The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1871-12-12
M(ibbltburp 2tgister
TIE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
WASHINGTON, ID. G. Dec. !, 1871,
REVIEW OF THE YEAR.

o me ,OeNUte UUU fIOttSc " IeDFCStH-
tatires: In addressing my third annual
Message to the lawmaking branch of the
Government, it is gratifying to be able to
state that during the past year success
has generally attended the effort to exc
cute all laws found upon the statute books.
The policy has been, not to inquire into
the wisdom of the laws already enacted,
but to learn their spirit and intent, and
to enforce them accordingly.
The past year has, under wise Provi-
dence, been one Of general prosperity to
the nation. 1t has, however, been attend
ed with more than usual chastisement in
the loss Of life and property by storm and
fire. These disasters have served to call
forth the best elements of human nature
in our country, and to developc friend
ship for us on the part Of foreign nations
which goes far towards alternating the
distresses occasioned by the elements.
The benevolent, who have so generously
shared their means with the victims Of
these msfortuncs, will have their reward
in the consciousness Of having performed
noble act, and in receiving the grateful
thanks of men, women and children whose
sufferings they have relieved.
The relations of the United States with
foreign powers continue to be friendly.
The year has been an cventful one in wit
Messing two great nations, speaking one
language and having one lineage, settling
by peaceful arbitration disputes Of long
standing, liable at auy time to bring those
nations into bloody and hostile conflict.
An example has been set, which, if sue
cessful in its final issue, may be followed
by other civilized nations, and be the
means of finally returning to productive
industry millions of men now maintained
to settle the disputes of nations by the
bayonet and the broadsword.
| transmit herewith copy of the trea.
ty alluded to, which has been concluded
since the adjournment of Congress, with
Her Britannia Majesty, and copy OF the
protocols of the conferences of the Com
missioners by whom it was negotiated.
The treaty provides methods for adjusting
the various questions are to be adjusted
by arbitration.
recommend Congress at an early day
to make the necessary provision for the
tribunal at Geneva, and for the several
commissions on the part of the United
States called for by the treaty. His Ma
jesty the King of Italy, the President of
the Swiss Confederation, and His Majesty
the Emperor of Brazil, have consented ,on
the joint request of the two powers, to
name an arbitrator for the tribunal at
Geneva. have caused my thanks to be
suitably expressed for the readiness with
which the joint request has been complied
with by the appointment Of gentlemen Of
eminence and learning to these important
positions. His Majesty the Emperor Of
Germany has been pleased to comply with
the Joint commission Of the two Govern.
ments, and has consented to act as the ar
bitrator of the disputed water-boundary
between the United States and Great
Britain. The contracting parties in the
Treaty have undertaken to regard, as be.
tween themselves, certain principles Of
public law, for which they have contend
ed from the commencement of their his
tory. They have also agreed to bring
these principles to tic knowledge of the
other maratime powers and to invite them
to accede to them. Negotiations are 20.
ing on as to the form Of the note, by
which the invitation is to be extended to
the other powers.
vn tnv part OF the United States 10 bring
into operation the articles of the Treaty
relating to the fisheries, and to other mat
tiers touching the relations of the United
States toward the British North Amori.
can possessions, to become operative as
soon as the proper legislation should be
had on the part of Great Britain and its
possessions.
1t is much to be desired that this lcgs-
lation may become cooperative before
the fishermen of the United States begin
to make their arrangements for the com
ing season.
| have addressed communication, of
which copy is transmitted herewith, to
the Governors of New York, Pcnnsylva-
MIA, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and
Wisconsin, urging upon the Governments
Of those States respectively the necessary
action on their part to carry into effect
the object Of that article Of the treaty
which contemplates the Use of the canals
on either side connected with the naviga.
ton Of the lakes and rivers forming the
boundary on terms Of equity by the in.
habitants of both countries. 1t is hoped
that the Importance of the object and the
benefits to flow thercfrom will secure the
speedy approval and legislative sanction
OF the States concerned.
renew the recommend alton for an ap-
preparation for determining the true po-
sition Of the forty-ninth parallel oflatitude
where it forms the boundary between the
United States and the British North
American possessions. between the Lake
Of the Woods and the summit of the Rocky
Mountains. The early action Of Congress,
on this recommendation named would put
it in the power of the War Department
to place force in the field during the
next summer.
The resumption Of diplomatic relations
between France and Germany have en-
abled me to give directions for the with.
drawal of the protection extended to the
Germans in France by the Diplomatic and
Consular representatives of the United
States in that country. 1t is Just to add
that the delicate duty Of this protection
has been performed by the Minister and
the Consul General at Paris, and the va.
rious Consuls in France under the super.
vision of the latter, with great kindness
as well as with prudence and tact. This
course has received the commentator of
the German Government and has wound
ed no susceptibility of the French
The government of the Emperor of
Germany continues to manifest a friendly
feeling toward the United States, and a
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