, 1864-12-23
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.


Feilolc Citizens Of the Senate and House
Of Representatives. Again the blessings Of
health and abundant harvests claim our pro-
foundest gratitude to Almighty God.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
The condition of our foreign affairs is rea-
sonably satisfactory Mexico continues to
be a theater Of civil war While our politi-
cal relations with that country have under
gone no change, we have at the same time
strictly maintained neutrality between the
beligerents.
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
At the request Of the States of Costa Ri
ca and Nicaragua, competent engineer has
made q survey Of the river Ssp Juan and
the port Of San Juan. 1t is a source of
much satisfaction that the difficulties, which
for moment excited some political apbre-
hension, and caused losing of the inter
oceanic transit route, have been amicably
adjusted, and that there is good prospect
that the route will soon be re-opened, with
an increase Of capacity and adaptation. We
could not eXaggerate the commercial or the
political Importance Of this great improve
ment 1t would be doing injustice to an
important South American State not to ac-
knowledge the directness, the frankness, and
cordiality with which the United States of
Columbia have entered into intimate rela-
tion with this Government A Claims Con-
vention has been constituted to complete the
unfinished work Of the one which closed its
session in 1861
SOUTH AMERICA.
4 ~ - q 7 l.
having gone into effect with the universal
acquiescence Of the people, the Government
under it has been recognized, and diplomatic
intercourse with it has been opened in a cor
dial and friendly spirit.
The long-deferred Avis Island claim has
been satisfactorily paid and discharged Mu-
tual payments have been made of the claims
awarded by the late joint commission for the
settlement of claims between the United
States and Peru. An earnest and cordial
friendship continues to exist between the
two countries, and such efforts as were in
my power have been used to remove the mis-
understandings and avoid threatened war be-
tween Peru and Spain
Our relations are Of the most friendly ma
ture with Chill, the Argentine Republic,
Bolivia, Costa Rca, Paragua, San Salvador
and Hayti. During the past year no differ
ences Of any kind have arisen with any of
these republics. On the other hand, their
sympathies with the United States are con-
stantly expressed. The claims arising from
the seizure of the cargo of the brig Mace
donia in 1921, have been paid in full by the
Government of Chill.
SAN DOMINGO AND LIBERIA
Civil war continues in the Spanish port of
San Domingo, apparently without prospect
of an early close. Zoo
Official correspondence has been freely
opened with Liberia, and it gives new and
pleasing view of social aud political pro-
gress in that republic. 1t may be expected
to derive new vigor from American infu-
ence, improved Dy the rapid disappearance
Of slavery in the United States | solicit
your authority to furnish the republic with
a gunboat at a moderate cost, to be reim-
bursed to the United States by installments
Such a vessel is needed for the safety of that
State against the native African race, and in
Liberian hands it would be more effective in
arresting the African slave trade than a
squadron in our own hands The possess
sion of the least organized naval force would
stimulate a generous ambition in the repub-
lie, and the confidence we should manifest
by furnishing it would win forbearance and
favor toward the colonies from all civilized
nations.
TELEGRAPH VIA. BEHRING'S STRAITS.
The proposed Overland Telegraph between
America and Europe by the way Of Behring'S
Straits and AIcic Russia, which was sanctioned
by Congress at the last session, has been under
taken under very favorable circumstances byan
association Of American citizens, with the cor
dial good will and support as well Of this Gov
ernment as those of Great Britain and Russia
Assurances have been received from the most Of
the South American States of their high appre-
citation Of the enterprise and their readiness To
cooperate in constructing lines TO connect with
the word-encircling communication learn
with much satisfaction that the noble design Of
a telegraphic communication between the east-
ern coast of America and Great Britain has been
renewed with full expectation Of its accOmplsh-
ment. Thus it is hoped with the return of do
mestic peace, the country will be able to resume
with energy and advantage her former high CO
reer Of commerce and civilization.
EGYPT.
Our very popular and estimable representa-
tive in Egypt died in April last. An unpleasant
alteration which arose between the temporary
incumbent of the Office and the Government Of
the Pasha, resulted in a suspension of inter-
course. This was promptly corrected on the
arrival of the successor to the consulate. Our
relations with Egypt, as well as our relations
with the Barbary Powers; are entirely satisfac-
tory.
CHINA