MESSAGES, DESPATCHES, ETC., ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS Message to the Senate on Canadian Boundary Dispute. MARCH 16, 1861. On February 21, 1861, President Buchanan referred to the Senate for advice thereon a proposition from the British Government to submit the Vancouver boundary dispute to the arbitrament of the King of Sweden and Norway, or the King of the Netherlands, or the Republic of the Swiss Confederation. In the present message President Lincoln endorses the course of President Buchanan in the matter and resubmits the proposition to the Senate for its counsel. Message to Congress upon London Industrial Exhibition. JULY 16, 1861. The President transmits correspondence between the Secretary of State and the British Minister relative to an international industrial exhibition to be held in 1862 at London, and recommends legislation that will give American exhibitors facilities commensurate with the country's proficiency in industrial arts. Message to Congress on Fisheries Commission. JULY 19, 1861. The President transmits correspondence between the Secretary of State and the British Minister relative to the latter's proposition that a joint commission be appointed to investigate the subject of the preservation and development of the Newfoundland fisheries; and he asks for enabling legislation to provide for the American member of the commission. Reply to the Tycoon of Japan on Opening of Treaty Ports. AUGUST 1, 1861. To His Majesty the Tycoon of Japan. Great and good Friend: I have received the letter which you have addressed to me on the subject of a desired extension of the time stipulated by treaty for the opening of certain ports and cities in Japan. The question is surrounded with many difficulties. While it is my earnest desire to consult the convenience of your Majesty, and to accede, so far as I can, to your reasonable wishes, so kindly expressed, the interests of the United States must, nevertheless, have due consideration. Townsend Harris, minister resident near your Majesty, will be fully instructed as to the views of this government, and will make them known to you at large. I do not permit myself to doubt that these views will meet with your Majesty's approval, for they proceed not less from a just regard for the interest and prosperity of your empire than from considerations affecting our own welfare and honor. Wishing abundant prosperity and length of years to the great state over which you preside, I pray God to have your Majesty always in his safe and holy keeping. By the President: Your good friend, A. Lincoln. William H. Seward, Secretary of State. Letter to the Viceroy of Egypt on His Punishment of Persecutors of a Missionary Agent. OCTOBER II, 1861. His Highness Mohammed Said Pacha, Viceroy of Egypt and its Dependencies, etc. Great and good Friend: I have received from Mr. Thayer, consul-general of the United States. at Alexandria, a full account of the liberal, enlightened, and energetic proceedings which, on his complaint, you have adopted in bringing to speedy and condign punishment the parties, subjects of your highness in Upper Egypt, who were concerned in an act of criminal persecution against Faris, an agent of certain Christian missionaries in Upper Egypt. I pray your highness to be assured that these proceedings, at once so prompt and so just, will be regarded as a new and unmistakable proof equally of your highness's friendship for the United States, and of the firmness, integrity, and wisdom with which the government of your highness is conducted. Wishing you great prosperity and success, I am your friend, By the President: Abraham Lincoln. William H. Seward, Secretary of State. |