Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1866-12-05

UI
withdrawal was to be effected in three de-
tachments, the first of which it was under
stood was TO leave Mexico in November,
1866. Immediately on the completion of
the evacuation the French Government was
TO assume the same attitude In regard TO
NJ n-interyention as is held by the United
States. Repeated assurances have been
given by the Emperor since that agreement,
that he would complete the promised evac-
uation within the period named, or even
sooner. 1t was reasonably expected that
the proceedings thus contemplated would
produce crisis of great political interest In
the republicof Mexico. The newly appoint
ed Minister of the United States Mr..
Campbell, was therefore sent forward on
November 9th, to assume his functions 1t
was also thought expedient that he should
be attended in the vicinity of Mexico by the
Lieutenant General of the United States
army, with the view of obtaining such in
formation as might be important to deter
mine the course to be pursued by the Uni
ted States in re-establishing and maintain
ing necessary and proper intercourse with
Mexico. Deeply interested In the cause-of
liberty and humanity it seemed an obvious
duty on our part to exercise whatever in
fuence we possessed for the restoration and
permanent establishment in that country of
domestic and'Republican form of Govern
ment. Such was the condition of affairs in
regard to Mexico, when, on the 22d of No
vember, official information was received
from Paris that the Emperor had some time
before decided not to withdraw a detach-
ment of his forces in the month of Novem-
Der, according to agreement, but that this
decision was made TOR the purpose of with
drawing the whole of these forces in the en-
suing spring. OF this latter determination,
however, the United States has received no
notice or intlmation. and SO soon as inform
alton was received from this Government,
care was taken to make known its dissent to
the Emperor of France. | cannot forego
the hope that France will reconsider the
subject and adopt some resolution in regard
to the evacuation of Mexico which will CON
form to the existing engagement and meet
the expectations of this Government. The
documents on this subject will oe laid before
Congress. With the evacuation of Mexico
by the French no subject for serious differ
ences between France and the United States
would remain.
On our relations with Great Britain the
President writes as follows
1t is a matter Of regret that no consid-
able advance has been made toward an ad
justment Of the difference between the u
nited States aud Great Britain, arising out
OF the depredatlons on our national com
merce, and other trespasses committed dur
ing the civil war by British subjects in vio-
lation of international law and treaty obi
cations The delay, however, may be be
lieved to have resulted IN no small degree
from the domestic situation of Great Brit
ain. An entire change OF ministry occurred
in that country during the last session OF
Parliament. The attention of the new
ministry was called TO the subject at an early
day and there is some reason TO believe
that it viii be considered in becoming and
friendly spirit. The Importance of an early
disposition of the question cannot be exag
gerated. Whatever might be the wishes
of the two Governments, it is manifest that
good will and friendship between the two
countries cannot be established until re-
ciprocity IN the practice of good faith and
neutrality shall be restored between the re-
spectiye nations.
The President then alludes to the Fenian
invasion of Canada, as violation of the
neutrality laws, and the proclamation
which he issued, and the trial aud sentence
of captdred Fenians, and says
Such representations have been made to
bGedt DTltdlil dS VIII. 1C Is D0Deu. induce
judicious amnesty to all who were engaged
In the invasion.
After referring briefly to the annual re-
ports and Recommending that the District of
Columbia be allowed delagate in Congress
the President concludes as follows:
'ln the performance of duty imposed
by the Constitution, | have thus submitted
to the representatives of the States and the
people such information of our domestic
and foreign affairs as the public interests
may require. Our Government is now un-
dergolng Its most trying ordeal ard my
earnest PRAYER Is that the peril may be sue.
cesstully and finally passed without Impair
ing It's original strength and symmetry The
interest of the nation are best to be promot-
ed by the revival of fraternal relations, the
complete obllteration of our past differences
and the Inauguration of all the pursuits of
peace. Directing our efforts to the early
accomplishment of these great ends, let us
endeavor to preserve harmony between the
coordinate departments of the Government,
that each in its proper sphere may cordially
co operate with the other ia securing the
maintainance of the Constitution, the pres
ervation of the Union and the perpetuity
of free Institutions -
Slgnedl ANDREW JOHNSON
Gov. Orr, of South Carolina, has acknowl-
odo rod thof ba hloal l..