The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1870-12-13

claims to q controlling influence over
the great commercial traffic soon to flow
from East to West by way of the 18th
mus of Darien; it is to build our pier-
chant marine. It's to furnish new mar
kcts for the products of our farms, shops
and manufactures; it is to make slavery
unsnpportable in Cuba and Porto Rico
at once, and ultimately so in Brazil: it
is to settle the unhappy condition of Gu
ba, and end an eXtermlnating conflict
it is to provide honest means of paying
our honest debts without overtaxing the
people; it is to furnish our citizens with
the necessaries of everyday life at
cheaper rates than ever before, and it is
rapid stride towards THAT greatness
which the intelligence, industry and en-
terrrise of the citizens Of the United
States ..entitle this country to assume
among nations.
now TO DOT.
In view of the Importance OF this
question, I earnestly urge upon Con-
gress early action expressive ofits views
as to the best means of acquiring San
Domingo. My suggestion is that by
joint resolution of the two Houses of
| Congress the Executive be authorized
to appoint Commissioner to negotiate
for treaty with the authorities of San
Domingo for the acquisition of that is
land: that appropriation be made to de-
fray, the expenses of such commission.
The question may be then determined
by the action of the two houses of Con-
gress upon a resolution of annexation,
as in the case of the acquisition of Tex
as. So convinced am / of all the ad-
vantages to flow from the acquisition of
San Domingo and Of the great disad-
vantages, / might almost say calamities
| to Aow from non acquisition, that ! be-
lieve Tire subject has only to be inyesti-
gated to be approved.
THE MEXICAN QUESTION.
I 1t is to be regretted that our represen-
tations in regard to the injuries effected
especially upon the revenues of the Uni
ted States, by the policy of the Mexican
government in exempting from import
duties large tract of its territory on
our borders have not only beer fruitless.
but that it is even proposed in that coun-
| try to extend the limits within which the
| privilege adverted TO has hitherto been
enjoyed. The expediency of taking in
to your serious consideration proper
means for countervalling the policy re
ferred to will, 1T is presumed, engage
your earnest attention. 1t is the obyi-
Gus interest, especially of neighberine
nations, to provide against injury to
those who may have committed high
crimes within their borders and who may
have sought refuge abroad. For this
purpose extradition treaties have been
concluded with several of the Central
American Republics and others are in
4 progress.
THE VENEZUELA CLAIMS.
The sense of Congress Is desired as
early as may te convenient upon the
proceedings of the commission on the
! claims against Venezuela, which are
j communicated in the messages of March
A, 1889, March 1,.1S70 and March 81
1870. 1t has not been deemed advisa
sfble to distribute any of the money which
has been received from that government,
until Congress shall have acted upon the
subject
1 THE CHINESE MASSACRE.
i The ,massacres of French and Russian
residents at Tein Tsin under circum.
. stances of great barbarity were suppos-
led by some to have been permediated
and to indicate a purpose among the
populace to- exterminate foreigners in
the Chinese Empire The evidence fails
Ito establish such. supposition bui
shows completely by the local author
1ities with the mob. The Government
at Pekin, however, seems to have beer
disposed to fulfill its treaty obligations
SO far as it was able to do so. Unfortu.
nately the news of the war between the
German States and France reached Chi.
Ina soon after the massacre. 1t would
'lappear that the popular mind became
possessed with the idea that this con
test extending to the Chinese waters,
would neutralize the Christian influence
and power and that the time was com
ling when the supersti.ious mass might
expel all foreigners and restore the Man
DARN influence. Anticipating trouble
4 from this cause, invited France and
4 North Germany to make an authorized
suspension of hostilities in the East
where they were temporarily suspended
! by act of the commanders; to act to,
/ gether for the future protection in China
of the lives and property Of Americans
and Europeans.
/ M THE SLAVE TRADE.
j Since the adjournment Of Congress
1.-THE ratification of the treaty with Great
Britain. for abolishing the mixed courts
for the suppression of the slave trade
has been exchanged. 1t is believed tina,
the slave trade is now confined to the
eastern coast of Africa, whence the
slaves are taken to the Arabian markets
/ The ratification of the Naturalization
Convention between Great Britain and
the United States, has also been exchan-
ged during the recess, and thus a long
standing dispute between the two gov
ernnents has heen settled in accordance
with the principles slwsss contended fol
i by the United States.
i oUR SoaruwnsrERN BOUNDARY.