Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1863-12-19


Representatives,:
Another year of health and of sulfi-
GENTLY abundant harvest has passed.
Especially for the improved condition Of
our national affairs, our renewed and
profound gratitude to God is due. We
remain in peace and friendship with for
ei0n powers; the efforts of disloyai citi-
zens of the United States TO involve us
in foreign wars, to aid inexcusab.e iusur-
reetion, have been unavailing.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
Her British Majesty's Government was
Justly indignant and have exercised their
authority to prevent the departure Of new
hostile expeditions from British ports.
Tho Emperor of France has by like
proceeding promptly indicated the neu-
traIity which he proclaimed at the begin
ming of the contest.
Questions of great interest and i'm
portance have arisen out of the blockade
ard other belligerent operations, between
the Government and several of tho mar
atime powers; but they have been dis
cuseed, and. so far as was possible, ac-
commodated in spirit of justice and
mutual good will, especially inasmuch
that our prize courts, by the impartiaiity
of their adjudication, have commanded
the respect and confidence Of maritime
powers.
The supplemental treaty between the
United States and Great Britain for the
suppression of tbs 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 citizens
are concerned, that inhuman and barba-
rous traffic has been brought to an end.
shall submit Tor the consideration of
the Senate convention for the adjust
ment of pending claims in Washinton
Territory arising out of the tIeaty of the
18th of June, 1916, between the United
States and Great Britain, which have
been the source of some disquiet among
the citizens of that new and rapidly i'm
proving part of the country.
A novel and important question, invol-
wing the extent of the maritime jurisdic-
ton of Spain in the waters which sur
round the island of Cuba, has been de-
bated without reaching any agreement,
and ii Is proposed in an amicabIo spirit
to refer It to the arbitration of q friendly
power. A convention for that purpose
will be submitted 10 the Senate.
l have thought it proper, subject to
the approval of the Senate, to concur
with the interested commercial powers in
an arrangement for tho liquidation of the
"Scheldt dues" upon the principles
which have been heretofore expressed in
regard to the imposts upon navigation in
the waters of Denmark.
The long pending controversy between
this Government and Chill, touching the
seizure at Salina in Peru, by CHILEAN Of
ficers, of large amount in treasure be-
longing to citizens of the United States,
has been brought TO close by the award
Of His Majesty, the King of the Belgi-
ans, to whose arbitration the question
was referred by the parties. The sub
iect was thoroughly and patiently exam
med By that justly respected magistrate,
and although the sum awarded to me
claimants NAV not have been as large as
thev expected, there is no reason to dis
trust the wisdom Of His Maiesty's dec;s-
ion. That the decision viii be promptly
COUPLED with by Chill when the intelli-
gence in regard 10 it reaches that coan-
try, is confidently expected
The joint commission under act. of
last session for sn arrangement for carry
ing into eject the conyeniioc with Peru,
on the subject Of claims has been organ
izeI at Lima and is engaged in the bust
ness entrusted 20 i.
Difficulties concerning oceanic transit
through NicaTagus are al course of ami
cable adjustment in conformity with
principles set forth in my last annual
message.
have received n representative from
the United States of Columbia and have
credited minister to that republic.
Incidents occurring in the PROCESS Of
our civil war, have forced upon my at
tention the uncertain state of internal
questions 10 uclnng the rights Of foreign
ers in this country, and OF United States
citizens abroad. In regard TO some gov
ernmeuts, these rights are nj FEAST par
italy decided 10y treaties; in no instance,
however, is it expressed that on the in
stance of civil war n foreigner residing
IN this country within lines of insurgents,
is to be excepted from the rule which
classes him rs q boliSgerent in whose
behalf the government of bis country
cannot express any privileges, or immu-
mites distinct from that character. re-
gret to say, however, that such claims
have been put forward, and in some in
stances in behalf of foreigners who have
lived in the United States the greater
part of their lives. There is reason to
believe that many persons born in for
eign countries who have declared their
intention to become citizens, or who have
been fully naturallzed, have evaded the
military duty required of them by de-
nying the fact, thereby throwing upon
the government the burden Of proof.
1t has been found difficult or imprac
ticable. to obtain this proof from want
Of guides to the proper sources of iufor-