V
THE OEEGON SCOUT.
JONES ifc CIIANCKY, Viibllnliers.
UNION,
OREGON.
THE PRESIDENT'S JIESSAGE.
Tlic Clilcf Eiccutlvo's Annual Document
to Congress and the People.
A State l'apcr Hint Ilcnerven ami Should
Ilecclve Public Attention.
Grorer'a Suggestion and JtccommendaHon.
In Momory of Hendricks.
Washington, Dec. 8. To the Con
gress of the United States: Your assem
bling Is clouded by a sense of public be
reavement caused by tbo recent and sud
den death of Thomas A. Hendricks,
vice-president of the United States. Ills
distinguished public services, his com
plete Integrity and devotion to every
duty and his personal virtues will And fa
vorable record In his country's history.
Ample and repeated proofs of the esteem
and confidence in which ho was held by
his countrymen were manifested by his
election to an olilec of the most Import
nut and highest dignity, and at length,
full of years and honors, he has been laid
at rest amidst general sorrow and bene
diction. no Mnkos Hla Bow.
Tho constitution, which requires thoso
chosen to legislate for tho people to an
nually meet In the discharge of their
solemn trust, also requires tho president
to givo to congress information of tho
state of tho union, and recommend to
their consideration such measures as he
shall deem necessary and expedient. At
the threshold of a compliance with these
constitutional directions, it is well for us
to bear In mind that our usefulness to the
people's Interests will lie promoted by a
constant appreciation of tho scope and
character of our respective duties as they
relate to federal legislation. While the
executive may recommend such measures
as ho shall deem expedient, the responsi
bility for legislative action must and
should rest upon those selected by the
people to mako their laws. A contem
plation of tho grave and responsible
functions assigned to tho executive
branches of tho government under the
constitution will disclose the partitions of
power between our respective departments
and their necessary Independence, and
also the need for tho exerclso of all tho
power entrusted to each In that spirit of
comity and co-operation which Is essen
tial to tho proper fulllllment of the
patriotic obligations which rest upon us
ns faithful servants of the people. Tho
jealous watchfulness of our constituencies,
great and small, supplements their suf
frage, nnd by tho tribunal thus established
every public servant will bo judged.
Our Poaconblo Forolun IlolntionB.
It Is gratifying to announco that tho re
lations of tho United States with all
foreign powers eontiuuo to bo friendly
our position after nearly a century of
miecossful constitutional government.
Maintenance of good faith In all our en
gagements, the avoidance of complications
with other nations, and a continent and
nmlcahlo attitude toward tho strong and
weak alike, furnish proof of a political
disposition which renders professions of
good will unnecessary. Them are no
questions of dilliculty pending with any
lorclgu government.
Tho Argentine government has revived
tho long dormant question of tho Falk
land Island by claiming from tho United
States Indemnity for their loss attributed
to tho action of the commander of the
slocp of war "Lexington" in breaking
up a piratical colony on thoso Islands in
1831, and their subsequent occupation by
Great Britain. In view of tho ample
justilloation for tho net of tho ' ' Lexing
ton" and tho derelict condition of tho
Island beforo and after tho alleged oo
rupation by Argentine colonists, this
government considers tho claim as whol
ly groundless.
A question has arisen with thogovern
ment of Austria-Hungary touching the
representation of tho United States at
Vienna. Having under my constitutional
prerogative appointed an estimable eltl
zeti ol unlmpeached probity and compe
tence as minister at that court, the gov
ernment of Austria-Hungary Invited this
government to cognizance o'f certain ex
ceptions based upon allegations against
tho personal acceptability of Mr. Keiley,
tho appointed envoy, asking that, 'in
view thereof, tho appointment should ho
withdrawn. The reatouH advanced were
Mich as could not bo acquiesced In with
out violation of my oath of oilleo and the
precepts of tho constitution, since they
necessarily Involved a limitation In favor
of a foreign government upon tho right
of selection by tho executive, and re
quired such nn application of a religious
let as a qualllleatlon for olllco under the
United States as would have resulted in
tho practical disfranchisement of a largo
class of our citizens and the abandon
ment of a vital Dilnelplo of our govern
ment. Tho Ausiro-lliingarlau govern
ment llnally decided not to recelvo Mr.
Kelloy as tho envoy of tho United States,
and that gentleman has since resigned
Ms commission, leaving the post vacant.
I have made no now nomination, and
tho Interests of this government at
Vienna aro now In tho oaro'of tho secre
tary of legation asUhargo d' Affaires ad
interim,
Eurly In March last war broke out in
Central America, caused by tho attempt
if Guatemala to consolidate the several
Hates into a single government. In this
contest between our neighboring states
tho United SUtes forbore to fiiteifere
actively, but lent tho aid of their friendly
olllccs in deprecation of war and to pro
mote peace mid concord among tho bellig
erents, nnd by sin h counsel contributed
Importantly to the restoration of tranquil
ity In that locality.
Emergencies growing out of tho civil
war In tho United States of Colombia,
demanded of (his government at the be
ginning ostitis administration tho employ
ment of an armed force to fultlll its guar
antee under tho thirty-tlftli article of tho
treaty of 1SIU. In order to keep tho
transit open across tho Isthmus ot Pana
ma, dns'.rous of exercising only the pow
ers expressly reserved to us by tho treaty,
and Tliidful of tho rights ot Colombia,
tho forces scut to the isthmus were In
structed to conllno their action to "posi
tively nnd elllcleutly preventing (ho
transit nnd Its accessories from being
Interrupted or embarrassed." Thu
execution of this delicate and re
sponsible task necessarily Involved
police control where tho local authority
Was temporarily powerless, but always
In aid of the sovereignity of Colombia.
The Dowerful and successful fulllllment
of Its duty by this government was highly
appreciated by the government of Col
ombia, nnd has been followed by cx-
pres'lons ot Its satisfaction, and ot high
praise 01 tne oiiieors and men engagcu in
this service. Tho restoration of peace
on tho isthmus by tho re-establishment
of tho constituted government there,
being thus accomplished, the forces of
tho United States were withdrawn.
rending these, occurrences, a question
of much Importance was presented by
decrees of the Colombian government
proclaiming tho closure of certain ports
then In the hands of insurgents, nnd de
claring vessels held by tho revolutionists
to ho partial and liable to capture by any
power. To neither of these propositions
could the United States assent. An
effective closure of ports not in the pos
session of the government, but held by
tho hostile partisans, could not be recog
nized. Neither could the vessels of In
surgents against the legitimate sovereign
ty be deemed hoslus humant generis with
in the precepts of International law,
whatever might bo the delluatton and
penalty of their acts under the munici
pal laws of the state against whose au
thority they were in revolt. The denial
by tills government of the Colombian
propositions did not. however, imply tho
admission of a belligerent status on tho
iart of the insurgents. The Colombian
government lias expressed Its willingness
to attend negotiation conventions for the
adjustment by arbitration of claims by
foreign citizens arising out of the de
struction of the city of Asplnwall by the
Insurrectionary forces.
Intor-Ocoanlc Transportation.
The interest of tho United States In a
practicable transit for ships across the
strip of lend separating tho Atlantic from
the Pacific has been repeatedly mani
fested dnring the last half century. My
Immediate prediccssor caused to be ne
gotiated with Nicaragua a treaty for the
construction by, and at tho solo cost of
tho United States, of a canal through
Nicaragua!! territory and it was 1 ild before
the senate. Pending the action of that
body thereon, 1 withdrew tho treaty for
re-examination. Attentive consideration
of its provisions leads me to withhold it
from re-subuilsslon to tho senate. Main
taining, as 1 do. position in a line of
presidents from Washington's day, who
have prescribed enlarging and entangling
alliances with foreign states, 1 do not
favor a policy of acquisition of new and
distant territory, or tho incorporation of
remote Interests with our own. 'lne
laws of progress are vital and organic,
and we must be conscious of that irresis
tible tide of commercial expansion which
as tho concomitant of our civilization day
by day Is being urged onward by rlioso
increasing facilities of production, trans
portation and communication to which
steam and electricity hnvo given birth.
Our duty in the present instructs us to
address ourselves mainly to the develop
ment of the vast resources of tho great
area commuted to our charge, and to tho
cultivation of tho arts of peace within our
borders. We should be jealously alert In
preventing tho American hemisphere
from being involved in (he political
problems and complications of distant
governments, therefore I am unable to
recommend propositions Involving
paramount privileges or ownership or
right outside of our own territory, when
coupled witli absolute and unlimited en
gagements to defend the territorial lntog-
lrty or tne state wuero sucn interests no.
While tho general project of connecting
the two oceans by means of a canal is to
bo encouraged, 1 am of thu opinion that
any scheme to that end to be considered
with favor should bo free from tho fea
tures alluded to. Tho Tehuantcpec
route Is declared by engineers of the
highest repute and by competent scient
ists to afford an enthely practical tiansit
for vessels and cargo by means of a ship
railway from tho Atlantic to the Pacillo.
Tho obvious advantages of such a route,
if feasible, over others further removed
from the lines of trallic between England
and tho Pacillo, and particularly be
tween tho valley of tho Mississippi and
South America, are deserving of con
sideration. Whatever highway may
bo constructed across thu har
rier dividing tho two greatest ma
rltlii'j areas of tho world, must bo lor
the world's henellt, a trust for mankind,
to bo removed from thu chaueo of domi
nation by any slnglo power. It must not
become a point ol Irritation of hostilities
or a prize for warlike ambition. An en
gagement combining tho construction,
ownership and operation of such a work
by tills government with an offensive
and defensive alliance for Its protection
with tho foreign states whoso responsi
bilities and rights wo would share, is, in
my judgment, inconsistent with such
dedication to universal and neutral use,
and would, moreover, entail measures
for Its realization beyond tho scope of
our national policy or present means.
The lapse ot years Ins abundantly con
tinued thu wisdom and foresight ot thoso
earlier administrations which, long
before the conditions of mari
time intercourse wero changed
and enlarged by tho progress of the age,
proclaimed tho vital need of lnter-occanlo
tntlllo across tho commercial Isthmus and
consecrated it In advance to the common
use of mankind by their positive declara
tions, and through their formal obliga
tion of treaties. Toward such realiza
tion the efforts ot my administration will
bo applied, ever hearing In mind thu
principles on which It must rest, nnd
which wero declared in no
uncertain tones by Mr. Cass, who, while
secretary of state In 1S5S, announced
that "What thu United States want In
Central America next to tho happiness of
Its people is the security and ucutiallty
of the Inter-oceaulo routes which lead
through It." Tho construction ot throe
traus-contliieutal lines of railway, all In
succesoful operation, wholly wittilu our
territory, and uniting tho Atlantic anil
Pacillo oceans, lias been accompanied
by results ot a most iuteres lug and im
pressive nature, and lias created now
conditions, not only in the routes of com
merce, hut In political geography, winch
powerfully affect our relations toward
and necessarily Increase our Interests In,
any trans-isthmian route which may bo
opened and employed for thu ends ot
peace and trallic, or, in other contingen
cies, for uses inimical to both. Trans
portation Is a factor in the cost ot com
modities scarcely tceond to that of their
production and weighs us heavily upon tho
consumer. Our existence already has
proven tho great Importance of having
the competition between land-carriage
and water-carrlago fully developed, each
acting as a protection to the public
against thu tendencies of monoply, which
U Inherent In thu consolidation of wealth
nnd power in tho hands of vast corpora
tions. These suggestions may servo
to emphasize what 1 have
already (aid ou tho score ot thu necessity
of n neutralization of any Inter-occanio
transit and this can only lie accom
pushed bv making the tisca of the route
open to nil nation? and subject to the
ambition and warlike necessities of none
The drawings and report of a recent sur
vey of tho Nicaragua canal route made
by Chief Kngineer Mcnscal will be com
municated for your information.
Foreign Affalra Resumed.
The claims of citizons of tho United
States for losses by reason of the late
military operations of Chill in Peru nnd
In Bolivia nre the subject of negotiation
for a claims convention with Chill, pro
viding for their submission to arbitra
tion. The harmony of our relations with
China is fully sustained In tho applica
tion of the nets lately passed to execute
the. treaty of 18S0. restrictive of thu im
migration of Chinese laborers into the
United States. Individual cases of hard
ship have occurred beyond the power of
the executive to remedy, and calling for
judicial determination.
Tho Ghlneso In tho Unttod States.
The condition of the Chinese question
in the western states and territories Is,
despite this restrictive legislation, far
from being satisfactory. The recent out
break In Wyoming territory, where num
bers of unoffending Chinamen Indisputa
bly within tho protection of the trcaMes
and tho law wero murdered by a mob,
nnd the still more recent threatened out
break of the same character in Washing
ton territory, are still fresh in the minds
of all, and there is apprehension lest the
bittei Hess of feeling against the Mongolian
race on I lie Pacillo slope may find vent
in similar lawless demonstration.
Ail the power of this government should
be exerted to maintain the amplest good
faith toward China In tho treatment of
these men, and the Inflexible sternness
of the law In bringing the wrong-doers
to justice should be insisted upon. Every
effyrt lias been made by this government
to prevent these violent outbreaks, and
to aiu tue representatives or ciilua in
their investigation of the outrages, and
it Is but just to say mat they are trace
able to the lawlessness of men not citl
zens of the United States, engaged in
competition with Chinese laborers. Kacc
prejudice is tho chief factor in originatin,
these disturbances, and it exists in
largo part of our domain, jeopardizing
our peace ami mo goon relationship we
try to maintain with China. The ad
mitted right of a government to prevent
tlielnuux ol elements hostile to Its Inter
nal peace and security may not be ques
tioned, even where there" is no treaty
stipulation on tho subject. That the ex
clusion of Chinese labor is demanded in
other countries where like conditions
prevail, is strong evidence of the righto
oiisupss of the policy. In the dominion
of Canada Immigration is now regulated
by laws more exclusive than our own.
If existing laws nro inadequate to com
pass tho end in view, I shall be prepared
to give earnest consideration to any fur
ther remedial incisures within tho treaty
limits which tho wisdom of congress may
devise.
Coiibo nnd Othor Lands.
The Independent ?ato of tho Congo
lias been organized 113 a government un
der the sovereignty of his majesty, tho
king of the Belgians, who assumes its
chief magistracy in his personal charac
tor onlv. without making tho new state a
dependency on Belgium. It is fortunate
that a benighted region, owing all It has
of quickening civilization to the benell
ceuco of the philanthropic spirit of this
monarchy, should have thu advantage
and security of Itsbenevolentsupervision.
Tho action taken by this government
last year In being the llrst to recognize
the flag of tho International association
of the Congo, has been followed by for
mal recognition of tho now nationality
which succeeds to its sovereign powers.
A conference of delegates of thu princi
pal commercial nations was held at Ber
lin last winter to discuss methods where
by tho Congo basin might bo kept open
to the world's trade. Delegates attended
on behalf of the United States on tho un
derstanding that their part should bo
merely deliberative, without imparting
to the results any binding character, so
far as the United States wero concerned.
This reserve was duo to the indisposition
of tho governtnert to share In any dis
posal by an international congress of jur
isdictional questions in remote foreign
territories. Tho results of the confer
ence wero embodied In a formal act of tho
nature of an International covenant which
laid down certain obligations purporting
to be binding on tho signatories, subject
to ratllicatlon within ono year. Not
withstanding the reservation under which
tho delegates of tho United states at
tended, their signatures were attached to
the general act in tho same
manner ns thoso of thu plenipo
tentiaries of other governments,
thus making the United States appear
without reserve orqualitieatlon as signa
tory to a joint international engagement,
Imposing upon tho signers the conserva
tion of the territorial integrity of distant
regions, where wo have no established
Interests or coutrol. This government
does not, however, regard Its reserva
tion of liberty of action In tho premises
as at all impaired, and holds that an en
gagement to share in the obligation of
entorclug neutrality In the remote valley
1 thu Congo is an tuuaiico whose respon
sibilities wo are not In a position to as
sume. I abstain from asking the sanc
tion of tho senate to that act. The cor
respondence will bo laid beforo you and
thu instructive ami interesting report of
tiiu agent sent by tlds government to thu
;o country and his recommendations
for thu establishment of commercial
agencies on the African coast aro also
submitted for your consideration .
Tho commission appointed by inv pre
decessor last winter to visit tho Central
ami South American countries ami report
on the methods of enlarging the com
mercial relations of thu United Stales
(Herewith lias submitted reports which
will ho laid before you, No opportunity
has been omtnltted to testify tho friendli
ness ol this government toward Corca,
whoso entrance Into thu family of treaty
powers the tinted stales were tho tlrst
to recognize. 1 regard with favor tho
application made by thu Coreau govern
ment to be allowed to employ American
olllcors ns military instructors, to which
tho assent of congress becomes necessary
and I am happy to say this request ha.
tho concurrent sanction of Cntu.i and
Japan.
Thu arrest and Imprisonment of Julio
It. Santos, n citizen ot thu United States,
by the authorities ot Ecuador, gave rise
to a contention with that government In
which his light to bo released or to have
a speedy uud Impartial trial with an
corniced charges and with all guar
antee', of defense stipulated by
treaty, was Insisted upon by us.
Alter nn elaborate correspondence nnd
repented nnd earnest representations on
our part, sir. bantos was, alter an ai
leged trial and conviction, eventually In
eluded in n general degree of amnesty
and pardoned by the J.nuadorian execu
tive and released, leaving the question
of his American citizenship denied by
the Equadorian government, but Insisted
upon by our own.
The amount adjudged by the late
Freuch and American Claims commis
siqn to bo due from the United States to
French claimants ou account of injuries
suffered by them during tho war of seces
sion having been appropriated by the last
congress, has been duly paid the French
government.
The act of February 23, 1SS5, provided
for a preliminary searcli of the records of
the French prize court for evidence bear
ing on the claims of American citizens
against France for spoliations committed
prior to 1S01. The duty has been per
formed, and the report of tho agent will
be laid before you.
I regret to say that the restrictions
upon the importation of our pork into
France, notwithstanding the abundant
demonstration of tho absence of sanitary
danger in its use, arc continued, but I
entertain strong hopes that, with abetter
understanding of the matter, this vexa
tious prohibition will be removed. It
would be pleasing to be able to say as
much with respect to Germany, Austria
and other countries where such food
products are absolutely excluded without
present prospect of reasonable change.
The interpretation ot our existing
treaties of naturalization by Germany
during tho past year has attracted atten
tion by reason of nn apparent tendency
on the part of the imperial government to
extend the scope of tho residential re
strictions to which returning naturalized
citizens of German origin are asserted to
bo liable under the laws of the empire.
The tcmporate and just attitude taken by
this government with regaru to this class
of questions will doubtless lead to a satis
factory understanding.
The dispute or uermany nnO Spain,
relating to the domination of tho Caroline
Islands, has attracted the attention of this
government by reason of extensive
interests of American citizens hav
ing grown up in those parts during
thu last thirty-nine years, and because
the question of ownership involves juris
diction of matters affecting the status of
our own citizens under civil and criminal
law. Whilst standing wholly aloof from
the proprietary issues raised between
powers to both of which tho United
States arc friendly, this government
expects that nothing in the present con
tention will unfavorably affect our citi
zens carrying on a peaceful commerce or
there domiciled, and lias so informed tho
governments of Spain aud Germany.
Tho marked good will between the
United States and Great Britain has been
maintained during the past year. The
termination of tho llshlng clauses of the
treaty of Washington in pursuance of the
joint resolution of March It, 1SS3, must
have resulted in the abrupt cessation ou
tho 1st of July of this year, In
tho midst of their ventures, of the
operations of citizens of tho United
States engaged in llshlng In ISri t-ish-Amcriean
waters, but for a di
plomatic understanding reached with
Her Majesty's govcrmcnt in June last,
whereby assurance was obtained that no
interruption of those operations should
take, place during tho current season.
In tho interest of the good neighborhood
of tho commercial intercourso of adjacent
communities, tho question of the North
American llsherles is ono of much Im
portance. Following out the intimation
given by mo when the extensiary arrange
ment above described was negotiated, I
recommended that the congress provide
for the appointment of a commission in
which tho governments of tho United
States and Great Britain shall be respec
tively represented, charged with the con
sideration aud settlement upon a just,
equitable anil honorable basis, of the en
tire question of the llshlng rights of tho
two governments and their respective
citizens on the coast of the United States
and British North America. Fishing in
terests being intimately related to the
gsnernl questions dependent upon con
tiguity and Intercourse, consideration
thereof in all their equities might also
properly come within the purview of such
commission, aud the fullest latitude of
expression on botli sides should be per
mitted. The correspondence in relation
to tho llshlng rights will bo submitted.
Thu Arctic cxploiing steamer ' 'Alert,"
which was generously given by Her
Majesty's government to aid in tho relief
of the Greely expedition, was, after tho
successful attainment of that humane
purpose, returned to Great Britain in
pursuance of tho authority conferred by
tho act of Marcli II, lSS.").
Tho Inadequacy of the existing engage
ments far extradition between the United
States and Great Britain has been long
apparent. Tho tenth article of the
treaty of IS 12, ono of tho earliest com
pacts In thU regard entered into by us,
stipulated for surrender in respect oi'
a limited number of offences.
Other crimes no less inimical
to tho social welfare should be embraced,
and the procedure of extradition brought
in harmony with pre.-ent International
practices. Negotiations with Her
Majesty's government for an enlarged
treaty of extradition have been pending
since 1S70. and I entertain strong hopes
that a satisfactory result may bo soon at
tained. Tlio frontier Hue between Alaska nnd
British Columbia, ns detlned by the treaty
of cession with Itussla, follows tho de-
mnrkation assigned in a prior treaty be
tween Great Britain and Itussia. Modem
exploration discloses that this ancient
boundary is impracticable as a geograph
ical fact. In thu unsettled condition ot
that region, the question has lacked im
portance, but tho discovery of mineral
wealiu in tue territory which mo line is
supposed to traverse admonishes us that
tho tlmu has come when an accurate
knowledge of thu boundary is needful
to avert jurisdictional complications,
l recommend, therefore, that provision !
bo made for n preliminary reconnolsanco
bv olllcers of tho United States, to the
end of acquiring more precise informa
tion on the subject, i nao iiivitcu tier
Majesty's government to consider with
us ttiu adoption ui a more convenient
boundary to bo established by meridian
or other observation, or by known geo
graphical features, without tho necessity
of an expensive survey of tho whole.
The late Insurrectionary movements In
llavtl having beeu quelled, the govern
ment of thai republic has made prompt
provision for adjudicating the losses suf
fered by foreigners because of hostilities
there, aud the claims of certain citizens
ot thu Uufted States will be in tills man
ner determined.
Tho long pending claims of tho two
citizens of thu United States, Pclleller
aud Lazare, have beeu disposed of by
'arbitration and an award. In favor o1.
; each claimant, has been made, which by
tho terms of tbo engagement is liual. It
I remains for congress to provide for tho
I payment of the stipulated moiety of the
expenses.
A question arose with Ilayll during the
past year by reason of the exceptional
treatment of an American citizen, Mr. Vau
bokkcleu, a resident of Port An Prince,
who, on suit by creditors residing in the
United States, was sentenced to impris
onment, and under the operation of Hay
tian statute was denied relief secured to
a native liny thin. This government as
serted his treaty right to equal treatment
with natives of'l'ayti in all suits at law.
Our contention was denied by the Hay
tlan government which, however, whi'o
still professing to maintain the ground
taken against Mr. Vanbokkclen's right,
terminated the ontrovcrsy by setting
him fit liberty without explanation.
An international conference to consider
the njn.ns of arresting the spread of
choluiii and other epidemic diseases was
held at Itome In May last, and adjourned
to meet again on farther notice. An ex
pert delegate on behalf of the United
States has attended and will submit re
port. Our relations with Mexico continue to
be most cordial as befits those of neigh
bors between whom tho strongest ties of
friendship and commercial intimacy exist.
as the natural and growing consequence
ot our similarity or institutions and
geographical propinquity. Tho reloca
tion of the boundary line between tho
United States and Mexico eastward of
the ltio Grande under ttic convention of
July '20, 1SS2, has been unavoidably de
layed, hut I apprehend no dilliculty in
securing a prolongation of the period of
Its accomplishment. The lately con
cluded commercial treaty with Mexico
still awaits tho stipulated legislation to
carry its provisions iuta effect, for which
one year's additional time has been se
cured by a supplementary article signed
in February last and since ratified on
botli sldo3. As this convention, so im
portant to tho commercial welfare of the
two adjoining countries, has neon con
stitutionally continued by tho treaty
making branch, I express the hopo that
legislation to mako it effective may not
bo long delayed. Thu large influx of
capital and enterpriso to Mexico from the
united StnicS continues to aid in the de
velopment of the resources and in aug
menting the material well-being of our
sister republic; lines of railway, pene
trating to the heart and capital of the
country bringing the two peoples into
mutually beneficial Intercourse and en
larged facilities of transit, add
ed to protitjble commerce, create
new markets, and furnish re
venues to other isolated communities.
I have already adverted to tho suggested
construction of a ship railway across the
narrow formation of the territory of
Mexico at Teheuantepec. With the
gradual recovery of Peru from the effects
of her late disastrous conflict with Chili,
and with tho restoration of civil author
ity in that distracted country, it is hoped
that pending war claims or our citizens
will be adjusted.
In conformity with notification given
by thu government of Peru, the existing
treaties of commerce and extradition be
tween us and that couutry will terminate
Marcli 31, 1SS0.
Our good relationship with Russia con
tinues. An ollieer of thu navy detailed
for the purpose is now on his way to
Siberia, bearing the testimonials voted
by congress to those who generously
succored the survivors of the unfortunate
' Jeannctte' ' expedition.
It is gratifying to advert to the cor
diality of our iuteicoiirso with Spain.
The long pending claim of tho owners of
the ship "Masonic" ' for loss suffered
through tho admitted dereliction of the
Spanish authorities in the Phlllippinc
Islands, has been adjusted by arbitration
and an Indemnity awarded. Tne princi
ples of arbitration in such cases to which
the United States lias long and consist
ently adhered, thus receive a fresh and
gratifying continuation. Other questions
with Spain have been disposed of or
arc under diplomatic consideration with
a view to just and honorable settlement.
The operation of the commercial agree
ment with Spain of January 'Jd and Feb
ruary 13. 1SSI, has been found inade
quate to the commercial need of the
United States aud the Spanish
Antilles, and tho terms of tho agree
ment aro subjected to conflict
ing interpretations in those islands.
Negotiations have been instituted at
Madrid for a full treaty not open to tho
objections, aud in tlio lino of the general
policy touching the neighborly inter
courso of proximate communities, to
which 1 elsewhere advert, aud aiming,
moreover, nt the removal of existing
burdens and annoy lug restrictions; anil
although a satisfactory termination is
promised I am compelled to delay its an
nouncement. An international conference was hcid
at Berne in September, on the invitation
of the Swiss government. The envoy of
the United States attended nsa delegate,
but refrained from committing tho "gov
ernment to the results, even by signing
tho recommendatory protocol adopted.
The Interesting and Important subject of
International copyright has been before
you for several years. Action is certainly
desirable to effect tho object in view",
and whilo there may be a question as to
the relative advantage of treating it by
legislation or by specific treaty, tue ma
tured iows of tho Ucrno conference can
not fail to aid your consideration of tho
subject.
Tiiu termination ot the commercial
treaty of between the United States
and Turkey has been sought by that gov
ernment. Whilo there is a question as to
the sullicieucy of tho notice of tho ter
mination given, yet as the commercial
rights of our citizens in Turkey come un
der tho favored national guarantees of
tho prior treaty of 1S30, and as equal
treatment Is admitted by tho porto, no
IncoiiveulencV can result from tho assent
of this government to the revisions of tho
Ottoman, tariffs, on whtuh tho treaty
powers nave been luvited to join
vuesuous concerning our eiiuens in i ur-
Key may bo alfected by tho porte's nou-
i acquiescence in tuo right or expatriation,
: and by tho imposition of religious tests
j as a condition of residence, in which
' this government cannot concur. The
; United States must hold in their inter
l course with every power that thu status
! of their citizens U to be respected, aud
equal civil privileges accorded to them
without regard to creed, and affected by
no considerations save thoso growlug out
of donilcllian return to tho laud of origi
nal allegiance, or of unfulfilled personal
obligations which may survive under mu
nicipal laws after such voluutary return.
Thu negotiation with Venezuela rela
tlvo to tho rehearing of the awards of
tho mixed commission constituted under
the treaty of 1S0U, was resinned, in view
of thu recent acquiescence ot the Vene
zuelan envoy In tue principal point ad
vanced by this govern ueut, that the ef-
fects of the old treaty could only be set
aside by the operation of n new conven
tion. A result substantially in accord
with the advisory suggestions contained
In tho joint resolution of March 3, 1SS3,
has been agreed upon, and will shortly
be submitted to the senate for ratifica
tion. Under section 3C39 of tho revised stat
utes, all funds held In trust by tho
United States, and the annual interest
accruing thereon, when not otherwise
required by treaty, nre to bo invested in
stocks of tho United Stntes bearing a
rntc of interest not less than 5 per cent
per annum. There being now no pro
curable stocks paying so high a rate of
interest, the letter of the statute, is at
present Inapplicable, but its spirit Is sub
served by continuing to make, invest
ments of this nature In current stocks
bearing the highest interest now paid.
The statute, however, makes no provi
sion for the disposal of such nccretlons.
It being contrary to the general rule of
this government to allow interest on
claims, I recommend the repeal of the
provision m question, and tho disposi
tion, under a uniform rule, of the present
accumulations from investment of trust
funds.
The Inadequacy of existing legislation
touchinir citizenship and naturalization
demnnri your consideration. While
recog.i i.ing tho right of expatriation, no
statu iff provision exists providing
menu fcr renouncing citizenship by an
AnurljMi, native-born or naturalized,
nor for terminating and vacating im
proved acquisition of citizenship. Even
a fraudulent decree of naturalization can
not now be cancelled . The privilege and
franchise of American citizenship should
be granted with care, and extended to
those only who intend in good faith to
assume its duties and responsibilities
when attaining its privileges. It should
be withheld from those who merely go
through the forms of naturalization with
the Intent of escaping tho duties of their
original allegiance without taking upon
themselves those of their new status, or
who may require the rights of American
citizenship for no other than a hostile
purpose toward their original
government. These evils have
had many flagrant illustrations.
I regard with favor the suggestion put
forth by one of my predecessors, that
provision may be made for a central
bureau of record of the decrees of natural
ization granted by the various courts
throughout the United States now in
vested with that power. The rights
which spring from domicile in tho United
States, especially when coupled with n
declaration of intention to become a cit
izen, are worthy of definition by statute.
The stranger coming hither with intent
to remain, establishing his residence
In our midst, contributing to the gen
eral welfare, and by his voluntary act
declaring his purpose to assume the re
sponsibility of citizenship thereby gains
an inchoate status which legislation may
properly dellue. The laws of certain
states and territories admit a domiciled
alien to the local franchise, conferring
on him the rights of citizenship to a de
gree which places him in the anomalous
position of being a citizen of a state and
yet not of the United States within the
purvisions of federal and international
laws. It is important, within thu scope
of national legislation, to define this
right of alien domicile as distinguished
from federal naturalization.
The commercial relations of tho United
States with their immediate neighbors
and with important areas of traflio near
our shores suggest especially liberal in
tcrcoursu between them and us. Fol
lowing the treaty of 1SS3 with Mexico,
which rested 'on the bais of reciprocal
exemption from customs duties, other
similar treaties were initiated by my pre
decessors, liccogni.lng the need of le.-s
obstructed traffic with Cuba anil Porto
Kico, and met by the desire of Spain to
succor languishing interest in the au
tilles. steps were taken to attain those
ends by a treaty of commerce. A simi
lar treaty was afterwards signed by the
dominion republic. Subsequently over
tures were made by Her Brltaiuic majes
ty's government for a like mutual exten
sion of commercial intercourse with the
British West Indian and South American
independencies, out without result.
On taking ofllce 1 wl lidruw for re
execution the treaties signed with Spain
and Santo Domingo then .pending before
the Senate. The result has been to sat
isfy me of the inexpediency of entering
into engagements of this character not
covering the entire trallic. Thoso treaties
contemplated the surrender by tho United
States of large revenues for inadequate
considerations. Upon sugar alone du
ties were surrendered to an amount far
exceeding all tho advantages offered in
exchange. Even were it intended to re
lievo our consumers, it was evident that
so long as the exemption but partially
covered our importation, such relief
would be illusory. To relinquish a reve
nue so essential seemed highly improvi
dent at a time when new and large drains
upon the treasury wero contemplated.
Moreover, embarrassing questions would
have arisen under tho favored nation
clauses of treaties with other nations.
As a further objection it is evident that
tariff regulation by treaty diminishes
that Independent control over its own
revenues which is essential for tho safety
and welfare . of any government. An
emergency calling for an increase, of tnx
aliou may at any time arise, and no en
gagement with a foreign power should '
exist to hamper the action of tho govern
ment. By the fourteenth section of the ship
ping act approved June "JO, lSSl, certain
reductions and contingent exemptions
from tonnage-dues wero made as to ves
sels entering ports of the United States
from any foreign port in Nortli aud Cen
tral America, tho West India Islands,
the Bahamas and Bermudas, Mexico and
the isthmus, as far as Asplnwall and
Panama. The governments of Belgium,
Denmark, Gerinauy, Portugal Sweden
and Norway uavo asserted', under tho
favored-nation clause in their treaties with
the United States, a claim to like treat
ment in respect to vessels coming to the
United States from their home
ports. This government, however, bolus
that tho privileges granted by
tho net are purely geographical,
applying to any vessel of any
foreign power that may chooso to engage
iu tratllc between this country and any
port within the defined zone, and that no
warrant exists uuder tho favored-nation
clause, for tho extension of the privileges
iu question to vessels sailing to this couu
try fioui ports outside the limitation of
tho act. Undoubtedly tho relations of
commerce with our near neighbors,
whose territories form so long a irontier
line ditllcult to bo guarded, uud who Ilud
iu our couutry, and equally offer to
us natural markets, demand special nnd
considerate treatment. It rests with con
gress to consider what legislative action
mav Increase the facilities of intercourse
which contiguity makes uatural uud desirable.