Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-12-14

to the subject will be laid before YOU.
1t is believed that, with the evacua-
ton of Mexico by the expeditionary
forces, no subject for serious differ.
ences between France and the United
states would remain. The express
sions OF the emperor and people of
france warrant hope that the tradi-
tlonary friendship between the two
countries might in that case be renew
ed and permanently restored.
A claim Of citizen of the United
States for indemnity for spoliations
committed on the high seas by the
French authorities, in the exercise of
a belllgerent 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
liens 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
not deemed unreasonable, but it be-
longs to Congress to direct the man
ner in which claims for indemnity by
foreigners, as well as by citizens of
the United States, arising out of the
late civil war, shall be adjudicated
and determined. | have no doubt
that the subject of all such claims
will engage your attention at a conve-
nlent and proper time.
1t is matter of regret that no
considerable advance has been made
towards an adjustment of the differ
ence between the United States and
Great Britain, arising out of the de-
predations upon our national CON-
merce, and other trespasses commit
ted during our civil war by British
subjects, in violation of international
law and treaty obligations. The de-
lay, however, may be believed to have
resulted in no small degree from the
domestic situation of Great Britain.
An entire change Of ministry &C.
Cured 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
the same reason to expect that it will
now be considered in becoming and
friendly spirit. The Importance of an
early disposition Of the question can
not be exaggerated. Whatever might
be the wishes Of the two govern,
ments, it is manifest that good will
and friendship between the two coun.
tries cannot be established until a re.
ciprocity, in the practice of good faith
and neutrality, shall be restored be-
tween the respective nations.
On the 10th Of June last, in viola
ton of our neutrality laws, a military
expedition and enterprise against the
British North American Colonies was
projected and attempted to be carried
on within the territory and juriSdic
ton OF the United States. In ODE
dience to the obligation posed up
Oh the Executive by thu nstitution
to see that the laws are t-'lt:jG.ly exc
cuted, all citizens We're warned, by
proclamation, against taking part il
or aiding such unlawful proceedings
and the proper civil, military, and ma
val officers were directed to take al
necessary measures tor the enforce
ment of the laws. The expedition
failed, but it has not been without it.
painful consequences. Some Of GU
citizens who, it was alleged, were
E engaged in the expedition, were cap
tured, and have been brought to trial
as for capital offense, in the PROVING,
, Of Canada. Judgment and Seutenc,
of death have also been pronounced
against some, while others have beef
acquitted. Fully believing in the max
? i'm of government, that severity 0
, civil punishment for misguided per
sons who have engaged in revolution
airy attempts which have diSastrouSl,
failed, is unsound and unwiSe, such re
presentations have been made to tn
: British government, in behalf OF til
! convicted persons, as, being Suotalne
by an enlightened and humane judg
. ment, will, it is hoped, induce in thei
\ cases an exercise of clemency, and
o iudicious amnesty to all who were ell
o gagged in the movement. Counsel ha
n been employed by the government
o defend the citizens of the Unite
States on trial for capital ofenses
n Canada, and discontinuance of I'll
: prosecutions which were instituted
q the courts of the United States again
!. those who took part in the exped
ton, have been directed.
# have regarded the expedition
d not only political in its nature, but ;
+ also in a great measure foreign fro
!. the United States ia its causes, cha
If ecter and objects. The attempt W;
,s understood to be made in sympatl
" with an inSurgent party IN lrelan
.. and by striking at British Provin
n on this Continent, was designed
o. aid in obtaining redress for polite
If grievances which, it was assumed, Il
i. people of Ireland had suffered at Il
al hands of the British government dr
tn inc a period of several centuries
a. The persons engaged in it were chi
r.. " natives of that country, some
be whom had, while others had not,
ID come citizens of the United Stat
IN. under our general laws of naturali1
Il. ton. Complaints of misgovernme
Sc in ireland continually engage the
IN tention of the British nation, and
Sc great an agitation is now prevalll
or in Ireland that the British COVE
ID. ment have deemed it necessary
es. suspend the writ of habeas corpus
IN. that country. These circumstan'
must necessarily modify the opini