Daily national Republican. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1862-1866, 1864-12-06
Presidents Message.
Fcllow-eitisens Of he Senate and
HOuss NJ Re,

Fcllow-eitisens Of Ge Senate and
House Of Representatives.
Again the blessings of health and abundant
harvests claim our profoundest gratitude to
Almighty God.
The condition of our foreign affairs is rea-
sonably satisfactory.
Mexico continues TO be theatre Of civil war.
While our political relations with that country
have undergone no change, we have, at the
same time, strictly maintained neutrality be.
tween the belligerents.
At the request of the States of Costa Rica
and Nicaragua, competent engineer has been
authorized 70 make q survey OF the river Gan
Juan aud the port OF San Juan. 1t 10 q source
of much satisfaction that the difficulties which
for a moment excited some political apprchen-
sions, and caused a closing OF the Inter-ocean-
ic transit route, have been annicably adjusted,
and that there is good prospect that ths
route will soon be re-opened with an increase
OF capacity and adaptation. We could not ex
aggerste either the commercial or the political
importance Of that great improvement.
II would be doing Injustice TO an important
South American state not 10 acknowledge the
dlrectness, frankness, and cordially with which
the United States OF Columbia have entered
into intimate relations with this government.
A claims convention has been constituted to
complete the unfinished work Of the one which
closed Its session In 1861.
The new liberal constitution Of Venezuela
having gone into effect with the universal ac-
qulescence OF the people, the government under
1t has been recognized, and diplomatic inter
course with IL has opened in a cordial and
friendly spirit. The long g-deferred Aves Island
claim has been satisfactorily paid and dis
charged.
Mutual 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 eHlst between the two
countries, and such efforts as we're in my power
have been used 10 remove mlsundert tan ling
and avert a threatened war between Paru and
Spain.
Our relations are OF the most friendly iture
With Chill, Ihe Argentine Republic, Bo lvia,
Costa B!ca, Paraguay, San Salvador, and
Hayti.
During the past year no differences of any
kind have arisen with any OF those republics,
and. on the other hand, their sympathles with
the United States are constantly expressed with
cordially and earnestness.
The claim arising from the seizure of the
| cargo Of the brig Macedonian In 1921 has been
paid In full by the Government OF Chill.
Civil war continues in the Spanish part OF
San Domingo, apparently without prospect ol
an early close.
Oficial correspondence has been freely open
ed with Liberia, and 1t gives us a pleasing view
of social and political progress In that repub
| lie. 1t may be expected TO derive new ylgol
from American influence, improved by tn,
rapid disappearance OF slavery In the United
States.
solicit your authority to furnish TO the re
public a guuboat al moderate cost, 10 be REIN
bursed 10 the United States BY iEstslments
Such vessel Is needed for the safety Of thai
State against the native AfrlcAn racesi and In
| LibeTiAn hands IL would be more effective in
arresting the African slavo trade than q squad
roI ln our own hands. The possession OF thI
least organized naval force would stimulate q
generous an biilop In the republic, and the con
1dence which we LLogld manifest by furnish
ing It would win forbearanse and favor towardI
the colony from all civilized natloHs.
! The proposed overland telegraph betEsen