We have one of the most concise and eloquent messages
to the American Congress that has ever emanated from the head of the American Republic. It is remarkable for its direct speaking, even upon the most delicate subjects, and for the energy which it in- dicates in the Government at Washington. In this country we look, of course, to see the state of our relations ; but the message simply confirms what we knew already—that the negotiations upon the subject of San Juan and of Central America are pro- ceeding with every prospect of a friendly conclusion. No one would accuse Mr. Buchanan of maintaining moderation out of timidity ; wherever the interests of the Republic are attacked, there he is proposing vigorous action,—which has indeed been, in some cases, a little too advanced for his country. For instance, Mexico, being quite unable to maintain her own self-possession, or to do her duty as a neighbour, Mr. Buchanan proposes to es- tablish a line of military posts along the frontier, and to make a preliminary treaty with the constitutional Government, such as would support that Government, enable it to reduce the -Republic to order, and aid it in establishing sound international Relations. American citizens having been assailed in crossing the Isthmus by the Panama, Nicaragua, and Tehuantepec routes, the Presi-
dent asks the 'powerof taking summary redress, showing that, instead of being unconstitutional, the arrangement would be thoroughly in accordance with the spirit of the federal system. He reports the prosecution of claims against Spain for the pay- ment of an old standing debt, and again recommends measures for the acquisition of Cuba by fair purchase. He explains the measures taken by himself to execute the laws against the African slave-trade, and appeals to the patriotism of all parties to enforce mutual forbearance and good will between North and South, in order to put down "the demon spirit of sectional hatred," which is the sole danger menacing to the Union. This is the foremost subject of the message ; it is dis- cussed by Mr. Buchanan with a plainness of language, an earnest- ness, distinctness, and eloquence, that cannot fail to impress the Republic. We observe that many of our contemporaries, who have been opposed to President Buchanan, are unable to withhold their tribute of respect for the new message ; although he has truckled as little to European prejudice as he has to the sectional dogmatism of his own countrymen.
