into execution. It is believed that SO Tar us American ports and American citizens nre concerned, that inhuman and odious traffic has been brought to an end.
 shall submit for the consideration of the Senate convention for tie adjustment of the possessory claims in Washington Territory, arising out of the treaty of the 18th of June le46, between the United States and Great Britain, and which huve been the source of some d'squiet among the citizens of that now rapidly improving part of the country.
 A novel aud important question, involving the extent of the maritime jurisdiction of Spain in the waters which surround the Island ot Cuba, has been debated witho.t reaching an agreement. and it is proposed in an amica. ole spirit to refer it to the arbitrament of a friendly Power. A convention for that pur- pose will be submitted
 have thought it proper. subject to the ap- proval of the Senate, to concur with the inter. ested commercial powers in an arrangement for the liquidation of the Schedt dues, upon the principles which have been heretofore adopted in regard to the impos.s upon navixa. ton in the waters of Denmark.
 The long-pending controversy between this Government and that ot Chilli touching the seizure at Setana. in Peru. by Chilian officers of large amount in treasure belonging to cit. izens of tue United States has been brought to a close by the award of his Majesty the King or the Beigians, to whose arbitration the dues. ton was referred by the parties.
 The subject was thoroughly and patiently examined by that justly respected magistrate, and although the sum awarded to the claim ants may not have been as large as they ex- pected, there is no reason to distrust the wis. dom of his Maiestyis decision. That decision was promptly complied with by Chli when in telligence in regard to it reached that count y
 The joint commission under the act of the last session for carrying into effect the conven. ton with Peru on the subject of claims has been organized at Lima, and is engaged in the business.
 Difficulties concerning inter-oceanic transit through Nicaragua are in course of amicable adjustment.
 In conformity with principles set forth in my last Annual Message, have received rep resentative from the United States of Colom- bia, and have accredited a Minister to that Re- public.
 Incidents occurring in the progress of our civil war, have forced upon my attention the uncertain state of ofin,ernational questions touch. ing the rights of foreigners in this country, and of United States citizens abroad.
 In regard to some Governments, these rights are defined by treaties. In no instance, how ever, is it expressly stipulated, that in the event of civil war. . foreigner residing in this country, within the lines of the insurgents, ia to be exempted from the rule which classes him as belligerent, in whose behalf the Gov ernment of his country cannot expect any privileges or immunities distinct from tha character. regrst to say, however, that suct claims have been put forward. and in some in stances in behalf of foreigners who have resi- tdsd in the United States the greater part Q their lives.
 | NAruRALNED CITIxENs.
 There is reason to believe that many person porn n foreign countries, who have declare. .ne'r intention to become citizens, or who hay been fully natutalised, have evaded the milita " ou,y required of them. by denying the fac, .ss ana thereby throwing upon the Governmsn tne burden of proof. Khas ben fonnd d;iT cut or 1mpyacSicAhla kn ohS..- Als -