The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1871-12-12

SESSION, nuuc an appropriation lOf tne Or
ganization of "A mixed Commission for adj
Indicating upon claims of citizens of the
United States against Spain, growing out
Of the instruction in Cuba That Com
mission has since been organized. trans
init herewith the correspondence relating
to its formation and its jurisdiction. 1t is
to be hoped that this Commission will af-
ford the claimants complete remedy for
their injuries.
1t has been the agreeable duty Of the
United States to preside over Confer
encc at Washington between the Plcnipo-
tcntiarics of Spain and the allied South
American Republics, which has resulted
in an armistice, with the reasonable as
surance of permanent peace.
The intimate friendly relations which
have SO long existed between the United
States and Russia continue undisturbed.
The visit Of tho third son Of the Emperor
is a proof that there is no desire on the
part OF his government, to diminish the
cordality of those relations. Tho hospita-
Bile reception which has been given to the
Grand Duke is proof that on our side,
we share the wishes of that Government
The incxcusrblc course of the Russian
Minister at Washington renders it necccs.
airy to ask his recall, and to decline to
longer receive that functionary as diplo.
matte representative. It was impossible
with self respect. or with just regard, to
the dignity of the country, to permit Mr.
Catacazy to continue to hold intercourse
with this government, after his personal
abuse of government officials and during
his persistent Interference, through vari.
GUS means, with the relations between the
United States and other powers. In ac-
cordance with my wishes this government
has been relieved Of further intercours Sc
with Mr.. Catacazy, aad the management Of
the affairs Of the Imperial Legation has
passed into the hands Of gentleman en-
tirely unobjcctionable.
With Japan We continue to maintain
intimate relations. The Cabinet of the
Mikado has, since the last session of Con.
gress, selected citizens of the United
States to serve in offices of Importance in
several departments Of that Government.
have reason to think that this selection
is due to an appreciation of the disinter-
estedness of the policy which the United
States have pursued towards Japan.
1t is our desire to continue to maintain
this disinterested and just policy with
China as well as Japan. The correspond
ence transmitted herewith shows that there
is no disposition on the part of this Gov
eminent to swerve from its established
course. Prompted by desire to put an
end to the barbarous treatment of our
shipwrecked seamen on the Corean coast,
| instructed our Minister at Pekin to en-
deavor to conclude convention with Go.
rea for securing the safety and humane
treatment of such mariners. Admiral
Rodgers was instructed to accompany him
with a sufficient force to protect him in a
case of need. A small surveying party
was sent out, and on reaching the coast
was treachcrously attacked at disadvan.
tage. Ample opportunity was given for
an explanation and apology for the insult.
Neither came. A force was then landed
and after an arduous march over rugged
and difficult country, the forces from which
the outrage had been committed were re.
duccd by gallant assault and were do.
stroycd, Having thus punished the Grim.
inals and having indicated the honor of
the flag, the expedition returned, finding
it impracticable, under the circumstances,
to conclude the desired convention. l
respectfully refer to the correspondence
relating thereto herewith submitted, and
leave the subject for such action as Con-
gross may 500 fit 70. .olvA,,v uas no. yet
repealed the very Objectionable laws es-
tablishing what is known as the Free
IONA" on the frontier of the United
States. 1t is hoped this may yet be done,
and also that more stringent measures may
be taken by that Republic for restraining
lawlcss persons on Its frontiers. hope
that Mexico, by its own good action, will
soon relieve this Government of the diff .
cultics experienced from these causes.
Our relations with the various repub-
lies Of Central and South American con.
tinue, with one cxception,to be cordial and
friendly. recommend some action by
Congress regarding the overdue install.
ments under the award of the Vcnzuca
Claims Commission of 1866. The inter.
nal disscentions Of that country present
no justification for the absence of an effort
to meet their solemn treaty obligations
The ratification Of an extradition treaty
with Nicaragua has been exchanged.
1t is subject for congratulation that
the great empire of Brazil has taken the
initiatory steps toward the abolitian of
slavery, Our relations with that empire
always cordial, will naturally be made so
by this act 1t is not too much to hope
that the Government of Brazil may here
after find it for its interest as well as in
trinsically right to advance toward eman-
cipation more rapidly than the present act
contemplates. The true prosperity and
greatness of a nation is to be found in the
elevation and education of its laborers.
1t is a subject for regret that the re.
forms in this direction, which were volun-
tarily promised by the statesmen of Spain
have not been carried out in its West In
dia 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 re-
lease until their lives become burden to
their employers.
| desire your attention to the fact that
citizens Of the United States, or persons
claiming to be citizens of the United
States, are largely holders in foreign lands
of this species 0fproperty forbidden by the
fundamental laws Of their alleged coun.
try. | recommend to Congress to pro-
vide by stringent legislation a 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