The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-12-31
KEOKUKs
THURSDAY, DECRlfnER 81.


OUR Eoroo 8o10o0O0oe
We are eurs that 81 fsal1re q the Pres
idepe's Message can hase luaRht moro
satisfaction to readers in the loyal States
than the very gvstifyinE ssoo1nt il gives
of our relation with foreign powes. We
are reminded byan ineelligent cotempora-
~ that Il would BE- hard TO End oos Of
the seventy-odd annual messages which
have been transmitted to Congress that
did not make some difksulty Of some kind
With some foreign power !; and in ma
jority Of them such difficulties formed one
Of the most important themes. But We
look in vain through the present docu-
ment for the slightest token Of any differ
ence with any foreign State. The cis-
tinotion il remarkable enough in itself.
But, rs our contemporary adds, sit il
much more 90 when the fact is noted that
heretofore nothing has been 90 prolific Of
international trouble ~ the relation Of
neutrsls to belligerents. The very time
when il would be naturally anticipated
that We should have the most serious
controversies with other nations and es-
pecially commercial nations, is the very
time when our National Executive has
nothing to complain Of, and most decided
ly testifies to universal fair dealing. This
certainly bespeaks very wise management
of our State Department.
Nor are We compelled to look alone to
our own official expeditions for this salts
factory statement of our relations with
foreign Governments. When the Presi-
dent says that the efforts of disloyal citi-
Gems of the United States 70 involve n
in foreign wars shave been unavailing,"
We can find ample confirmation of the
fact in the disappointments confessed I'M
der this head by Gen. JEFF. Davis in bis
recent message to the Confederate Con.
gress, the substantial portions of which
may be found in another part of to-day 9
Intelligencer. It will be seen that he
reports with "regret''-we quote HIS own
text-that "there has been no improve.
ment in the state of our relations with
foreign countries since my message in
January last. On the contrary, there has
been still greater divergence in the con.
duct OF European nations from that prac-
teal impartiality which alone deserves
the name of neutrality, and their action
in some cases, has assumed character
positively unfriendly." Gen. Davis then
proceeds +, make ssfull statement," Of
what he calls the s.just grounds which ex
lists for dissatisfaction with the conduc,
of the British Government" and lamentl
that the Southern Confedency is unfor.
tuuately without adequate remedy fol
this injustice at q juncture when it,
entire energies are absorbed in the strug.
gle against AZ enemy possessed Of greatly
superior numbers and material resources,
The necessary implication is. that if the
powers Of the Conedency we're adequate
to the undertaking, and were not At pres
ent overtaxed by the war already on its
hands, there would be ample cause to
seek armed redress for Injuries received
and indignities too long endured from
the British Government.
When We consider how much more in.
:--~s~ -~-.~l - puU
relations OF our Government with Great
Britain than those of the insurgent States.
we can still more Justly appreciate the
wisdom and skill which, under the man.
agenent of the distinguished Premier Of
the Administration has conducted our for.
eign affairs to their present prosperous
attitude. As the President remarks.
questions Of great intricacy and import.
ance have arisen out of the blockade and
other belllgerent operations between our
Government and several of the maritime
powers, but. he is able to add, .they have
been discussed, and, as lar aa wa ooss;.
Bile, accommodated in, = spirit of frank.
ness, justice, and mutual good will
And thus it is that he was able to report
at the very threshhold Of his annual az.
position. giving to the announcement !.
place according to its dignity and sienif-
canoe. the no less than gratifying fact
that I'VE remain in peace and friendship
with foreign powers"