The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-12-18
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
THIRD ANNUAL MESSAGE
s1ly4ea as isinaOR inAl- .7R--..sY AKSc
PRESIDENT LINCOLN. :
Delivered to the Thirty-Eighth
Congress, December 8, 1868.

Congress, December 8, 1868.
FsQoy Citisons of the Senate and House of Rep
Another year of health and of suf-
ficiently 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 foreign powers; the efforts of dis
loyal citizens of the United States to
involve us in foreign wars, to aid inexcus-
able instruction, 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.
The Emperor OF France has by like
proceeding promptly indicated the neu-
trality which he proclaimed at the begin
ming of the contest
Questions of great interest and impor-
lance have arisen out of the blockade
and other belligerent operations, between
the Government and several of the mar
atime powers; but they have been dis
cussed, and, SO far as was possible, &C
commodated in spirit of justice and
mutual good will, especially inasmuch
that our prize courts, by the impair
TALLY of their adjudication, have COM
manded the respect and confidence of
maritime powers.
The supplemental 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 is believed that so far as
American ports and American citizens are
concerned, that inhuman and barbarOus
traffic has been brought to an end.
shall submit for the consideration fthe
Senate convention for the adjustment of
pending claims in Washington Terri
tory arising out of the treaty 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 improving part of
the country.
A novel and important question, involv-
ing the extent Of the maritime jurisdiction
of Spain in the waters which surround the
island of Cuba, has been debated without
reaching any agreement, and it is proposed
in an amicable spirit to refer it to the ar
bitration of a friendly power. A conven-
ton tor that purpose will be submitted to
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
"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 Ohilan officers,
Of large amount in treasure belonging to
citizens of the United States, has been
brought to close by the award of His
Majesty, the King of the Belgians, to
whose arbitration the question was re-
ferred by The parties. Tie subject was
thoroughly Ind patiently examined by that
justly respected magistrate, and although
the sum awarded to the claimants may
not have been as large as they expected,
there is no reason to distrust the wisdom
VI LID AulCoCy OCClolOu. 1ndG UilC NC.
cision will be promptly complied with by
Chill when the intelligence in regard to it
reaches that country, is confidently ex-
pected. .. .... .. .-...
The joint commission under act of last
session for an arrangement for carrying
into effect the convention with Peru, on
the subject Of claims has been organized
at Lima and is engaged in the business
entrusted to it. .t-..
Difficulties concerning oceanic transit
through Nicaragua are III course of ami
cable adjustment in conformity with prin-
eiples set forth in my last annual message
have received representative from
the United States of Columbia and have
credited minister to that republic.
Incidents occurring in the progress Of
our civil war, have forced upon my
attention the uncertain state of internal
questions touching the rights of foreign
ers in this country, and of United States
citizens abroad. In regard to some govern
ments, these rights are at least partially de-
cided by treaties; in no instance, howev-
er, is it expressed that on the instance of
civil war foreigner residing in this coun-
try within lines of insurgents, is to be
exempted from the rule viii IA classes him
as belligerent in whose behalf the gov
eminent of his country cannot express any
privileges, or immunities distinct from that
character regret to say, 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 their lives. There is reason to be-
lieve that many persons born in foreign
countries who have declared their inten-
ton to become citizens. or who have been
fully natural:ze.l, have evaded the military
duty requires. of them 10y denying the TACT,
thereby throwing upon the government
the burden Of proof
1t has been found difficult, or inprac-
ticat'e. Ia obtain this proof from wait of
guides to the proper sources of nforma-
ton. These might he supplied by reouir.
ing tie clerks Of counties, where decla-
ration of intention may be made or natu-
ralization effected, to send periodically lists
of the names of persons naturalized or de-
claring their intention to become citizens
to the Secretary of the Interior. in whose
department these names must be arranged
and printed for general information There
10 elSo reasOn tn believe thot foro;,rno. g