The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1870-12-09

'uDW lTOH l0G acquisition Ol San DO-
m lingo, and of the great disadvantages,
l might also say calamities, to flow
from non. acquisition, that l believe the
subject has only to be investigated to
be approved.
1t is TO be regretted that our repre-
sentations, in regard to the injurious
effects, especially upon the revenue of
the United States, of the policy of the
Mexican government in exempting
from import duties large tract of its
territory on our borders, have not only
been fruitless but that it is even pro-
posed in that country to extend the
verted to has been enjoyed. The eX-
pediency of taking into your serious
| consideration proper measures for coun-
tervailing the policy referred to will, it
is presumed, engage your earnest at
| tention. 1t is the obvious interest, es-
| pecially Of neighboring nations, to pro-
vide against impunity to those who
may have committed highway crimes
within these borders and who may have
sought refuge abroad. For this pur-
pose eXtradition treaties have been con-
cluded with several of the Central
American republics and others are in
| progress.
The sense of Congress IS desired as
early as may be convenient upon the
proceedings of the commission of claims
against Venezuela as communicated in
my messages of March 1G, 1863, March
/, 1870, and March 81, 1870. 1t has not
been deemed advisable to distribute any
of the money which has been received
from that government until Congress
shall have acted upon the subject.
| The massacre OF French and Russian
residents at Tien.Tsin, under circum.
stances of great barbarity, were suppos-
ed by some to have been premeditated
and to indicate a purpose among the
popuace to eXterminate all foreigners
in the Chinese empire. The evidence
1, fails to establish such suppOsition, but
! shows a completely between the local
authorities and the mob. The govern
ment at Pekin, however, seems to have
been disposed TO fulfil his treaty obliga.
tions so far as it was able to do so. Un.
fortunately the news the war between
the German states and France reached
China soon after the massacre. 1t would
appear that the popular mind became
possessed with the idea that if this con-
test extended to Chinese waters it would
neutralize the Christian influence and
power, and that the time was coming
when the superstitious masses might
expel all foreigners and restore manda-
rim influence. Anticipating trouble
from this cause. | invited France and
Northern Germany to make an author
lied suspension of hostilities in the
East, where they were temporarily sus.
pended by act of the concordant, and
they agreed to act together for the fu-
ture protection in China of the lives and
properties of Americans and Europe
ans.
Since the adjournment of Congress the
ratification OF the treaty with Great
Britain for abolishing the mixed courts
and for thesuppression of the slave trade
has been exchanged. 1t is believed
that the slave trade is now confined to
the eastern coast of Africa, whence the
, slaves are taken to Arabian markets.
The ratification of the naturalization
convention between Great Britain and
the United States has also been eX-
changed during the recess, and thus a
long standing dispute between the two
governments has been settled in accord
ance with the principles always con.
tended for by the United States.
In April last, while engaged in locat-
ing a military reservation near Penn
bina, corps of engineers discovered
that the commonly received boundary
line between the United States and the
British possessions at that place, is
about forty-seven hundred feet south of
the true position of the fOrty-ninth par.
allel. That the line when run on what
is now supposed to be the true position
ofthat paraIleI would leave mart of the
Hudson Bay company at Pembina.
within the territory of theJJnited States
This information beirg communicated
, to the British Government. | was re.
nuested to consent and did consent tina f
. the British oocunatiOn of ihe fort of the
Hudson Bav comuony should continue
for the nreScnt. I deem if important.
however. that this mart of The bonn,
. darv line sbould he definitely fixed hy
Joint commission of tho two govern
mSnts. and submit herewith estimates
of eynense of such a commission on
tbo mart of tbe Tinted States and roc.
ommend that an ennronriation he mada
for that nurnose me Land boundary
has already hern fiyed and marx ed
from tho SHmm II IF Tho Roclyy NOM.
tainS to the Gooroion base If shouId
now he in like manner marked from
tha T.alya or tho Woods to thn summit
of tbn ROCKY mountains
rpgret tn snv that no conclusion has
, hean reachnd GGr Tho adinsfment Of the
, claims aoainst Great Britain growing
ont of the course adonted hv FIAT GOV
ernment during the rebellion. The cab
, met ot L,ondon7 as its views have been
expressed. does nor appear TO he willing
, 10 concede that her naiestv,s govern.
ment was quilty of any ncrligence or
did or permitted anv act during the war
bv which The United States has lust
c9mnIaint Our firm and unaIterable
convictions are directly the reverse. /
therefore recommend to Congress- to au.
thorize the appointment of a commits
sion to take proof of the amounts and
the ownership of these several claims
on notice to the representative of her
majesty at Washington. and that au-
thority be given for the settlement of
! that the povernment shall have the
! ownership of the nriyatr claims as we'll
rs the responsible control Of ali the de.
, mands AGAINST Great britain If can
not he nocesSarv 10 adj that whaneypr