Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1863-12-17
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
FeNow. Citizens Of the Senate
and House of Representatives

ciently abundant harvest has passed
For these, and especially for the improv
ed condition Of our national affairs, ouI
renewed and profound gratitude to Goc
is due.
We remain in peace and friendship
with foreign powers.
The efforts of disloyal citizens of the
United States to involve us in foreign
wars to aid an inexcusable iusurrection
have been unavailing. Her Britannia
Majesty's government. as was Justly ex-
pected, have exercised their authoi.y TO
prevent the departure of new hostile ex-
peditions from British ports. The En-
peror of France has by like proceed.
ing promptly viudicated the neutrality
which he proclaimed at the beginning Of
the contest.
Questions of great intricacy and i'm
portance have arisen out Of the blockade
and other beligerent operations. between
this government and several Of the mar
thine powers, but they have been dis
cussed. and, as far as was possible, ac-
com odated in spirit of frankness, JUS
tice and mutual good will.
1t is especially gratifying that our
prize courts, by the impartlality Of their
adjudications, have commanded the re-
spect and confidence of maratimc powers.
The supplementary treaty between the
United States and Great Britain for the
suppression of the African slave trade,
made on the 18th day of February last,
has been duly ratified and carried into
execution. 1t is believed that SO far as
American ports and American paople are
concerned, that iuhuman and odous
.raliiek has lcen brought to an end.
shall submit for the consideration Of
the Senate convention for the adjust
mcpt ot possession claims in Washington
Territory arising out Of the treaty Of the
18th Of Juno 1916, between the United
States and Great Britain, and which have
been the source OF some di,quiet among
the citizens Of that now rapidly improv-
in. part Of the country.
A novel and important question. in
vvlving the extent of the maratimc ju-
risdictlou vf Spain in the waters which
surround the Island of Cuba has been
debated, without reaching an agreement
aud it is proposed in an amlcabie spirit
to the arbitfameht of friendly power.
A convention FIR that purpose will be
submitted 10 the Senate.
have thought it proper, subject to
the approval of the Senate. TO concur
with the Interested commercial powers
in an Arrangement for the liquidation OF
the Stadt dues upon the principles which
have been heretofore adopted 10 regard
to the impos's upon navigation in the
waters of Denmark.
II long pending controversy between
this government and that Of Chill,
touching the seizure Of Sitania, in Peru.
by Chiian officers, of large amount
10 treasure belonging to citizens OF the
United States, has been brought to
.lose BY the award Of his Majesty the
King st the Belgians, to whose arbitra-
ion the question was referred by the
D; rtles.
The subject was thoroughly and pa
icntly examined by that justly respected
magistrate, aud although the sum a
xard,d to the claimants may not have
,cen as larw as they expected, there is
40 reason to distrust the wisdom Of his
naiesty's de, ision The decision was
conpled with by Chill when
Intelligence in regard to it reached that
country.
The joint commission under the act
# the last session for carrying into ef-
'ect the convention with Peru on the
subject of claims has been organized at
Lima, and is engaged in the business en-
rusted to it.
Difficulties concerning the inter ocean
C transit through Nicarauga are in
course of amicable adjustment.
In conformity with the principles set
'orth in my last annual message, have
. representative from the United States
# Columbie, and have accredited Min
ster to that Republic.
Incidents occurring in the progress of
,ur civil war have forced upon my at.
ention the uncertain state of information
i questions touching the right OF for
,igners in this country, and of United
States citizens abroad. In regard to
omc governments, these rights are at
east partially defued by treaties. In
10 instance. however, it is expressly
stipulated that in the event Of civil war
! foreigner residing in this country,
within the lines of the insurgents, is to
be exempted from the rule which clases
hin as a bellig, rent, in whose behalf
he government Of his country cannot
expect any privileges or immunity dis
tirct from that character. l regret to
,ay, however, that such claims have been
put forward, and in some instances in
behalf of foreigners who have lived in
The United States the greater part of
heir lives. There is reason to believe .
hat many persons born in foreign coun-
tries, who have declared their intentions
10 become citizens. or who have been
fully naturalizcd, have evaded the mill
tary duty required Of them by denying
The fact aud hereby throwing upon the !
government the burden of proof. 1t
has been found difficult or impracticable
to obtain this proof from the want of