The weekly Oskaloosa herald. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Iowa) 1855-1885, 1871-12-07

the Free Zone on the frontier OF the
! United States. 1t is hoped that this
may yet be done, and also more
stringent measures taken by that
Republic restraining lawless persons
on Its frontier. | hope that Mexico
by Its own action will soon relieve
this government of this difficulty ex.
perienced from these causes.
VENEZUELA AND NICARAGUA, &C.
Our relations with val ious Repub-
lies in Central and South America
continue with one exception to be
cordial and friendly. l recommend
some action by Congress regarding
the overdue instalIments under
award of the Venezuela Claim Com.
mission of 1866. The internal dis,
sensions OF that government present
no justification OF the absence of eft
fort to meet their solemn treaty OBJ
legations. The ratification of the
extradition treaty with Nicaragua
has been exchanged.
BRAZIL AND EMANCIPATION-WE
INDIA SLAVES.
1t is a sub ect Tor cungratulation
that the great empire OF Brazil has
taken the initialOry steps towards
the abolition of slavery. Our lela-
tons with that Empire, always cor
dial, will naturally be made more so
by this act. 1t Is not too much to
hope that the government of Brazil
hnr nd INT
as well as intrlnsically right, to ad-
vance towards the entire emancipa-
ton more rapidly than the present
act cohtemplafes. Tho true pros
perity and greatness ola nation is
To be found IN the elevation and ed
ucatlon of It's laborers. II is sub
ject for regret that the reforms III
tins direction, which were voluntari
ly promised by the statesmen of
Span, have not been carried out in
iLs West l"dlan Colonies. The laws
AID regulations for the apparent alb
clifton of slavery in Cuba and Porte
Rico, leave most OF the laborcrs III
bondage with ne hope Of release un-
I'll their lives become burden TO
their employ ers. | desire to call
your attention TO the fact that cIti-
zens of the United States are large
holders In foreign lands of this spe-
cies OF property forbidden by the
fundamental law Of their alleged
country. recommend to Congress
to provide by stringent legislation
a suitable remedy against the hold
ing, owning or dealing in slaves or
being interested in slave property
in foreign lands, either as owners,
hirers or mortgagers by persons Of
the United States.
CUBA.
1t is TO be regretted that the dis
turbed condition OF the Island of Gu
ba continues 10 be source of an
noyance aud anxiety. The exist.
ence Of a piotracted struggle in snch
close proximity to our own territory,
without apparent prospect OF an
earl y mnation, cannot be other
than all object of concern to a peo-
pie, who while abstaining from in-
reference in the affairs OF other pow.
ers, naturally desire to see every
cot ntry in the enjoyment of peace,
liberty, and the enjoyment of free III.
stitutlOns.
Our naval commanders in Cuban
waters have been instructed, in case
1t should become necessary, to spare
no effort TO protect the lives and
property of bona tide American citi
zens, and to maintain The dignity of
the flag
1t is hoped that all pending ques.
lions in Spain, growing out of the
affairs in Cuba, may be adjusted in
the spirit Of peace and Cancellation
which has hitherto guided the two
powers in the treatment of such
questions. To give Importance and
add efficiency to our diplomatic rela-
lions with Japan and Chill, and to
further retain the good opinion Of
those people, and to secure to the
United States its share of the COM
merce destined to flow between those
nations and the balance Of the COM
mercial world, earnestly recon-
mend that all appropriation be made
TO support at least four American
youths in each OF those countries to
serve as part of The official family of
our Ministers there. Our represep-
tatives would not even then be placed
upon an equality with the represen
tat.ves of Great Britain. Our rep.
resentatives in Japan and China have
to depend for interpreters and trans
lators upon natives ot,hose countries
who know our language but imper-
fectIy, or procure tor the occasion
the services OF employees in foreign
business houses, or the interpreters
to other foreign ministers.
| would also recommend liberal
measures tor supporting the line OF
steamers now plying between San
Francisco and Japan, and China,
and the Australian line, almost our
only rem aiming lines of Ocean steam
ers and increasing their service.
MATTERS OF FINANCE.
The national debt has been reduc
ed 10 the extent of eighty six mil
lions, fifty seven thousand, one hun
dred and twenty six dollars and
eighty cents during the year and
by the negotiation of the national
bonds at lower rate Of interest,",
the interest on the public debt has
been SO far Diminished that now the
sum to be raised for interest account
il nearly seventeen million dollars
less than on the LIST on March, 1869.
1t was highly desirable that this rap
id diminution should take place,
both to strengthen the credit OF the
country and to convince its citizens
of their entire ability to meet every
dollar of liability without bankrupt
ing them. But in view of the &C
complishment of these desirable ems
of the rapid development Of the re-
sources Ut the country, its increasing
ability to meet large demands, and
the amount already paid, 1t Is not de-
sirab!e that the present resources OF
the country should continue to be
taxed in order TO contiL ue their rapid
payment, therefore l recommend
modification of both the tariff and
internal laws. | would recommend
that all taxes from internal revenue
sources be abolished, except those
on spiriluous wines and malt liquors,
and tobacco in its various forms from
stamps.
REDUCTION OF TARIFF ADVISED.
In re-adjusting the tariff, suggest
that careful estimate be made Of
the amount of surplus revenue col
l.ctad under tho prespnt laws after