The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-12-10

their complexion, the Department has either sus-
pended work upon them limited the slow COM
tracts for machinery made with private establish
ments. The total expenditures of the Navy depart
ment for the fiscal year ending June 80, 1857, were
S5i,o340il. No appropriations have been made or
required since the close of the for the
ton and repair OF vessels for steam machinery ord
nance, provisions and clothing, fuel hemp, &C. the
balances under these several heads having been
more than Sufficient for current exnenditures II
should also be stated 10 the credit of the Depart
ment that besides asking appropria tons FOR the
above objects for the last years the Secretary
of the Navy, the 3Oth OF September last, in ac-
cordance with the ACT of May L. $40, requested the
Secretary of the Treasury TO carry to the surplus
fund the sum of SOS 900 900 being The amount re-
cered from the sales of vessels and oiber war pro-
perry. and the remnants of former appropriations.
The report Of the Postmaster General shows the
business of The Post Office Department aud the con
diton of the postal service in very favorable light,
and the ton Of Congress is called it's pracii-
cal recommendations The receipts of the Depart
for the year ending June 30. 1867, including
all special appropriations for and land service
and for free mail matter, SI9,97o,693 The
expenditures for all purposes $40 235 4s3
leaving unexpended balance in favor Of the De
rartment of $7i3.2l0. which be applied towards
the expenses Of the Depart for she current year
The increase of pos'al revenue. independent of
specific printlons, for ihe year :s67 that
of 1866, $3.50 o4O, The increase of revenue
from the sale of stamps and stamped envelopes
those of the previous year owing chiefly
the extension of the land and mail service.
During the past year new postal conventions have
been ratified and exchanged with the United King
dom of Great Britain and Ireland, Belgium, the
Netherlands Switzerland. the North German UEion
Italy. and the Colonial Government at Hong Kong.
reducing very largely the rates of ocean and land
po<iages TO and from aud within those countries
The report of the Acting Commissioner of Agr-
culture concisely presents the condition, wants. and
progress of nm interest emnenriy worthy the foster
ing care of Congress. and exhibits large measure
of useful results achieved during the year to which
il refers.
The re-estabshment of pcace at home and the
resumption of extended trade, travel and commerce
abroad, have served to increase the number and
variety of questions in the department for foreign
Affairs. None of hese questions, however, have
seriously disturbed relations with other States
The Republic of Mexico, having been relieved from
foreign Intervention, is earnestly engaged in efforts
to re-estabhsh her constitutional system Of govern
msnt good understa nding continues to exist be-
tween our government and the Republics of Hayti
and San Domingo, and cordial relations with
the Central aud South American States remain uu-
changed The tender, made in conformity with the
resolution of Congress. of the good Offices of the
Government with view to amicable adjustment
of peace between Brazil and her allies, side,
and Paraguay ON the other, and between Chill and
her allies. on the side, and Spain on the other,
though kindly received has in neither been fully
accepted by the bellgerents. The in the Valley
of The Parara is still vigorously maintained On
the other hand act nal hosilities between the Pacific
States and Spain have been more than year .us-
pended. shall, on any proper occasion that may
occur renew the conciatory recommen da' ions
which have been already made Brazil with
lghtencd sagacirv and comprehensive statesman
ship has opened the great channels of the Amazon
aud tributaries TO universal commerce One thing
more seems needful to assure rapid and cheering
progress in South America | refer to those peace
full habits without which States and Nations cannot
in this age, well expect material prosperity social
advancement.
The Exposition of Universal Industry at Paris has
passed, and seems to have fully realized the high
expectations of the French Government. If due al
lo~ance be made for The recent political derange-
ment Of industry here. the part which the United
States has borne in this exhibition of invention and
art may be regarded with very high satisfaction
During the Exposition conference was held of dele
gates from the several nations, the United States
being one, in which the Inconvenience of commerce
and social Intercourse resulting from the diverse
standards Of money value very fully discussed
aud plans developed for establishing, by uni
versal consent, common principle for the coinage
OF gold These conferences are expected to be re-
newed, with the attendance of many foreign States
now hitherto represented report of these inter-
sting proceedings will be submitted to Congress,
which will no doubt justly appreciate the great OBJ
Ject. and be ready to adopt any measure which may
ten@ TO facilitate its ultimate accomplishment
On The 18th of February. 1862, Congress declared
Ivy law that Treasury notes withOnt interest author
lied by that act. should be legal tender in payment
States. An arnua remittance of $50 600, less slip
uiaed expenses. to claimants under
the Convention made with Spain in 1894 These
rrmnnces, since the passage of thai act. have been
IaId in such notes. The claimants insist thar the
Government ought to require payment in coin
The >utjcci may be deemed by of your attention
No arrangement has as Jet been reached for the
settlrmen; of our Claims for British deprcdations
upon the commerce of the Unired States. have
felt il my duty decline the proposition of arbtra
ton made by Her Majcstys Government, because
it has hitherto been accompanied by reservations
and limitations Incompatible with the rights, inter-
est, and honor of oar country. 1t Is not to be APP
pretended that Great Britain will persist in her reiu-
Sal TO satisfy these just and reasonable claims which
Involve the sacred principle of int aforementioned
principle henceforIh not more important to the
United States than to all other cial nations
The West India Islands were settled and colo
nized by European States simultaneously with the
settlement aud colonization of the American conii
ncut. Most of the colonies planted here became
independent nations in the close of the las, and the
beginning of the present century. Our coun-
try embraces communities which, period,
were colonies of Great Britain, France. SPAIN Hol
land. Sweden, and Russia. The people in the West
Indies, with the exception of those of the Island of
Hayti, have neither attained aspired to ndcpen-
dence, nor have they become prepared for self de-
fence. Although possessing considerable CONNER
Sal value, they have been held by the several Eu
rOpean States which colonZed or 10 some time
auered them chiefly for purposes of military and
naval strategy in carrying out European policy and
signs An regard TO this continent In our Revo-
lViioDary War; ports and harbors in the West India
Islands were used by enemy, to the great injury
ami embarrassment Of the United States We had
he same experience in second war with Great
Britain. The same European policy for a long time
excluded us even from trade with the West Indies
while wewere al peace with all nations. In our recent
civil war the rebels, and heir praiica and block
de-breaking allies, found The facilities in the same
L..