Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-12-05
NO. 2s7.

United States against Spain, growing out of
the insurrection in Cuba. That commission
has since been organized. 1 transmit here
with the correspondence relating to its forma-
tion and its jurisdiction. 1t is to be hoped
that this commission will afford the claim
ants complete remedy for their injuries.
1t has been made the agreeable duty of the
United States to preside over conference at
Washington between the plenipotentiaries of
Spain and the allied South American Re-
publics with the reasonable assurance of q
permanent peace. The intimate, friendly re-
lations which have so long existed between
the United States sand Russia continue un-
disturbed. The visit Of the third son of the
Emperor is proof that there is no desire on
the part OF his government to diminish the
cordiality of those relations. The hospitable
reception which has been given to the Grand
Duke is proof that on our side we share the
wishes of that government. The inexcusable
course of the Russian Minister at Washington
has rendered it necessary to ask his recall,
| and to decline to longer receive that function
airy as diplomatic representative. 1t was
impossible with self respect, or with just
regard to the-dignity of the country, to per-
nit Mr.. Catacazy to continue to hold inter-
course with this government after his
personal abuse of government officials, and
during his persistent interference through
the United States and other powers.
In accordance with my wishes this govern
ment has been relieved of further intercourse
with Mr.. CatacaZy, and the management of
the affairs of the imperial legation has passed
into the hands of a gentleman entirely unob-
jectionable. With Japan we continue to main
tain intimate relations. The cabinet of the
Mikado has, since the close of the last ses-
sion of Congress, selected citizens of the
init to- 16Qn IS
in several departments Of that government. l
have reason to think this relation is due to an
appreciation of the disnterestedness of the
policy which the United States have preserved
towards Japan. 1t is our desire to continue
to maintain this disinterested and just policy
with China, as well as Japan. The cores
pondence transmitted herewith, shows that
there is no disposition on the part of this gov
ernment to swerve from its established course.
Prompted by desire to put an end to the
barbarous treatment of our shipwrecked sea-
men on the Corean coast, instructed our
Minister at Pekin to endeavor to conclude a
convention with Corea for securing the safe
ty and humane treatment of such mariners.
Admiral Rogers was instructed to accom-
pany him, with a sufficient force to protect
him in case of need. A surveying party was
sent out, and on reaching the coast was
treacherously attacked at disadvantage.
tion and apology for the insult. Neither came
A force was then landed, and after an ardu-
Gus march over rugged and difficult coun-
| try, the fortresses from which the outrage
had been committed were reduced BY q gal
liant assault and were destroyed. Having
thus punished the criminals, and having vim
dicated the honor of the flag, the expedition
returned, finding it impracticable under the
circumstances to conclude the desired con-
vention. l respectfully refer to the corres-
pondence relating thereto herewith submitted,
and leave the subject for such action as Con-
gress may see fit to take. The Republic of
Mexico has not yet repealed the very objec-
tionable laws establishing what is known as
the 'tree zeOna" on the frontier of the United
States. 1t is hoped that this may yet be
done, and also that more stringent measures
may be taken by that repnblic for restraining
lawless persons 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 rec
ommend some action by Congress regarding
over due instalments under the award of the
Venezuela Claims Commission Of 1866. The
i.ternal dissensions of this country present
no justification for the absence of an effort to
meet their solemn treaty obligations. The
ratification of an extradition with Nicarauga
has been exchanged. 1t is subject for con-
graduation that the great Empire of Brazil
has taken the initiatory steps towards the
abolition Of slavery. Our relations with that
Empire, always cordial, will naturally be
made more so by this ret. 1t is not too much
to hope that the government of Brazil may
hereafter find 1t for its interests, as well as
intrinsically right, to advance towards entire
emancipation more rapidly than the present
act contemplates. The true prosperity and
greatness of 4 nation is to be found in the ele-
yation and education of its labOrers. 1t isa
subject for regret that the reforms in this d.
recton, which were voluntarily promised by
the statesmen of Spain, have not been car
ried out in its West India colonies
The laws and 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
burden to their employers. l desire your at
tention to the fact that the citizens of the
United States, or persons claiming to be citi-
zens of the United States, are large holders
in foreign lands of this species of property,
forbidden by the fundamental laws Of their al
legged country. l recommend to Congress to
provide by stringent legislation a suitable
remedy against the holding owning, or deal
luS Ill SLAVES, oT UeiHe INTERESTED III save.
property, in foreign lands, either as owners,
or mortgages by citizens of the United States.
1t is to be regretted that the disturbed con-
dition of the Island of Cuba continues to be
a source of annoyance and Of anxiety. The
existence of a protracted struggle in such
close proximity to our own territory, without
any apparent prospect of an early termina-
ton, cannot be other than a subject of con-
cern to a people who, while abstaining from
interference in the affairs of other powers,
naturally desire to see every country in the
undisturbed enjoyment of peace, liberty, and
the blessings of free institutions. Our naval
commanders in Cuban waters have been in
structed, in case it should become necessary,
to spare no effort toprotect the lives and prop
erty of bona fde American citizens, and to
maintain the dignity of the flag. 1t is hoped
that all pending questions with Spain, grow
ing out of affairs in Cuba, may be adjusted in
the spirit of peace and Cancellation which has