Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1863-12-12
THIRD ANNUAL MESSAGE
OF
ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
Wcnd iva Congress, Wednesday,
Ebcccmber 9th. 1869.
WAsm1NGTov. Dec. o. 1863.

renewed and profound gratitude to God is
due. We remain in peace and friendship
with foreign powers.
The efforts of disoyal citizens of the Uni
ted States. to involve US in foreign wars, to
aid inincXecusablc instruction, have been
unavailinE. Her Britanic Majestys Govern
mcnt rs was Justly expected, have exercised
their authority to prevent the departure of
new hostile expeditions from British ports.
The Emperor of France has, by like pro-
cccdinE, promptly yindicated the neutrality
which he proclaimed at the beginning OF the
contest.
Questions Of great int icacy and impor-
tancc dave arisen out of the blockade, and
other beiiigcrcnt operations between the
! Government and several Of the maritime
powers; but they have been discussed, and
rs far as now possible, accommodated in
, spirit Of iraukncss, Justice and mutual good
/ will.
| 1t is especially gratifying that our prize
courts, by the impartialty OF their adiucica-
/ tion. have commanded the respect and con
/ fidencc of maritime powers.
/ The supplemental treaty between the
/ United States of Great Britain for the sup
/ preston of the African Slave Trade, made
/ on the Eth day of February last. has been
| duly rati fed and carried into execution
/ 1t is believed that SO iar as American ports
! and American citizens are concerned. that
/ inhumdn and Odious traffic has been brought
/ to an end
! / shall submit. for the consideration of
! the Senate, a convention for the adjustment
/ ofposscssion claims in Washington Territory,
arising out of the treaty of the 18TH of June.
! 1916, between the United States and Great
/ Britain, and which have been the source ol
/ ii u, ~
/ rapidly improving part of the country.
! y novel and important question involving
the extent of the maratimc jurisdiction OF
! Spain on the waters which surround the
/ Island of Cuba, has been debated without
reaching an agreement, and it is proposed
in ar amcablc spirit to submit it to the ar
bitramcrt Of friendly power A convcn-
ton for that purpose will be submitted tc
the Senate
I have thought it proper, subject to the
approval Of the Senate, to concur with the
interested commercial powers in an arrange
meut for the liquidation of the Schcldt dues
upon the principles which have been hereto
fore adopted in regards to the imposts upon
navigation in the waters Of Denmark.
The long pending controversy between
this Government and that of Chill. touchin-
the seizure at Sitania, in Peru, by Chjliar
officers Of large amount in treasure belong
inc t. citizens of the United, States, has beer
brought to close by the award Of his Ma
icsty, the King Of the Bclgians, 10 whost
arbitration the question was referred by tn
parties. The subject was thoroughly anC
patiently examined by that justly rcspcctc,
magistrate, and although the sum awarded
to the claimants may not have been rs iaTgt
rs they expected, theyu is no reason to dis
trust the wisdom Of his Majcsty's decision
That decision was promptly complied Will
by Chill when Intelligence in regard to !
reached that country.
The joint commission. under the act o
the last session, for carrying into effect tin
convention with Peru ON the subject o
claims, has been organized Mt Lima, anG j
engaged in the business entrusted to it,
Difficulties concerning the inter occani
transit through Nicarauga, are IN course o
amicabe adjustment.
In conformity with the principles set fortl
, in my last annUal message, | have received
representative from the United States o
Columbia, and have accredited Il minister /,
that Republic.
Incidents occurring in the progress of on
ciyi. wax have forced upon my attention th
uncertain state of international question
touching the rights OF foreigners in thi
country, and of United Statcs,citilens ahroa,
III regard to some governments. IhcS
rights are at least partially defined by trca
: tos. In some Instances, however, it IS cN
prcssly stipulated that in the event Of civi
war Il foreigner residing IN this countr
within Inc lines OF the insurgents Is to b
exempted from the rule which classes hil
aS bellaercnt, IN whose behalf the govern
mtAl OF ms country cannot expect any pr
H'F =
, YlIcSCs or lnmunltics dtinct from tina
character ! regret to say, however, tina
, such claims have been put forward, and j
some instances in behalf Of foreigners VIII
have lived III the United States create
= part Of their lives. There is reason to b,
!ieFc that many persons born in torcig
countries VINO nave declared ihcir ihtenuo
10 become c1tllens, Or VINO nave been lul'
, n"lui"llIcu' nave eNaded the mlhtary uul
required oi them 10y denying tile fact, an
iheEGpy throwing upon the Government th
h"t",A "i proof
) II has Gcen i"und uiIhcull, or impractlca
bic 10 OBTAIN tins proof Tor the want @
EuiUcS TO the proper sources OF information
IEcsc might lie supplied 10y requiring ia
clerks OF courts where declarations Of intcn
non may ne made, or naturnl2a'lons effect
cI, 10 s'nd periodically a list OF the name
, OF the persons noturallzed or declaring thci
intention 10 boone citizens, to the SecrctaI
oi lie Interior, IN whose department thcs
names ul5ut bC arranged and printed 10