Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1867-12-12

aud stamped envelopes was 1888, iOl
The increase Of expenditures for 1856.
over those OF the previous year, wa,
owing chiefly to the extension Of III,
land and ocean mail service. During
tho past year new postal conventions
have been ratified and exchanged with
the United Kingdom Of Great Britain
and Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands
Switzerland, the North German Un.
ion, Italy, and the Colonial Govern.
ment at Hong Kong, reducing very
largely the rates of ocean and land
postages TO and from and within these
countries.
The report of tho Acting Commits
sioner Of Agriculture concisely pre-
sents the condition, wants and pro.
gress Of an interest eminently worthy
the fostering care Of Congress, and
exhibits a large measure Of useful re-
suits achieved during the year to
which it refers.
The rc-establishment of peace at
homo, and the resumption of exten-
ded trade travel aud commerce abroad,
have served to increase the number
and variety Of questions in the Depart
ment for Foreign Affairs. None of
these questions, however, have seri-
ously disturbed ourrelations with 9th
er States.
The Republic of Mexico, having
been relieved from foreign interven-
tion, is earnestly engaged melforts to
re-establish her constitutional system
Of government. A good understand
ing continues TO exist between our
Government and the Republics of
Hayti and San Domingo, and our cor
dial relations with the Central and
South American States remain I'M
changed. The tender, made in con-
formity with Ia resolution of Congress,
of the good Offices Of the Government,
with view to an amicable adjust
ment Of peace between Brazil and her
allies, on one side, and Paraguay on
the other; and between Chill and her
allies, on the one side, and Spain on
the other, though kindly received, has
in neither case been fully accepted by
the belligerents. The war in the
Valley OF the Parana is still vigorous
ly maintained. On the other hand.
actual hosilities between the Pacific
States and Spain have been more than
a year suspended shall, on any
proper occasion that may occur, renew
the conciliatory recommendations
which have been made. Brazil, with
enlightened sagacity and comprehen-
sive craftsmanship, has opened the
great channels of the Amazon and it's
tributaries to universal commerce
Ono thing more seems necdful TO as
sure a rapid and cheering progress in
South America. lrefcr to those peace
ful habits without which States and
Nations cannot, in this age, well ex-
pectmaterial prosperity or social ad-
yancoment.
The Exposition OF Universal Industry
at Paris has passed, aud seems TO have fully
realized the high expectations Of the
French Government. IL due allowance
be made for the recent political derange-
ment Of Industry here the part which the
United States has borne IN this exhibition
of invention and art may bo regarded with
very high satisfaction. During the Expos
ition conference was held Of delegates
from several nations, the United States
being one, in which the incoDyeniences
of commerce and social intercourse re-
sulting from the diverse standards Of mon
ey value were fully discussed. and plans
were developed for establishing by uni
yersal consent, common principle for
the coinage OF gold. These conferences are
expected 10 be renewed, with the attend
ance OF many foreign States not hitherto
repres scented. A report of these interest
ing proceedings will be submitted to Con-
gre IS, which will no ou5tjustly appreciate
the great object, aud be ready to adopt
any measure which may tend TO facilitate
it's ultimate accomplishment.
On the 25th of February, 1862, Congress
declared by law that Treasury notes with
out interest, authorized by that act, should
be legal tender in payment of all debts,
public and private, within the United
States. An annual remittance Of $50. 900.
less stipulated expenses, accrues TO claim
ants under the Convention made with
Spain in 1884 These remittances, since
the passage Of that act have been paid in
such notes. The claimants insist that the
Government ought to require payment in
coin. The subject may be deemed worthy
Of your attention.
No arrangement has yet been reached
for the settlement of our claims for British
upon the commerce Of the
United States. have fel. it my duty to
decline the proposition Of arbitration made
by Her Mjesty's Government, because II
has hitherto been accompanied Icy reser-
vations and limitations incompatible with
the rights, inleres. and honor Of our coun-
try. Il is not to be apprebended that Great
Britain will persist IN her refusal to satisfy
these just and reasonable claims. which
involve the sacred principle Of non-inter-
veniion "a principle henceiorlh no more
important 10 the United States than 10
all com mercia hations.
Tho West India Islands were settled
and colonized by European States stimuli
ianously with the settlement and ooloni-
zation OF the American continent. Most
of the colonies planted here became inde-
pendent nations in the close OF the last
and the beginning Of the present oent1ry.
Our own country embraces communities
which, at one period, we're colonies Of
Great Britain, France, Spain, Holland,
Sweden and Russia The people in the
West Indies. with the exception Of those
of the Island of Hayti. have neither at
tanned nor aspired TO independence, nor
have they become prepared for seli-de-
fence. Although possessing considerable
commercial value, they have boon held by
the several European States which colon
i1ed or at sonle time conquered then,
chiefly for purposes of military Snd naval
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