Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-12-09


that fnrcli0nary as diplomatic representative.
IL was impossible, with self respect or with
iusg regard TO he dignity Of the country, to
permit Mr. Catacazy to continue to hold inter
course with the Government after his personal
abuse Of Government officials, and during his
persistent intercourse through various means
wiih the relations between the United States
and other p0wers. Ia accordance with any
wishes this Government has been relieved Of
fntLer intercourse with Mr. Catacazy, and the
management Of the Affairs Of the. Imperial Le-
cation bias passed itto the hands Of a gentle
man entirely understandable.
With Japan we continue to maintain inti-
mate relations. The Cabinet Of the Mikado
has. since the close Of the last session Of Con-
gresS. selected citizens Of the United States to
serve in offices Of importance in several depart
meuts Of Government. have reason to think
that this selection is due to 40 appreciation Of
the Observation-Disclosures Of the policy which the
United States have pursued towards Japan
Il IS our desire 10 continue to maintain the
Cisinterested and just policy with China as well
rs Japan. TIE correspondence transmitted
herewith shows that there Is no disposition on
the Fart Of this government to swerve from Its
established course.
Prompted 10y a desire 10 put an end to the
barbarous treatment -four shipwrecked sailors
on the ocean coast. I instructed our Minister
at Pekiu 10 epdeavor to conclude convention
with Corca for securing the safety and humane
treatment Of such mariners Admiral Rodgers
was instructed to accompany him with a sui-
fcient force to protect him in case Of need
A small surveying party sent out on reaching
the coas; was treacherously attacked at dis
advantage. Ample opportunity was given
for explanation aud apology for the insult, but
neither came, aud a force was then landed
After an. ardnous march over rugged and
difficult country, the forts from which the out
RACES had been committed were reduced by 4
gallant assault, and were destroyed Having
thus punished the criminals, and having vindi-
Gated the honor Of the flag, the expedition re-
turned, finding it impracticable. under the
circumstances, TO conclude the desired conyen-
ton.
l respectfully refer to the correspondence
relating thereto. herewith submitted, and leave
tie subject for such action as Congress may
see fit take.
The Republic Of Mexico has not yet repeal
cd the very Objectionable law establishing
what is known rs the Free Zone on the from
tier Of the United States.
It's hoped that this may yet be done, and
also that more stringent measures may be TAX
en- by that Republic for restraining lawless
persons on lis frontiers hope that Mexico,
by Its own action, viii soon relieve this Gov
eminent Of tie difficulties experienced from
these causes.
Our relations with the various republics Of
Central aud South America continue, with one
exception, to be cordial and friendly.
l recommend some action by Congress re-
garding the over due inStalmentS under the
award Of the Venezuela Claims Commissions
Of 1866. The internal dissentionS of this Gov
erument present no Justification for the alb
Scuce of these efforts 20 meet their solemn treaty
Obligations.
The ratification ofan extradition treaty with
Nicaragua has been exchanged.
Il is . subject for cougratuation that the
great Empire Of Brazil has taken the initiato-
~ step toward the abolition Of slavery.
Our relations with that Empire, always cor
dial, viii naturally be made more so by this
act 1t is not too much to hope that the Co
vcrument of Brazil may hereafter find it for
advance toward entire emancipation more
rapidly than The present act coutemplates.
The true prosperity and greatness Of ma
ton is 70 be found in the elevation and edu-
cation Of its laOorerS. 1t is q subject for re
erct that the reforms in this direction, which
were voluntarily promised by the statesmen Of
Spain have not been carried out in Its West
India Colonies.
The laws aud regulations for the apparent
abolition Of slavery in Cuba and Porto Rico,
leave most Of the laborers in bondage, with no
hope of release until their lives become bur-
den 10 tLeir employers
desire 20 direct your attention TO the fact
that citizens of the United States, or persons
claiming 90 be citizens Of the United States,
are large holders in foreign lands Of this species
Of property, forbidden by the fuudameutalaw
Of their alleged country
/ recommend 20 Congress to provide by
stringent legislation q suitable remedy against
the holding, owning or dealing in slaves, or
being interested in slave property in foreign
lands, either as owners, hirers or mortgages,
by citizens Of the United States.
Il is to be regretted that the disturbed con-
ditiou Of the Island Of Cuba continues to be a
source Of annoyance and of anxiety The ex-
isteuce Of a protracted struggle 10 such close
proximity 20 our own territory, without appar-
ent prospect of an early termination cannot be
other than an object Of concern to people who,
while abStaining from interference in the affairs
of other Powers, naturally desire to see every
country In theuudisturGed enjoyment Of peace,
liberty aud the blessings Of free Institutions
Our naval commanders in Cuban waters have
teen instructed, IN case il should become ne
ccssary. 10 spare no effort 10 protect the lives
and property Of bona ide American citizens,
and % maintain the dignity Of the flag. 1t is
hoped that all pending questions with Spain,
growing out Of the affairs in Cuba, may be ad-
iustcd Ia tie spuit Of peace and Cancellation,
which has hitherto guided the TWO Powers in
their treatment II such questions.
To give Importance and to add to the ell
cCuCyU i oar diplomatic relations with Japan
lad China, and 90 further aid in retaining the
good opinion Of those peoples and to secure to |
The United states It's share Of the commerce /
destined to flow between those nations and the
balance Of the commercial world, | earnestly
that an appropriation be made to
seaport al least llUT American youths in each
't iLoSe Countries 90 serve as pant Of the offi-
-ial family OF our Ministers there. Our repTe- |
sentatiycs would net even then be placed upon I
ln equality with the representatives. Of Great I
Britain and some other Powers.
As now situated our representatives in Ja- /
pan aud China nave TO depend for interpreters /
md trauslators upon natives of those countries /
who know our language imperfectly, or pro- /
'Uis Tor the occasion the services OF employees /