The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-02-27

ed essentially to this happy result.
have to regret the interruption of
peace between Spain and Chill. The
good Offices of my Government, in
conjunction with those of the Empe-
ror of the French, have been accepted
by Spain, and it is my earnest hope
that the causes of disagreement may
be removed in manner honorable
and satisfactory to both countries.
The negotiations which have been
long pending in Japan, and which
have been conducted with great abili-
ty by my Minister in that country.
in conjunction with the representa-
tives of my allies in Japan, have been
brought to a conclusion which merits
my entire appreciation. Theexisting
treaties have been ratified by the Mi
kado. 1t has been stipulated that the
tariff shall be revised in manner ia
vorable to commerce, and that the
indemnity due under the Convention
of October, 1864, shall be punctually
discharged.
L have concluded treaty of COM
merce with the Emperor of Austria,
which I trust will open to that En-
pire the blessings of extended COM
merce, and be productive of impor-
tant benefits to both countries.
The deplorable events which have
occurred in the island of Jamaica
have induced me to provide at once
for an impartial inquiry, and for the
due maintenance of authority during
that inquiry, by appointing distin-
guished military officer as Governor
and commander of the forces. 1
have given him the assistance of two
able and learned commissioners, who
will aid him in examining into the
origin, nature and circumstances of
the recent outbreak, and the mea-
sures adopted i'll the course of it's
suppression. The Legislature of ia
maica has proposed that the present
political Constitution of the island
should be replaced by q new form of
government. A bill upon this sub
ject will be submitted for your con-
sideration. Papers on these occur
rences will be laid before you.
Papers on the present state of New
Zealand will be laid before you. I
have given directions for the return
to this country of the greater portion
of my regular forces employed in
that colony
1 watch with interest the proceed
lngs which are still in progress in
British North America, with view to
q closer union among the provinces,
and continue to attach great impor-
tance to that object
A conspiracy, adverse alike to au-
thority, property and religion, and
disapproved and condemned alike by
all who are interested in their main
tenance, without distinction of creed
or class, has llnhappily appeared in
Ireland. The constitutional power of
the ordinary tribunals has been exert
ed for its repression, and the authori-
ty of the law has been firmly and
impartially vindicated
Your attention will be called to the
subject of the oaths taken by mem
bers of Parliament, with view to
avoid unnecessary declarations, and
to remove invidious distinctions be-
tween members of different religious
communities in matters of legislation.
1 have directed that information
should DO procured in reference 70
the rights of voting in the election of
members to serve in Parliament for
counties, cities and boroughs.
When that information is complete,
the attention of Parliament will be
called to the result thus obtained,
with view to such Improvements in
the laws which regulate the rights of
voting in the election of members of
the House of Commons as may tend
to strengthen our free institutions and
conduce to the public welfare.
IRISH PoTAToEs. AS this is the
time for planting Irish potatoes, we
desire to say word ON the subject
We have recently eaten some of the
finest potatoes we have ever seen;
large. dry and mealy. They were
dug out of the ground the day before
we ate them. These potatoes were
raised by A. W. Thompson, Esq, of
Union, in his garden. Mr.. r. informs
us that they were planted on 10Th Of
July, covered over thickIy with
leaves, and left without any further
work. He says that potatoes for sum-
mer use should be planted about the
22d of February; but those intended
for winter use should be planted about
the middle of July. This is an i'm
portant piece of information to those
who cultivate this valuable vegetable.
We have always found it difficult to
keep potatoes in good condition
through the winter; if dug, they have
often rotted, and if left in the earth