Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1870-12-24

cnts, with all Of whom the United States
are on terms of friendship, I declined, on
the part Of the Government, to take step
which could only result in injury to our
true interests, without advancing the object
for which our Intervention was invoked.
Should the TIME come when the action of
the United States can hasten the return Of
peace by single hour, that action will be
heartily taken.
NEUTRALITY.
I deemed it prudent, in view Of the mum.
bcr Of persons Of German aud French
birth living in the United States, to issue,
soon after the official notice of a state Of
war had been received from both belliger-
ents, proclamation defining the duties of
the United States as neutral, and the OBJ
legation Of persons residing within their
territory to observe their laws and the laws
of nations. The proclamation was followed
by others, as circumstances seemed to call
for them. The people, thus acquainted in
advance Of their duties and obligations,
have assisted in preventing violations Of
the neutrality laws Of the United States.
FRANCO GERMAN RELATIONS IN CHINA.
The massacre of French and Prussian
residents at Tientsin, under circumstances
of great barbarity, was supposed by some
to have been premcditated and to indicate
purpose among the populace to extcrmi-
nate foreigners in the Chinese Empire.
The evidence fails to establish such sup.
position, but shows completely between
the local authorities and the mob. The
government at Pekin, however, seems to
have been disposed to fulfil its treaty obli-
cations SO far as it was able to do so. Tn.
fortunately, the news of the war between
the German States and France reached
China soon after the massacre. 1t would
appear that the popular mind became pos
scssed with the idea that this contest, ex-
tending in Chinese waters, would neutral
ize the Christian influence and power, and
that the time was coming when the super
stitious mass might expel all foreigners
and restore Mandarin influence. Anticipat.
ing trouble, l invited France and North
Germany to make au authorized suspen.
sion of hostilities in the East, where they
were temporarily suspended by act Of the
commanders, and to act together for the
future protection in China, of the lives aud
property Of Americans aud Europeans.
AMERICAN.BRITIsHr TREATIES RATIFIED.
Since the adjournment Of Congress, tho
rati6cations Of the treaty with Great
Britain, for abolishiug the mixed courts
for the suppression of the slave trade, have
been exchanged. Il is believed that the
slave trade is confined to the eastern coast
of Africa, whence the slaves are taken to
Arabian markets. The rati6cations of the
naturalization convention between Great
Britain and the United States have also
exchanged during the recess, and thus
long standing dispute between the two
governments has been settled in accord
ance with the principles always contended
for by the United States.
NEW BOUNDARY QUESTION.
In April, while engaged in locating
military reservation at Pembina, q
corps of engineers discovered that the
commonly received boundary line between
the United States aud the British Posses.
sious at that place is about $500 feet south
of the true position of the zenith parallel,
would leave the fort Of the Hudson Bay
Company at Pembina within the territory
of the United States. This information
being communicated to the British Govern.
meut, was requested to consent, and did
consent, that the British occupation of the
fort Of the Hudson Bay Company should
continue for the present. l deem it i'm
portant, however, that this part Of the
boundary line should be definitely settled
by a commission Of the Governments, and
I submit herewith estimates of the expeus.
es Of such commission on the part Of the
United States, and recommend an oppro-
priation for that purpose. The land bound.
sry is already fixed and marked from the
summit of the Rocky Mountains to Geor.
gian Bay. 1t should now be in like man.
ner marked from the Lake of the Woods
to the summit Of the Rocky Mountains.
THE ALABAMA CLAIMS s
I regret TO cay no conclusion has been
reached for adjustment Of the claims agaiust
Great Britain, growing ont Of the course
adopted by that Government during the
rebellion. The Cabinet Of London, so far
a. its views have been expressed, does not
appear to be willing to concede that Her
Majesty's Government was guilty Of uegli-
gence, or did. or permitted any act during
the war by which the United States has
any just cause of complaint, Our firm and
unalterable convictions are directly the
reverse. l therefore recommend to Con.
gress to authorize the appointment of com-
missiouers to take proof of the amount and
ownership Of vessels. and their claims aud
that authority be given for the settlement
Of these claims by the United States. so the
Government shall have the ownership of
the private claims As we'll as the responsible
control of all demands against Great Britain
Whenever Her Majesty Government shall
entertain desire for full and friendly
adjustment Of these claims, the United
States will enter upon their consideration
with an earnest desire for conclusion CON-
sisteut with the honor and dignity of both