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About Oregon City courier=herald. (Oregon City, Or.) 1898-1902 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 8, 1899)
Supplement ; , . i TO , THE COURIER-HERALD the exlMnS Soli sandard and to main ; - ' tain the parity In value of the coins 01 FRIDAY. . , . .DECEMBER 8, 1801). The President's Address to Congress. FOUQ' IN THE PHILIPPINES Bebellion Is Nearly Ended and Slakes Recommendation for Future Govern ment All Governments Are Friendly to the United States-Favors Gold. To the Senate and House of Representa tives: At the threshold of your deliberations jrou are called to mourn with your coun trymen the death of Vice-President Ho ttart, who passed from this life on the morning of November 21 last. His great oul now rests In eternal peace. His pri vate life was pure and elevated, while his public career was ever distinguished by large capacity, stainless integrity and ex alted motives. He has been removed from the high office which he honored and dig nified, but his lofty character, his devo tion to duty his honesty of purpose and noble virtues remain with us as a price less legacy and example. CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY. , Prosperity at Home and Peace With All Government!!. The 66th congress convenes In its first regular session with the country In a condition of unusual prosperity, of uni versal good-will among the people at home and relations of peace and friend ship with every government of the world. Our foreign commerce has shown great Increase in volume and value. The com bined Imports and exports for the year are the largest ever shown by a single year In all our history. Our exports for 1899 alone exceeded by more than (1,000, 00,000 our Imports and exports combined in 1870. The Imports per capita are 20 per cent less than In 1870, while the exports er capita are 68 per cent more than in 1870, showing the enlarged capacity of the United States to satisfy the wants of Its own Increasing population, as well as to contribute to those of the peoples of other nations. Exports of agricultural products were 1784,776,142. Of manufactured prod uct we exported In value $339,592,116, be ing larger than any previous year. It is a noteworthy fact that the only years In all our history when the products of our manufactures sold abroad exceeded those bought abroad were 1898 and 1899. FINANCES OF THE NATION. atecelpts and Disbursements for the Last Fiscal Year, Government receipts from all sources for the fiscal year ended June' 30, 1899, includ ing 111,798,314 14, part payment of the Cen tral Pacific indebtedness, aggregated llilO, 82,004 36. Of this sum, customs receipts were 206,128,481 76, and those from inter nal revenue J273.437.161 61. For the fiscal year the expenditures were $700,093,564 02, leaving a deficit of (89,111,559 67. The secretary of the treasury estimates that the receipts for the current fiscal year will aggregate (640,958,112, and upon the basis of present appropriations the ex penditures will aggregate (600,958,112, leav ing (40,000,000. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1899, the Internal revenue receipts were increased about (100,000,000. Strength of the Treasury. The present gratifying strength of the treasury is shown by the fact that on December 1, 1899, the available cash bal ance was (278,004,837 72, of which (239,744, 06 36 was In gold coin and bullion. The conditions of confidence which prevail throughout the country have brought gold Into more general use, and customs re ceipts are now almost entirely paid in that I coin. The strong condition of the treasury with respect to cash on hand, and the fa vorable showing made by the resources, lave made it possible for the secretary of the treasury to take action under the pro visions of section 3694 of the revised stat utes . relating to the sinking fund. Re ceipts exceeded expenditures for the first tire months of the current fiscal year by 11,413,389 91, and, as mentioned above, the secretary of the treasury estimates that there will be a surplus of approximately . 140,000,000 at the end of the year. i Reoent Bond Purchases. Under such conditions, it was deemed ad visable and proper to resume compliance with the provisions of the sinking-fund law, which for eight years has not been done because of deficiencies in the reve- 1 sues. The treasury department, therefore, : offered to purchase during November (25, 00.000 of the 5 per cent loan of 1904, or the 4 per cent funded loan of 1907, at the current market price. The amount offered and purchased during November was (18, 4WM00. The premium paid by the govern ment on such purchases was (2,263,621, and the saving in net interest was about 12, 86.000. The success of this operation was snifficlent to induce the government to con- 1 tiaue the offer to purchase bonds to and Including the 23d day of December, unless the remainder of the (26,000,000 called for should be presented In the meantime lor redemption. . THE ClTtRENCY. Seed of Changes to Promote Its Elas ticity. Increased activity in industry, with its welcome attendant a larger employment for labor at higher wages gives to the txxty of the people a larger power to ab sorb the circulating medium. It is fur ther true that year by year, with larger areas of land under cultivation, the in creasing volume of agricultural prod uct, cotton, corn and wheat, calls for a larger volume of money supply. This is especially notlcable at the crop-harvesting and crop-moving period. In its earlier blstory, the national banking act seemed to prove a reasonable avenue through which needful additions to the circulation could from time to time be made. Chang ing conditions have apparently rendered it now Inoperative. o that end. The high margin in bond securities required, re acting from large premiums which gov ernment bonds command in the market, or the tax on note Issues, or both, oper ating together, appear to be the Influence which impairs its public utility. The attention of congress is respectfully Invited to this important matter, with the new of ascertaining whether or not each reasonable modifications can be made In the national banking act as will ren- 4er Ita service in the particulars here re- ferred to more responsive to the people's -needs. I again urge that national banks be authorised to organize with a capi- tai ot 5 000. THE GOLD STANDARD. A Fitting: Time to Make Provision for ltd Continuance. V I urgently recommend that, to suDDort of the two metals (gold and silver) and the equal power of every dollar at all times In the market and in the paymen: of debts, the secretary of the treasury be given additional power and charged with the duty to sell United States bonds and to employ such other effective means as may be necessary to these ends. The au thority should Include the power to 'l bonds on long and short time, a condi tions may require, and . shouid pio..ue for a rate of Interest lower than that fixed by the act of January 14, 1875. While there Is now no commercial fright which withdraws, gold from the government, but, on the contrary, such widespread confidence that gold seeks the treasury, demanding paper money in exchange, yet the very situation points to the present as the most fitting time to make adequate provision to insure the continuance of the gold standard and of public confidence In the ability and purpose of the govern-' ment to meet all its obligations in the money which the civilized world recog nizes as. the best. Safeguards Against "Endless Chain." The financial transactions " of the gov ernment are conducted upon a gold ba sis. We receive gold when we sell United States bonds, and use gold for their payment. We are maintaining the parity of all the money Issued or coined by au thority of the government. We are doing these things with the means at hand. Happily, at the present time we are not compelled to resort to loans to supply gold. It has een done In the past, how ever, and may have to be done in the fu ture. It behooves us, therefore, to pro vide at once, the best means to meet the emergency when it arises, and the best means are those which are the most cer tain and economical. Those now author ized have the virtue neither of directness nor economy. We have already elim inated one of the causes of our financial plight and embarrassment during the years 1893. 1884, 1895 and 1896. Our re ceipts now equal our expenditures; de ficient revenues no longer create alarm. Let us remqye the only remaining cause by cc nferring the full and necessary power on the secretary of the treasury and im pose upon him the duty to uphold the present gold standard and preserve the coins of the two metals on a parity with each other, which is the repeatedly de claVed policy of the United States. In this connection I repeat my former recommendations that a portion of the gold holdings Bhall be placed in a trust fund from which greenbacks shall be re deemed upon presentation, but when once redeemed shall not thereafter be paid out, except for gold. OUR MERCHANT MARINE. Industrial Greatness Should Be Sup plemented by Sea Progress. The value of an American merchant ma rine to the extension of our commercal trade and the strengthening of our power upon- the sea invites the immediate action of congress. Our national development will be one-sided and unsatisfactory so long as the remarkable growth of our in land industries remains unaccompanied by progress on the sea. There is no lack of constitutional authority for legislation which shall give to the country maritime strength commensurate with Its indus trial achievements and with its rank among nations of the earth. The past year has recorded exceptional activity in our shipyards, and the promises of con tinual prosperity in shipbuilding are abun dant. Advanced legislation for the protec tion of our seamen has been enacted. Our coast trade, under regulations - wisely framed at the beginning of the govern ment and since, shows results for the past fiscal year unequaled 1n our records or those of any other power. We shall fail to realize our opportunities, however, If we complacently regard only matterB at home and blind ourselves to the necessity of securing our share in the valuable car rying trade of the world. Last year American vessels transported a smaller share of our exports and Imports than during any former year in all our history, and the measure of our depend ence upon foreign shipping was painfully manifested to our people. Without any choice of our own, but from necessity, the departments of the government charged with military and naval operations in the East and In the West Indies had to ob tain from foreign flags merchant vessels essential for these operations. PROBLEM OF THE TRUSTS. Need of Early Amendment of the Ex isting Law. Combinations of capital, organized Into trusts to control the conditions of trade among our citizens, to stifle competition, limit production, and determine the prices of products consumed by the people, are provoking public discussion and should early claim the attention of congress. The Industrial commission created by the act ot congresB of June 18, 1S98, has been engaged in extended hearings upon the disputed questions involved in the subject of combinations in re straint of trade and competition. They have not yet completed the investigation of this subjeet, and the conclusions and recommendations at which they may ar rive are undetermined. The subject is one giving rise to many divergent views as to the nature and variety or cause and ex tent of the injuries to the public which may arise from large combinations con centrating more or less numerous enter prises and establishments, which previous to the formation of the combination were carried on separately. It is universally conceded that combinations which engross or control the market ot any particular kind of merchandise or commodity neces sary to the general community by sup pressing natural and ordinary competi tion, whereby prices are unduly enhanced to the general consumer, are obnoxious not only to the common law, but also to the public welfare. There must be a rem edy for the evils Involved in such organ izations. If the present law can be ex tended more certainly to control or check these monopolies or trusts, it should be done without delay. Whatever power the congress possesses over this most import ant subject should be promptly ascer tained and asserted. The Present Anti-Trust Lair. President Harrison, in his annual mes sage ot December t, 1899, said: Earnest attention should b given by congress to a consideration oi the que- tion now rar me restraint oi tnose com- "trust," is a matter of federal Jurisdic tion. When organized, as they often are, to crush out all healthy competition and to monopolize the production or sale of an article of commerce and general neces sity, they are dangerous conspiracies against the public good, and should be made the subject ot prohibitory and even penal legislation. An act to protect trade and commerce against unlawful restra' nU and monopol es was passed by congress on July 2, 18lt0. The provisions of this statute are compre hensive and stringent. It declares every contract or combination in the form of a trust or otherwise, or conspiracy In the restraint of trade or commerce between the seteral states or foreign nations, to be unlawful. It denominates as a criminal every person who makes any such con tract or encases In any such combination or conspiracy, and provides punishment by fine or Imprisonment. It invests the several circuit courts of the United States . wun junsaiciion to prevent ana restrain violations of the act, and makes it the - duty of the several United States district . attorneys under the direction ot the attor- ney-general to . institute proceedings In equity to prevent and restra n such viola tions. It further confers upon any per. son or corporation, by reason of anything forbidden or declared to be unlawful by the act, the power to sue therefor in any circuit court of the United States without respect to- the amount In controversy, and to recover three-fold the damages by l).m sustained and the costs of the suit, includ ing reasonable attorney fees. It will be perceived that the act is aimed at every kind of combination In the nature of a trust or monopoly in restraint of interstate or international commerce. The prosecution by the United States of offenses under the act of 1890 has been fre quently resorted to in the federal courts, and notable efforts in the restraint of in terstate commerce, such as the "Trans Missouri Freight Assoc'a'lon" and the "Joint Traffic Assoclatl " have been successfully opposed and suppressed. FOREIGN RELATIONS. -1 No Dispute of serious Character W ith Any Government. A review of our relations with foreign states Is presented, wtth Buch recom mendations as are deemed appropriate. In my last annual message I adverted to the claim of the Austro-Hungarian government for Indemnity for the killing of certain Austrian and Hungarian sub- '. Jects by the authorities of the state of Pennsylvania, at Lattimer, while sup pressing an unlawful tumult of mlneis, September 10, 1897. In view of the verd ct of acquittal rendtred by the court before which the sheriff and his deputies were tried for murder, and following the estab lished doctrine that the government may not be held accountable for injuries suf fered by individuals at the hands of the public authorities -while acting in the line of duty in suppressing disturbances of the public peace, this government, after due consideration of the claim advanced by the Austro-Hungarian government, was constrained to decline liability to indem nify the sufferers. It is gratifying to be able to announce that the Belgian government has mitigated the restrictions on the importation of cattle from the United States, to which I referred in my last annual message. Having been invited by Belgium to par ticipate in a congress held at Brussels to revise, the provisions of the general act of July 2, 1890, for the repression of the African slave trade, to which the United States was a signatory party, this gov ernment preferred not to be represented by a plenipotentiary, but reserved the right of accession to the result. Notable changes were made,, those especially re ferring to this country being In the line of Increased restriction of the deleterious trade in spirituous liquors with the na , tive tribes which this government has from the outset urgently advocated. The amended general act will be laid before the senate with the view to Its advice and , consent. I Discussion of the questions raised by the action of Denmark In imposing restric tions on the importing of American meats has continued without substantial result In our favor. South America. The long-pending boundary dispute be tween the Argentine Republic and Chile was settled In March last, by the award of an arbltra'on commission, upon which the United States minister at Buenos Ayres served as umpire. Progress has been made toward the con elusion of a convention of extradition with the Argentine Republic. Having-been ad vised and consented to by the United States senate and ratified by Argentina, It only awaits the adjustment of some slight changes in the text before exchange. I. Central America. The experimental association of Nicara- gua, Honduras and Salvador, under the title of the Greater Republic of Central America, when apparently on the thresh old of a complete federal organization by the adoption of a constitution and the formation of a national legislature, was disrupted in the last days of November, 1898, by the withdrawal of Salvador. Thereupon Nicaragua and Honduras abandoned the Joint compact, each re suming its former independent sovereign ty. This was followed by the recep tion of Minister Merry by the republics of Nicaragua and Salvador, while Minister Hunter In turn presented his credentials to the government of Honduras, thus re verting to the old distribution of the dip lomatic agencies of the United States in Central America, for which our existing statutes provide. A Nicaragua envoy has been accredited to the United States. NICARAGUA CANAL. Status of the Negotiations for the . Inter-Ocean Waterway, The contract of the Maritime Canal Company, of Nicaragua, was declared forfeited by the Nicaragua government on the 10th of October, on the ground ot nonfulfillment within the 10-year term stipulated In the contract. The Maritime Canal Company has lodged a protest igainst this action, alleging rights in the premises which appear worthy of con sideration. This government expects that Nicaragua will afford the protestants a full and fair hearing upon the merits of the case. The Nicaragua canal commission, which has been engaged upon the work of examination and survey ot a ship canal route across Nicaragua, having completed Its labors and made Its report, was dis solved on May 21, and on June 10 a new commission, known -as the Isthmian canal commission, was organized under the terms of the act approved March 3, 1899, for the purpose of examining the American isthmus with a view to deter mining the most practicable and feasible route for a ship canal across that isth mus, with its probable cost and other essential details. This commission, un der the presidency of Rear-Admiral John G. Walker, United States navy (retired), entered promptly upon the work Intrusted to It, and is now carrying on examina tions In Nicaragua along the route ol the Panama canal, and In Darlen from the Atlantic in the neighborhood of the Artrlo river to the bay of Panama, on the 1'a clfio side. Good progress has been made, but under the law a comprehensive and complete investigation Is called for, which will require much labor and considerable time for Its accomplishment. The work will be prosecuted as expeditiously as possible, and a report may be expected at the earliest practicable date. The great Importance of this work can not be too often or too strongly pressed upon the attention of the congress. In my message of a year ago I expressed my iin.-cioiijr ui unjiai which would link the two great oceans, to which I again Invite your consideration. The reasons then presented for early action are even stronger now. A pleasing Incident In the relations ot this government with that of Chile oc- curred in the generous assistance given to the warship Newark when in distress in Chilean waters. Not alone in thia way has the friendly disposition of Chile found expression. That country has ac ceded to the convention for the estab- llshment of the bureau of American re- publics, In which organization every Inde pendent state of the continent now shares. The exchange of ratifications of a con vention for the revival of the United I States and Chilean claims commission, H nu iur me ujuuiumiuii ui inc cmiina ' tieretnfnrit nresented hut tint determined j during the life of the previous com mis- slon. has been delayed by reason of the necessity for fresh action by the Chilean senate upon tne amendment attacnea to I the ratification of the treaty by the United States senate. This formality is soon to be accomplished. CHINESE EMPIRE. I was taken until the boundary should be I adjusted by the two governments. The American Capital Finding Invest- , subject has been receiving the careful at ' n-irnt, and Trade Growing-, ' tentlon which Its Importance demands, In view of disturbances in the popu'ous ' provinces of Northern China, where are many of our citizens, and of the immi nence of disorder near the capital and to ward the seaboard, a guard of -marines was landed from the Boston and sta- tinnoA loot In nA Usntlnn compound at Peking. With the restora- tion of order this protection was with drawn. The Interest of our citizens in that vast empire have not been neglected during the past year. Adequate protec tion has been secured for our mission aries and some injuries to their property have been redressed. American capital has sought and found various opportunities of competing to carry out the internal improvements which the imperial government is wisely encouraging, and to develop the natural resources of the empire. Our trade with China has contlnutd to grow, and our commercial rights under existing treaties have been everywhere maintained during the past year, as they will be in the fu ture. , j The extension of the area offered to In ternational foreign settlement at Shang hai and the opening of the ports of Nan king, Klaochou and Talienwan to foreign ' trade and settlement will doubtless afford American enterprise additional facilities and new fields of which it will not be slow. to take advantage. In my message to congress of December 5, 1898, I urged that the recommendation which had been made to the speaker of the house of representatives by the sec retary of the treasury on the 14th of June, . 1898, for an appropriation for a commission to study the commercial and industrial conditions In China and report as to oportunities for and obstacles to the enlargement of the markets In China for the raw products and manufactures of the United States, should receive at your hands the consideration which its importance merits, but the congress failed to take action, I now renew this recom mendation, as the importance of the sub ject has steadily grown since it was first submitted to you, and no time should be lost in studying for ourselves the re sources of this great field for American trade and enterprise. FRENCH REPUBLIC. Great Display to Be Made at Paris ot Our Progress. The death of President Faure In Febru ary last called forth those' sincere ex pressions of sympathy which befit the re lations of two republics as closely allied by unbroken hlstorlo ties as are the United States 'and France. Preparations for the representation of the industries, arts and products of the United States at the world's exposition,, to be held in Paris next year, continue on an elaborate and comprehensive scale, thanks to the generous appropriation pro vided by congress and to the friendly in terest the French government has shown in furthering a typical exhibit of Ameri can progress. There has been allotted to the United States a considerable addition of space, which, while placing our country In the first rank among exhibitors, does not suf fice to meet the increasingly urgent de mands of our manufactures. The efforts of the commissioner-general are ably di rected toward a ' strictly representative display of all that most characteristically marks American achievements In the In ventive arts and most adequately shows the excellence of our natural productions. United Stntea Building. The United States government building is approaching completion, and no effort 1 will be spared to make it worthy, in beauty of architectural plan and In com pleteness of display, to represent our na tion. It has been suggested that a perma nent building, of similar or appropriate design, be erected on a convenient site already given by the municipality near the exposition grounds, to serve in com memoration of the part taken by this country in this great enterprise, as an American national Institute for our coun trymen resorting to Paris for study, I am Informed by our commissioner-general that we shall have In the American section at Paris over 700 exhibitors, from every state in our country, a number ten times as great as those who were repre sented at Vienna In 1873, six times as many as those in Paris In 1878, and four times as many as those who exhibited in Paris In 1889. This statement does not include the exhibits from either Cuba, Puerto Reo or Hawaii, for which ar rangements have been made. GERMAN EMPIRE. Commission Suggested to Investigate Food Products. Our relations with Germany continue to be most cordial. The increasing inti macy of direct association has been marked during the year by the granting of permission in April for the landing on our shores of a cable from Boskum Em den, on the North sea, by way of the Azores, and also by the conclusion on September 2 of a parcels post convention with the German empire. In all that promises closer relations of Intercourse and commerce and a better understand ng between the two races having so many traits in common, Germany can be as sured of the most cordial co-operation of this government and people. We may be rivals In many material paths, but our rivalry should be generous and open, ever aiming toward the attainment of large results and the most beneficial advance ment of each in the line of Its especial adaptability. The several governments of the empire seem reluctant to admit the natural excellence ot our food products and to accept the evidence we constantly tender of the care with which their purity is guarded by rigid Inspection from the farm, through the slaughter-house and the packing establishments to the port ot shipment. Our system of control over exported food staples Invites examination from any quarter, and challenges respect by Its efficient thoroughness. GREAT BRITAIN AND CANADA. Alaska. Boundary Contention and Other Unsettled Questions. In my last annual message, I referred to the pending negotiations with Great Brit ain in respect to the Dominion of Canada. By means of an executive agreement, a Joint high commlrslon had been created for the purpose of adjusting all unsettled questions between the United States and Canada, embracing 11 subjects, among which were the questions of the fur seals, the fisheries ot the coast and contiguous inland waters, the Alaska boundary, the transit of merchandise in bond, the alien labor laws, mining rights, reciprocity in trade, revision of the agreement respect- J lng naval vessels in the Great Lakes, a more complete marking of parts of the boundary, provision for the conveyance of criminals, and for wrecking and salvage. Much progress had been made by the commission toward the adjustment of many of these questions, when It became apparent that an Irreconcilable difference of views was entertained respecting the delimitation of the Alaska boundary. In the failure of an agreement to the mean ing of articles Hi and iv of the treaty of 1825 between Russia and Great Britain, which defined the boundary between Alas- ka and Canada, the American commission- ers proposed that the subject of the boundary be laid aaide, and that the re- malnlng questions of difference be pre ceeuea wun, some oi wmcn were so iar advanced as to assure the probability ot a settlement. This being declined by the j British commissioners, an adjournment with the result that a modus Vivendi for provisional demarkationa in the region about the head of Lynn canal has been agreed upon, and it is hoped that the negotiations now In progress between the two governments will end in an agree ment for the establishment and delimita- ttlon of a Pe'manent boundary, Attitude In Anglo-Boer War. Apart from these questions growing out of our relationship with our northern neighbor, the most friendly disposition and ready agreement have marked the discussion of the numerous matters aris ing in the vast and intimate intercourse of the United States with Great Britain. This government has maintained an atti tude of neutrality in the unfortunate con test between Great Britain and the Boer states of Africa. We have remained faithful to the precept of avoiding en tangling alliances as to affairs not of our own direct concern. Had circumstances suggested that the parties to the quarrel would have welcomed any kind expression of the hope of the American people that the war might be averted, good offices would have been gladly tendered. The United States representative at Pretoria was early Instructed to see that all neutral American interests be respected by the combatants. This-has been an easy task, in view of the positive declarations of both British and Boer authorities that the personal and property rights of our citi zens should be observed. Upon the withdrawal of the British agent from Pretoria, the United Slates consul was authorized, upon the request of the British government, and with the assent of the South African and Orange Free State governments, to exercise the customary good offices of a neutral for the care of British interests. In the dis ?hafre f this function I am happy to say that abundant opportunity has been af forded to show the impartiality of this government to both the combatants for the fourth time in the present decade. RELATIONS WITH ITALY. Louisiana Lynchings and Questions Affecting Rights of Aliens. Question has arisen with the govern ment of Italy In regard to lynching of Italian subjects. The latest of these de plorable events occurred at Tallulah, La., whereby five unfortunates of Italian ori gin were taken from Jail and hanged. The authorities of the state and a repre sentative of the Italian embassy, having separately Investigated the occurrence with discrepant results, particularly as to the alleged citizenship of the victims, and it not appearing that the state had been able to discover and punish the vio lators of the law, an Independent Investi gation has been set on foot through the agency of the department of slate and is still in progress. The result will enable the executive to treat the question with the government of Italy In a spirit of fair nesa and justice. A satisfactory solu tion will doubtless be reached. JAPANESE- EMPIRE. Evidences of Her Kindly Feeling Toward United States. The treaty of commerce and navigation between the United States and Japan on November 22, 1894, took effect In accord ance with the terms of article xtx on the 17th of July last, simultaneously with the enforcement of like treaties with the other powers, except France, whose con vention did not go into operation until , December 4, the United States being, how ever, granted up to -that date all the privileges and- rights accorded to French citizens under the other French treaty. By this notable conventional reform, Japan's position as a fully independent sovereign power la assured, control being gained of taxation, customs revenues, Ju dicial administration, coasting trade and all other domestic functions of govern ment, and foreign extra-territorial rights being renounced. Comprehensive codes of civil and criminal procedure according to. Western methods, publlo instruction, pat ents and copyrights, municipal admin istration, Including Jurisdiction over the former foreign settlements, customs tar iffs and procedure, public health and other administrative measures have been proclaimed. The working of the new sys tem has given rise to no material com plaints on the part of American citizens or Interests, a circumstance which at- tests the ripe cons'deratlon with which the change has been prepared. REPUBLIC OF MEXICO. Mutually Advantngeons Relations i Elxtradltlon Controversy Ended. The year has been marked by constant Increase in the intimacy of our relations with Mexico and in the magnitude of mutually advantageous Interchanges. This government has omitted no opportunity to show Its strong desire to develop and perpetuate the ties ot cordiality now so long happily unbroken. Following the termination on January 20, 1899, by Mexi co, of the extradition treaty of Decem ber 11, 1891, a new treaty, more in accord ance with the ascertained needs of both countries, was signed February 22, 1899, and exchanged In the City of Mexico on the 22d of April last. Its operation thus far has been effective and satisfactory, A recent case has served to test the ap plication ot Its fourth article, which pro vides that neither party shall be bound to deliver up its own citizens, but that the executive authority ot each shall have the power to deliver them up If, in ita dis cretion, it be deemed proper to do ao. . Th. ...rnrlltlnn . Mam- TlUh citizen of the United States charged with homicide committed in Mexico, was, at tei mature consideration, directed by me, in the conviction that the ends of Justice would " be thereby subserved. Similar action, on appropriate occasion, by the Mexican executive will not only tend to accomplish the desire of both govern ments that grave crimes go not unpun ished, but also to repress lawlessness along the border of the two countries. The new treaty stipulates that neither government shall annum Jurisdiction In the punishment ot crimes committed ex clusively within the territory of the other. This will obviate in future the embarrass ing controversies which have heretofore arisen through Mexico's assertion of a claim to try and punish an American cit izen for an offense committed within the jurisdiction of the United States. RUSSIAN EMPIRE, Ready Consent to Sabmlt C'lal to Single Arbitrator. Claims growing out of the seizure of American sealing vessels In Behrlng sea have been under discussion with the gov ernment of Russia for several years, with the recent result of an agreement to sub mit them to the decision ot a single ar bitrator. By this act Russia affords proof of her adherence to the beneficent prin- clple of arbitration, wnicn ner pienipo- . for that purpose. Out of the Cuban tentlary conspicuously favored at The , island revenues during the six month Hague disarmament congress, when it endd June 80. 1K99, 11,712.014 20 was ex was advocated by the representatives of pended for sanitation, (293,881 70 for char the United States. itleg ,nd hospitals, and 18,944 08 for aldj A suggestion for a permanent exposition , to the destitute. of our products ana manuraciures in kus- sia, although not yet fully shaped, has been so cordially welcomed by the Im perial government that it may not In aptly take a fitting place in whatever legislation the congress may adopt look ing to enlargement of our commercial op portunities abroad. SAMOA AFFAIRS. . Advantages to Accrue From Heeent Partition of the Islands. Important events have occurred in the Bemoan islands. The election, ao- cording to the laws and customs of Sa moa, of a successor to the late Kins Malietoa ' Taupepa, developed a contest as to the .validity of the result, which issue, by the terms Of the general act, was to be decided by the chief lntioe. Upon his rendering a Judgment In favor of Malietoa Tanus, the rival chief, Ma taafa, took up arms. Tnu ac.ivs ui.ei ventton of American and British warship.! became imperative to restore order, at the cost of sanguinary encounters. In this emergency, a Joint commission or representatives of the United States, Ger many and Great Britain was sent to Sa moa to investigate the situation and pro vide a temporary remely. By Its active efforts a peaceful solution was reached for the time being, the kingship being abolished and a provisional government established. Claims have' been preferred by white residents of Samoa on account ' Of In juries alleged to have been suffered! through the acts of the treaty govern ments in putting down the late disturb ances. A convention has been made be tween the three powers for the investi gation and settlement of these claims by a neutral arbitrator, to which the atten tion of the senate Will be invited. THE WEST INDIES. V Pacification and Government of Cuba Progress Made. My annual message ot last year was necessarily devoted in great part to & consideration of the Spanish war, the re sults it wrought, and the conditions it im posed for the future. I am gratilied to announce that the treaty of peace has re stored friendly relations between the two powers. Effect has been given to Its most important provisions. The evacuation of Puerto Rico having already been accom plished on the 18th of October, 1898, noth ing remained necessary there but to con tinue the provisional military control of the island until the congress should enact av suitable government for the ceded terri tory. Of the character and Bcope of the measures to that end I shall treat in an other part of this message. ' The withdrawal of the authority of Spain from the Island of Cuba was effected bjr the 1st of January, so that the full re-establishment of peace found the relinquished) territory, held by us In trust for the in habitants, maintaining under the direction of the executive such government and con trol therein as should conserve public or der, restore the productive conditions of peace, long disturbed by the Instability and disorder which prevailed for the greater part of the preceding three decades, anil build up that tranquil development of the domestic Btate whereby alone can be re alized the high purpose, as proclaimed In the joint resolution adopted by the congress on the 19th of April, 1898, by whloh the United States disclaimed any disposi tion or intention to exercise sovereignty. . Jurisdiction or control over Cuba, except for the pacification thereof, and asserted) its determination when that was accom plished to leave the government and con-, trol of the Island to its people. The pledge contained In this resolution is of the highest honorable obligation and must be sacredly kept. . - , - i I believe that substantial progress has been made In this direction. All the ad ministrative measures adopted in Cuba, have aimed to fit it for a regenerated ex istence by enforcing the supremacy of. law and Justice; by placing where It is practi cable the machinery of administration ln the hands of the Inhabitants; by Institut ing needed san tary reforms, by spreading; education, by fostering industry and trade, by inculcating publlo morality, and ln short taking every rational step to aid the Cuban people to attain to that plane or self-conscious respect and self-reliant unity which fits an enlightened community for self-government within Its own sphere. , while enabling It to fulfill all outward obligations. Obligations to Cuba Must Be Kept. I This nation has assumed before the world a grave responsibility for the fu ture good government of Cuba. We have accepted a trust, the fulfillment of which) calls for the sternest Integrity of purpose and the exercise of the highest wisdom. The new Cuba yet to arise from the ashes of the past must needs be bound to us by ties of Blngular Intimacy and strength, If Its enduring welfare Is to be assured. , Wheth"? these ties shall be organic or con- ventlonal, the destinies of Cuba are in , some rightful form and manner Irre vocably linked with our own, but how and; how far is for the future to determine in ! the fineness of events. Whatever be the outcome, we musi see 10 u inai tree uuuti be a reality, not a name; a perfect entity. not a hasty experiment bearing within Itself the elements of failure. Our mis sion, to ' accomplish which we took, up the gage of battle, Is not to be. fulfilled by turning adrift any loosely framed commonwealth to face the vicissitudes which too often attend weak er states, whose natural wealth and abun dant resources are offset by the incongrui ties of their political organization and the recurring occasions for Internal rivalries to sap their strength and dissipate their en ergies. Ti greatest blessing which cant come to Cuba Is the restoration of her ag ricultural and Industrial prosperity, which will give employment to Idle men and re-establish the pursuits ot peace. This Us her chief and Immediate need. On the 19th of last August an order was made for the taking of the census In the Island, to be completed on the 20th of November. Our Markets to Be Open to Cuba. Under the terms of the treaty of peace, the Spanish people on the Island have until April 11, 1900, to elect whether they will remain citizens of Spain or become cltl ini nf Cuba. Until then It cannot be defl. ' Mltulv aataWulnori am in whn shall nnrtlnl- ' pate in the formation of Cuba, By that time the results of the census will have been tabulated, and we ahall proceed with, the elections, which will deliver the mu nicipal governments Of the Island to the of ficers elected by the people. The experi ence thus acquired will prove ot great value In the formation of a representative convention of the people to draft a con stitution and a general scheme ot Inde pendent government for the Island. In the meantime, and so long as we control the Island, the products of Cuba should have a market In the United States on as good te'ms and with as favorable rates of duty as are given to. the West Indian Island under treaties of reciprocity which may be made. For the relief ot the distressed in the Island of Cuba, the war department Issued supplies to destitute persons through the officers of the army, which have amounted to 6,493,000 rations at a cost of 11.417,664 97. To promote the disarmament ot the Cu ban volunteer army, and In the Interest of publlo peace and the welfare ot the people, the sum of (76 waa paid to each Cuban soldier borne upon the authenti cated rolls, on condition that he should deposit his arms with the authorities) designated by the United States. The sum thua disbursed aggregated .12.574,7:0, which was paid from the emergency fund provided by the act of January 25, 1S99. llelatlona Resumed With Spain, Following the exchange of ratifications of the treaty ot peace, the two govern ments accredited ministers to each other. Spain sending to Washington the Duke of Arcos, an eminent diplomatist, previ ously stationed in Mexico, while the United States transferred to Madrid the Hon. Bellamy Storer, Us minister at Brussels. This was followed by the re spective appointment of consuls, 'hereby , fully resuming the relations interrupted by the war. In addition to its consular ,' representation la the United States, Um