The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1866-12-07
GREAT DRfTAIs.

II isA matter Of regret that no considerable
advance has been made toward On adjustment
Of the differences between the United States
and Great Britain, arising out OF the depreds-
tiuns upon our national commerce and Other
trespssses committed by British subjects, ia
violation OF Internal onal law and treaty obi.
CATION. The delay, hSweysr, may be believed
10 have resulted. in no small degree, from the
domestic situation OF Great Britain. An en-.
tire change Of ministry occurred in that coun-
try during the last session Of Parliament The
attention Of the new ministry was nailed to the
subject at an early day, and there 10 some rea-
SOU to expect that II will now be considered In
becoming and friendly spirit. The impor-
lance Of au early disposition OF the question
cannot be exaggerated. Whatever might be
the wishes Of the two Governmsnts, IL 10 mani
fest that goodwill and friendship between the
two countries cannot be established until q
reciprocity, In the practice OF good faith and
neutrality. shall bo restored between the re-
sl,eciiye nations. 3d..
Tile resites the action taken by the govern.
ment In regard to the Eenian movement. and
justfes Il on the ground that II was a political
nU,cment contrary To the laws and therefore
must be put down, lie has done NIL he could
a. influence the Canada courts to mitigate the
punishment to sentenced Fenians.
THIS Government has claimed for oil persons
not convicted, or accused, or suspected vi
crime. an absolute political right Of self-eIpa'
triation, and choice OF new national allegiance.
Most Of the European States have dissenteil
from this principle, and have claimed right
to hold such Of their subjects as have emigrat
ell to apdbeen ,paturalizsd In the United States,
anil afetwsrl returned on trancient visits Ia
their native countries, to the performance Of
military service in like manner rs resident
subjects. Complaints arising from the claim
in this respect made by Foreign States, hava
heretofore n been matters Of controversy he
tween the United States and some Of the
European Powers. and the irritation conse-
Quent upon the failure to settle this Question
increased during the war 10 which Prussia. IT,
ally, AMI Austria were recently engaged. While
Great Britain has never acknowle the
right Of expatriation. she has not practically
insisted upon II. France has been equally for
bearing; and Russia has proposed comprom
ise. which although eyinoing increased liber:
atty. has not been accepted by the United
States. Pence snow prevailing everywhere
Ia Europe, anil the present seems TO be n
vorable time for nm assertion by Congress al
the principle. SO long maintained by the EI
ecutiye Department, that naturalization by one
State fully cxempts the native-born subject oi
any other State from the performance OF mill.
tary service under any foreign Government. so
long as he does not voluntarily renounce IT.
rights and benefits.
In the performance Of q duty imposed upon
me by the Constitution, have thus submitted
to the Representatives Of the States and Of the
people such information Of our domestic and
foreign affairs rs the public interests seem ia
require. Our Government Is now undergoing
It's most trying orleal, and my earnest prayer
is. that the peril may be successfully and final
~ passed, without impairing its original
strength and symmetry. The interests OF the
nation are best to be promoted BY the revival
Of fraternsl relations, the complete obliteration
Of our past differences, and the re-inauguration
Of all the pursuits Of peace. Directing our
efforts to the early accomplishment Of these
great ends. let us endeavor TO preserve harmO-
ny between the CO ordinate Departments Of the
Government, that each in its proper sphere may
cordially CO operate with the other in securing
the maintenance Of the Constitution, the pres
ervation Of the Union, and the perpetuity VI
our free institutions.
ANDREW Johnson.
Washia0ton, Dec. 3, 1866. .. ..