The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-12-11
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
FsllOV Citizens cftAs Senate

and especially the improved conditions OF our
national affairs, our renewed and profound
est gratitude TO God is due. We remain In
peace and friendship with foreign powers
The efforts Of disloyal citizens OF the United
States 10 involve US in foreign wars 70 aiu an
incxcusable insurrcction have been unavail-
ing. Her Britanic Majesty's government, as
was Justly expected, have exercised their au-
thoriiy TO prevent the departure OF new hos.
tile expeditions from British ports.
The supplemental treaty between the Unit
cd States and Great Britain. for the suppress
sion of the African slave trade. made on tho
18th day of February last, has been duly rat
lied and carried into execution. is be-
heved that so far as American ports and
American citizens are concerned. the inhu-
man and odious traffic has been brought to
an end.
shall submit for the consideration OF the
Senate a convention for the adjustment oil
possessory rights claimed by Washington
territory, arising out of the treaty OF the 10Th
of June, ls46 between the United States and
Great Britain, and which has been the source
of some disquiet among the citizens Of that
now rapidly improving part Of the country.
A novel and important question, involving
the exten, Of the maritime jurisdiction OF
Spain in the waters which surround the Is
land OF Cuba has been debated, without
reaching an agreement, and it is proposed in
an amicable spirit TO refer il to the arbi,ra-
ton of a friendly power. A corventoG tor
that purpose will be subuiitteSt TO the Senate.
The Emperor Of France has by like pro-
ceeding promptly indicated the neutrality
which he proclaimed at the beginning OF the
contest. Questions of great inuicacy and i'm
portance have arisen out OF the blockade and
other belligerent operations between the Gov
eminent and several Of the maritime powers,
but they have been discussed and as far as
was possible, accommodated in spirit OF
frankne.s, Justice and mutual good will. 1t
10 especially gratifying that our prize courts
BY tho impartiality of their adjudications,
have commanded the respect and confidence
Of maritime powers.
have thought II proper subject for the
approval OF the Senate, TO concur with the
interested commercial Powers in an arrange
ment for the liquidation Of tue dues upon the
principles which have been heretofore adopt
ed in regard to the imports upon navigation
in the waters OF Denmark.
The long pending controversy between this
government and that OF Chill, touching the
seizure, at Sitanain, Peru. by CHILEAN officers
oil large amount OF treasure belonging TO
citizens of the UnitOd States, has been orot
10 a close by the award of His Majesty. the
King Of the Belgians. to whose arbitration
the question was referred by the parties.--
The subject was thoroughly and patiently eS-
amined by that justly respected magistrate
and although tho sum awarded the claimants
NAV no, have been as largo rs they expected,
there is no reason to distrust tho wisdom OF
His Maiestys decision. That decision was
promptly complied with by Chill, when in
tolligeneo in regard TO 1t reached that coun'
try.
Tho Joint Commission under the act of the
last session, for carrying into effect the Con-
yention with Peru on the subject OF claims.
has been organized ut Lima, and is engaged
in tho business entrusted to II.
Difficulties concerning inter-oceanic transit
through Nicaragua are in course Of amica6le
adjustment.
In conformity with the principles set forth
in my last annual message, l have received
representative from the U. S. OF Columbia,
and have accredited minister 10 that repub-
lie.
Incidents occurring in the progress OF our
civil war. have forced upon my attention the
uncertain state Of International questions
touching the rights OF foreigners in this coun-
try, and OF United States citizens abroad
In regard TO some States, their rights arc at
least partially defined by treaties. In 10 in
stance, however, is IL expressly stipulated
that in the event oil civil war foreigner re-
siding in this country, within the lines OF the
insurgents, is to be excluded from the rule
which classes him as a belligerent, on whose
behalf the Government OF his country cannot
expect any privileges or immunities distinct
from that character. 1 regret TO say, howey-
or, that such claims have been put forward.
and in some instances on behalf OF foreigners
who have lived in the United States the
greater part OF their lives.
There is reason TO believe that many per
sons born in foreign countries. who have dc.
clared their intention to become citizens, and
who have become fully naturaliEed, have
evaded the military duties required Of them
by denying the fact, thereby throwing upon
the Government the burden of proof. IL has
been found difficult or impracticable TO OBJ
tain this proof, from the want OF guides to
the proper sources Of informatiau. These
might bo supplied by requiring Clerks OF
Courts where declaration OF intention may
be made, or naturalizations effected, TO send
periodically. lists OF the names OF the persons
naturalized or declaring their intention to be-
come citizens, to the Secretary OF the lnteti-
or, in whose department those names might
be arranged and printed, for general intorma'
ton.
There is also reason to believe that foreign
ers frequently become citizens Of the United
States Tor the sole purpose Of eyadiug duties
imposed by tho laws OF their native countries,
20 which in becoming na,urSlized here they
ut once return, and though never returning
20 the United States, they still claim the in-
tcrposition Of this COVE rnment I. Citizens
Many alterations aud great prejudiccs have
heretofore arisen out OF this abuse. IL Is
therefore submitted 20 your serious consider
alton. IL might be advisable TO Tx limit
beyond which no citizen OF the United States.
residing abroad. may claim the in,erposition
of his government. The right OF suffrage has
often been assumed and exercised by aliens
under pretence OF naturalization, which they
have disayowed when drafted into the militia
nv service. submit the expediency OF such
an amendment of tho law as will make the
fac, of voting an estopel against any plea of
exemption from the military service or other
civil obligations on the ground OF alienage.
In common with other western powers, our
relations with Japan have been brought into
seriou, jeopardy through the porverse oppoSi.
ton OF the hereditary arisiocra,s OF the EN-
pire 10 the enlightened and liberal policy OF
the Tycoon. designed 10 bring the country
into tho society OF nations. IL Is hoped, al
though not wila entire confidence. that these
difficulties may DO peaeeably overcome. /
ask your attention To the claim OF the minis
ter residing there Tor the damage he has sus.
tained by tire Of the residence OF the legation
at Jeddo.
Satisfactory arrangements have been made
with the Emperor OF Russia. which, il is be.
licved. will result in eirccting continuous