AMERICA.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXVIII, Issue 9, 30 January 1869, Page 1 (Supplement)

AMERICA.

Mr. Seward requires that tho Alabama claims shall be finally decided by a commission, instead of by the King of Prussia. Congress was sitting. The President's message was delivered on the 15th. It urges the abrogation of the reconstruction laws; favours an early return to specie payments; considers that the paper currency should bo reduced; estimates the next year's receipts at 341,000,000 dollars, and the expenditure at 336,000,000 dollars; and deems the foreign relations generally satisfactory. The President hopes to submit to the Senate during the present session protocols to settle the rights of naturalized subjects and the Alabama claims,but recommends that the English proposals on the latter question be disapproved ; thinks the Sandwich Islands will soon voluntarily enter the Union. Tho policy with regard to Japan will be one of strict neutrality, suck as is sustained by England and France. The President states that an offer of mediation between Brazil and Paraguay had been declined; and in conclusion recommends that the election of President and the Senate bo made direct. The Senate refused to receive the President's Message, and Congress passed a resolution askiug the recall of Mr. Reverdy Johnson. President Johnson has proclaimed an unconditional pardon to ex-President Davis, and all parties concerned in the Southern rebellion. A shock of an earthquake has been experienced in Victoria, Vancouver's Island, and also in the island of Hawai; it destroyed many dwellings. A strong feeling prevails throughout the States against the concessions made by Reverdy Johnson as to the Alabama claims. The newspapers demand his recall. President Johnson has published a letter

stating that immediate retrenchment was necessary to avert bankruptcy. ; '