The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1864-1911, 1868-12-16

The question of the right 10 give asy-
Ium is one always difficult and often
of great embarrassment In
States well organized and established.
powers refuse either to con-
cede or exercise that right except as to
persons actually belonging to the diplo-
matic service. On the other hand all |
such powers insist upon exercising the
right of asylum in States where the |
law of nations is not fully acknowl-
edged. respected and obeyed. The /
of Paraguay is understood |
to have been opposed 10 Mr.. Wash |
burne's proceedings. and makes the in
furious and very improbable charge Of
personal completely in insurrection
and treason. The correspondence, |
however, has not yet reached the Uni |
ted States. sl
Mr.. Washburne, in connection with |
this controversy, represents that Two |
United States citizens attached to the |
arbitrarily seized at his
side. when leaving the capital of Para
quay, committed TO prison, and there
Subjected to torture for the purpose
of procuring confessions of their own
crimiuality, and testimony to support
the Presidents allegations against the
United States Minister.
Mr.. McMabon, the newly appainted
Minister to Paraguay. having reached
the La Plata, has been instructed TO
proceed without delay to Ascunscion,
there to investigate the whole subject.
The rear Admiral commanding the
United States South Atlantic squadron
has been directed to attend the new
Minister with proper naval force to
sustain such just demands as the oc-
casion may require, and to vindicate
the rights of the United States citizens
referred to, aud of any others who may
be exposed to danger i'll the theater of
war.
With these exceptions, friendly rela-
tions have beeu maintained between
the United States and Brazil and Par
aguay.
The acquisition of Alaska was made
with the view of extending national
jurisdiction and Republican, principles
in the American Hemisphere. Believ-
ing that further step could be taken
| in the same direction | last year enter
ed into a treaty with the King of Den
mark for the purchase of the islands OF
| St. Thomas and St. John, on the best
| terms then attainable, and with the ex-
press consent of the people of those is
lauds This treaty still remains under
consideration in the Senate. A new
convention has been entered into with
Denmark, enlarging the time fixed for
final ratification of the original treaty
A comprehensive national policy
would seem to sanction the acquisition
aud incorporation into our Federal Un.
ion of the several adjacent continental
and insular communities as speedily as
il can be done, peacefully, lawfully ,anC
without any violation of national justi
ces, faith or honor. Foreign posses
siens or control of those communities
has hitherto hindered the growth ant
impaired the influence of the United
States. Chrenic revolution and anar
chy there would be equally injurious
Each one of them, when firmly estab
/ lished as an independent republic, Of
when incorporated into The United
States, would be new source q
strength and power. Conforming m,
ad ainistration to these principles.
have, on no occasion, lent support u
federation to unlawful expeditions Sc
on foot upon the plea of republican
| propagandisn or of national extension
OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. The necessity
however, OF repressing such unlaw fu
movements, clearly indicates .he dut,
which rests upon us Of adapting ou
legislative actions to the new circum
stances of decline of European mon
archial power and influence, and tn
increase Of American republican ideas
interests and sympathies.
1t cannot be long before it will be
come necessary for this Government t.
lend some effective aid tothe solution
of the political and social problem
which are continually kept before th
world by the two republics of the is
land of st. Domingo, aud which ar
NOW disclosing themselves more dis
dActly than heretofore, iii the island
of Cuba.
The subject il commended to you
consideration, with all the more ear
aestnsss because AIN satisfied that th
tinae has arrived when even so direct
proceeding as a proposition for annex
alton of the two republics of the Islam,
Of vt. Domingo would not only receiv
the consent of the people interested
but would also give satisfaction to al
other foreign nations.
l renew the recommendation con
tanned to my communication to Con
Srsss dated the 18th of July last, cop
Of which accompanies this message
that the Judgment of the people sho'
be taken OH the propriety OF so amend
ing the Federal 4 Constitution that
shall provide, first, for an election O.
! N - Il D,A n l., 7
vote of the people, instead of throug
the agency Of electors, and maxim!
them ineligible for reelection to sec
} end term second, for distinct desig
nation of the person who shall dis
charge the duties of President in tn
event OF vacancy iii that Office, by tn
death, resignation or removal of botl
tho President and Vice President
third, for the election Of Senators 0
The United States directly by the peopl
J Of the several States, instead OF by til
Legislatures and fourth, for tho limi
tation to period Of years ofthe term
of Federal Judges.
Profoundly impressed with the pro
i pristy of making these important mod
| iiications in the Constitution, / respect
fully submit them for the early AM
/ mature consideration of Congress. w
| should, as far as possible, remove q!
pretext for violations of the organi
} law, by remcdying such imperfection
as time and experience may develor
| ever remembering that the Constitu
tion, which at any time exists. unit
changed by an explicit and authenti
act of the whole people, is sacredly oil
J ligatory upon all.
, In the performance of duty impos
, ed upon me. by the Constitution, hay
, thus communicated to Congress infol
8 nation of the state of the Union, an
. recommended for their considerable
: such measures AS have seemed to m