White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1871-12-14

tantly assaulted, and were destroyed. Having
thus punished the criminals, and having yiudica-
ted the honor Of the flag the expedition returned
Finding it impracticabe under the circumstances
to conclude the desired convention, respectful
ly refer to the correspondence relating thereto,
herewith snbmitted, and leave the subject for
such action as Congress may see fit to take.
The republic Of Mexico has not yet repealed the
very objectionable law establishing what is known
as the free zone ON the frontier of the United
| States II is hoPed that this may yet be done
and also that incrr stringent measures may be
taken by that republic for restraining lawless per-
SONS On its frontiers. l hope that Mexico, by its
own action will soon relieve this government of
the difficulties experienced from these causes
| Our relations with the various republics Of
Central and South America continue, with one
exception, to be cordial and friendly. l recon-
mend some action by Congress regarding the
overdue installment uLdcr the award of the Ven-
zuela Claims Commission of 1866. The internal
dissensions of this government present no justif-
cation for the absence Of effort to meet their sol
emn treaty obligations.
The ratification of an extradti0n treaty with
Nicaragua has been exchanged
1t is subject for cODgratulation that the great
empire Of Brazil has taken the initiatory steps to-
wards the abolition of slavery. Our relations
| with that empire. always cordial, will naturally
be made more SO by this act. II is not too much
| To hope that the government of Brazil may here
after find it for its interest, as well intrinsical
| ly right, to advance toward entire emancipation
The true prosperity and greatness of anaton is
to be fo'iid in the elevation and education of its
laborers.
| 1t is a subject for regret that the reforms in
| this direction which were voluntarily promised
| by the statesmen Of Spain have not been carried
out III its West IBd:a colonies. The laws and reg
ulations for the apparent abolition of slavery i'll
Cuba and Porto Rico leave most of the laborers in
bondage, with no hope of release until their lives
| become q burden TO their employer. l desire to
tn fLe hat eft
OF the United States large holders in foreign
lands, of this species Of property, forbidden b.
the fundamental law Of their adopted country. l
recommend TO Congress to provide, by stringent
legislation, suitable remedy against the holding,
owning or dealing in slaves, or being interested
in slave property in f'rcisn lands, either own
ers hiress or mortgasorS, by persons Of the Uni
tOn of the island of Cuba continues to be source
of annoyance and of anxiety The existence of
such prOtracted struggle in such close proximi-
fy t9 our own territory, without apparent pros
pect of an early termination, can not be other
than an object of concern to people who while
alrstaing from interference in the affairs of 9th
| empowers, naturally desire to zee every country
in the unlisturbed enjoyment of peace, liberty,
and the blt ssing of free institutions.
Our naval commanders in Cuban waters have
been instructed, in it shonld become necessa-
ry, to spare enrt to protect the lives and prop
crty of bona fide American citizens and to main
tain the dignity Of the flag. 1t il hoped that all
pending questions with Spain growing ont of the
| affairs OF Cuba may be adjusted in the spirit of
peace and conciliation which has hitherto guided
the two powers in their treatment of such ques-
| tOns.
To give Importance and to add to the efficiency
OF our diplomatic relations with Japan and China,
and TO further retain sthe good opinion of those
people, and to secure to the United States its
share of the commerce destined to flow between
those nations and the balance of the commercial