Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1866-12-12


France and the President OF the Uni.
ted States for the withdrawal from
Mexico of the French cxpcditionary
military forces ais withdrawal was
10 be effected in three detachmenis,
the first Of which, II was understood,
would leave Mexico in November,
now pnst, the second in March next,
and the third and last in November,
1867. Immediately upon the compile
tion of the evacuation, the French
Government was 20 assume the same
attitude of non-intervention, in regard
20 Mexico, M is held by the Govern.
ment of the United States Repeated
assurances have been given by the
Emperor, since that agreement, that
hewould complete the promised evacu.
alton within the period mentioned, or
sooner.
II was reasonably expected that the
proceedings thus contemplated would
produce a crisis of great political in
terest in the Republic Of Mexico. The
newly appointed Minister of the Uni
ted States, Mr.. Campbell, was there
fore sent forward, on the 9th day of
November last, to assume his proper
functions as Minister Pienipotentiary
of the United States 10 that Republic
1t was also thought expedient that be
should be attended in the vicinity of
Mexico by the Lieutenant General Of
the Army OF the United States, with
the view of obtaining such information
as might be important 10 determine
the policy of the United States in re-
establishing and maintaining necessa-
ry and proper intercourse with the
Republic of Mexico. Deeply interest
ed in the cause of liberty and humani-
t., it seemed an obvious duty on our
part to exercise whatever influence
we possessed for the restoration and
permanent establishment in that coun-
try of a domestic and republican form
of government.
Such was the condition Of affairs in
regard to Mexico, when on the 22d of
November last, official information
was received from Paris that the En-
peror of France had some time before
decided not TO Withdraw detachment
Of his forces in the month of Novem-
Der past, according to engagement, but
that this decision was made with the
purpose Of withdrawing the whole
force in the ensuing spring. OF this
determination, however, the United
States had not received any notice or
intimation and, as sooa Us the infor-
nation was received by the Govern
ment, care was taken to make known
its dissent TO the Emperor of France.
/ lcannot forego the hope that France
will reconsider the subject, and adopt
some resolution in regard 10 the evac-
uation Of Mexico which will conform
as nearly as practicable with the ex-
isting engagement, and thus meet the
just expectations Of the United States.
The papers relating to the subject will
be laid before you 1t is believed that
with the evacuation Of Mexico by the
expeditionary forces, no subject for
serious differences between France
and the United States would remain.
The expressions of the Emperor and
the people of France warrant hope
that the traditionary friendship be-
tween the two countries might in that
case be renewed and permanently re-
stored.
A claim Of a citizen of the United
States for indemnity for spoliations
committed on the high seas by the
French authorities, in the exercise Of
belligerant power against Mexico,
has been met by the Government of
France with proposition to defer
settlement until a mutual convention
for the adjustment of all claims Of cit
izens and subjects Of both countries,
arising out Of the recent wars on this
continent shall be agreed upon by the
two countries The suggestion is no:
deemed unreasonable, but it belongs
to Congress to direct the manner in
which claims for indemnity by for
eigners, as well as by the citizens If
the United States, arising out of the
late civil war, shall be adiudicated and
determined ] have no doubt that the
subject Of all such claims will engage
your attention at a convenient and
proper time.
1t is a matter of regret that no con-
siderable advance has been made to-
wards an adjustment of the differences
between the United States and Great
Britain, arising out OF the depreda-
tions on our national commerce and
other trespasses committed during our
civil war by British subjects, in viola
tion Of international law and treaty
obligations. The delay, however, may
be believed TO have resulted in no
small degree from the domestic situa-
ton of Great Britain. An entire
change Of ministry occurred in that
country during the last session Of
Parliament. Tbeattention of the new
ministry was ca led to the subject at
an early day, aud there is some reason
TO expect that it viii now be consid-
cred in becoming and friendly spirit.
The Importance otan early disposition
OF the question cannot be exaggerated.
Whatever might be the wishes of the
two Governments, il is manifest that
goodwill and friendship between the
two countries cannot be established
until \ reciprocity, in the practice Of
good faith and neutrality, shall be re
stored between the respective nations.
On the 9th Of June last, in violation
of our neutrality laws, a military ex-
pedition and enterprise against the
British North American Colonies was
projected and attempted to be carried