Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1863-12-18
PREsIDENT,s MESSAGE.



ant harvests has passed. For these and espec.
tally for the improved condition -four national
affairs, our renewed and profundest gratitude 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 insuTrection have been un-
availing. Her Briianic MSiesty's Government,
MS was justly expected, have exercised their au-
thority to prevent the departure of new hostile
expeditions from British ports.
The Emperor Of France has by like proceed
ing promptly indicated the neutrality which he
proclaimed at the beginning Of the contest
Questions of great intricacy aud importance have
arisen out of the blockade, and other belligerent
operations between the Government and several
| OF the maritime powers, but they have been dis
cussed, and, as far as was possible, accommo-
dated in spirit Of ftankness, justice and natur-
al good will.
Il is especially gratifying that our Prize
Courts, by the impartialiiy Of their adudicatons,
have commanded 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 car
ried into execution. II is believed That SO lar
as American ports and American citizens are
concerned that inhuman and odious traffic has
been brought TO an end.
shall submit for the consideration ofihe Sem
ate convention for the adjustment of the pos
sessory claims in Washington Territory arising
out of the treaty of the 18th of June, 1916, be-
tween the United States and Great Britain, and
which have been the source of some disquiet
among the citizens of that now rapidly improv-
ing part of the country.
A novel and important question, involving the
extent of the maritime jurisdiction of Spain in
the waters which surround the Island of Cuba,
has been debated without reaching an agree
,tae rit IN
refer it to the abitrament of friendly power
conyention for that purpose will be submitted
TO the Senate.
have thought it proper, subject TO the ap.
proval ofthe Senate, to concur with the inter-
ested commercial powers in an arrangement for
the liquidation of the Schedt dues, upon the
principles which have been heretofore adopted
In regard to the mposts upon navigation in the
waters of Denmark.
! The long pending controversy between this
government and that of Chill touching the seizure
at Setana, in Peru, by Gillian officers, of large
amount in treasure belonging TO citizens of the
United States has been brought to a close by
the award Of his Majesty the King of the Bel
gians, to whose arbitration the question was re
lerred by the parties.
The subject was thoroughly and patiently ex
amned by that Justly respected magistrate, ant
although the sum awarded to the claimants maj
not have been as large as they expected there u
no reason TO 0lSLfuSJ lle WlSQOtl OF 0lalcSly
decision. That decision was promptly compiled
with by Chill when intelligence in regard 10 i
reached that country.
The Joint commission under the act of the las
session for carrying into effect the convention
with Peru on the subject of claims has been or
ganized at Lima and is engaged in the business
Difficulties concerning inter-oceanic transi
through Nicaragua are in course of amicable ad
Ijustment.
In conformity with the principles set forth il
? my last Annual Message have received rep
resentative from the United States of Columbii
and have accredited Minister to that Republic
Incidents occurring in the progress of our civ
il war have forced upon my attention the uncer
T. tain state of international questions touching
the rights Of foreigners in thiG country, and 0
United States citizens abroad.
r In regard to some Governments, these right
:, are at least partially defined by treaties In n
Z, instance however, is it expressly stipulated tina
in the event of civil war a foreigner residing i
this country within the lines OF the insurgent
is to be exempted from the rule which classc
him as bellgerent in whose behalf the Gov
ernment of his country cannot expect any priv
ieges or immunities distinct from that charaC
ter. l regret to say, however, that such claim
have been put forward, and in some instances
= behalf of foreigners who have resided in Il
United States the greater part of their lives.
There is reasons to believe that many persoI
n born in foreign countries, who have declare
~ their intention to become citizens, or who haS
"A been fully naturalzed, have evaded the militaI
In duty required of them by denying the fact, al
thereby throwing upon the Government the bu
~ den of proof. 1t has been found difficult or in
80 practicable to obtain this proctor want Ofguid
10 the proper source of Information.
in These might be supplied by requiring clerl
of courts, where declarations of intention ma
''' be made, or naturalzations effected, to send p
red riodicaly lists of the names of the persons ma
I Al -
r. citizens to the Secretary OF the Interior,
whose department the names might be arrang
!, and printed for general information. There
also reason to believe that foreigners frequent
- become citizens of the United States for the SC
purpose of evading duties imposed by the lay
= of their native country, to which on becomil
L. naturalzed here, they at once repair, and thong
n never returning to the United States, they ST
claim the interposition of this Government
citizens.
.A Many alterations and great prejudices ha
md heretofore arisen out of this abuse 1t is ther
fore submitted to your serious consideration
ST 1t might be advisable to fix alimit beyond viii
"a no citizen OF the United States residing abro
ght may claim the interposition ofhis Governmel
eco The right of suffrage has often been assum
j. and exercised by aliens under the pretense
naturalization, which they have dsavowed VIII
drafted into the military service.
submit the expedency of such an amen
nenL Oh tue law as Will IIdkc tHe idCt VI NOll
an estoppal against any plea of exemption fro
military service, or even civil obligation, on t
ground of alienage.
In common with other Western Powers o
relations with Japan have been brought into
rious jeopardy through the perverse oppositi
of the hereditary aristocracy of the Empire
the enlightened and liberal policy of the TycO
designed to bring the country in the society
=. nations. 1t is hoped, although not with emit
ure confidence, that these difficulties may be peac
fully overcome ] ask your attention to t
claim of the Minister residing there for the daI
ages he sustained in tho destruction by fire
the residence ofthe legation at Yedo. Satisfa
tory arrangements have been made with the Fl
a peror of Russia, which il is believed will resi-
| in efecting continuous line of telegra
, through that Empire from the Pacific coast
recommend to your favorable cOnsderati
the subject Of an international telegraph aero
ell the Atlantic Ocean, aud also Of telegraph
tween the capital and the national forts alo
the seaboard and the Gulf OF Mexico, Sh
communications established with any reason
Bile outlay, would be economical as we'll az
fsctive aids to the diplomatic, military and ma,
service. --,-,-,..-
The Consular system Of the United States q
X der the snactments Of the last Congress bsei
10 be self-sustaining, and there is reason to 10
that it may become entirely 30 with the ineres
3 Of trade, which will ensue whenever peace is
stored.
Our Ministers abroad have been faithful
defending American rights.
oes In projecting commercial interests our Co