The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1871-12-16

able under the circumstances, to constitute the de
sired convention.
] respectfully offer the correspondence relating
thereto Herewith submitted, and~leave the subject
for such action as Congress may see fit to take.
Relations with Mexico and South
America.
The Republic of Mexico has not yet repealed the
very Objectionable law establishing what is known as
the Frozen Zone, the frontier of the United States
1t is hoped that this yet be done also that moro
stringent measures may be taken by that republic
for restraining lawless persons on the frontier. l
hope that Mexico by its action will soon relieve
the government of tho difficulties experienced from
these causes. Our relations with the various repub-
lies of Central and South America, continue, with
one exception, to be cordial and friendly. recon-
mend action by Congress regarding the overdue
nstallments under the award of Venezuelan claim
commission in 1866.
The internal Discussions of this government
sent justification for the absence of effort to make
their solemn treaty Obligation. The ratification of
an eAiradition treaty with Nicaragua has been ex-
changed.
Enanci patinn in Brazil.
1t is subject for eongratulation that the great
empire of Brazil has taken the initiatory steps to-
ward the abolition ofslavery. Our relations with that
empire, always cordial will naturally be more by
this act 1t is not too much to hope that the gov
eminent of Brazil may hereafter find it for its in
terest, well as ntrinscally right, to advance to-
ward entire emancipation more rapidly than the
present act contempates. Its true prosperity and
greatness nation are to be found in the eleva-
ton of its iaborers.
slavery i'm Spanish Colonies.
1t is subject of regret that the reforms in this
direction, which were voluntarily promised by the
statesmen of Spain, have not been carried out In
its West Indian colonies. The laws and regula-
tions for the apparent abolition of slavery IN Cuba
and Porto Rico have left the laborers in bondage
with no hopes of release until their lives become
burden to their employers.
Americans Owning Slaves.
desire to attract your attention to the fact that
the citizens of the United States large holders
in foreign lands of this species of property forbid
den by the fundamental law of their alleged country
recommend Congress to provide, by stringent leg
| lslation, suitable remedy against the holding,
slave property on foreign lands either as owners,
hirers, or mortgagers of the United States.
| Cuba.
1t is to be regretted that the disturbance in the
| island of Cuba continues to be source Of annoy
once and anxiety The existence of protracted
| struggle in such close proximity 10 our own coun-
try, without apparent prospect of an early terni-
nation. cannot but be other than an object of con
Germ TO people who, while abstaining from inter
ference in the affairs of other powers naturally de-
sire to see every country in the undisturbed enjoy
ment Of liberty aud the blessings of free iusitu-
tons
Our naval commanders in Cuban waters have been
instructed, III 1t should be necessary to spare
no effort to protect the lives and property of BONA
fde American citizens, and to maintain the dignity
OF the dag. 1t is hoped that all pending questions
with Spain, growing out of the affairs Cuba. may
be adjusted in the spirit of peace and concord which
has hitherto guided the two powers the treatment
of such questions
Diplomatic KoIaIions with china and
Japan
To give importance and to add to the efficiency
OF our diplomatic relations with Japan and China
and to further in retaining the good opinion of
those people and to to the United States its
| share OF the commerce destined to flow between
these nations and the balance OF the CONNER
cial world, | earnestly recommend that an appro-
pralIon be made to support, at least, four Ameri-
can youths IN each of these countries 10 in
the official family of our minister there Oar rep
resentatlye would then be placed on an equa ity
with the representatives, of Great Britain, and sew
eral other powers. As now situated, our repre-
sentatlyes IN China and Japan h ave 10 depend for
| interpreters and trHnslatore upon the natives Of
these countries, who know cur language imper-
fect!y or procure for the occasion the services Of
employees of foreign business houses or the inter
prefers to either foreign ministers.
Pacific steamship Lines
I would also recommend liberal measures for the
purpose of aiding the American line OF steamers
now plying between San Francisco and Japan and
China, and the Australian lines, as most our only
remaining lines OF ocean steamers. and of increas-
ing enelf service.
The National Debt.
The national deLt has been reduced to the extent
of SS6 051, 80 during the year. and by the nego-
atious OF national bonds at lower rate OF interest
the interest OF the public debt has been 80 far di-
minished That the sum to be raised for interest
March, 1859.
1t was ighly desirable that this rapid aimippt,on
should take place. both 10 strengthen the credit OF
the country and to convince its citizens of their en-
tire ability to meet every dollar of liability without
bankruptcy; but III view of the. ACCOMPLISHMENT of
! these desirable ends of the rapid DEVELOPMENT of
the resources OF the country, and its increasing abi-
ity to meet the large demands and the amount al
ready paid it is not desirable that the present. re-
sources of the country shouid continue to be taxed
in order to continue this rapid payment. therefore
recommend the Modification az 10th tafih IN
| tetrai tax laws.
Gold and the Currency.
! Continued fiuctuation III the value OF gold, com
pared with the national currency, hes most dam
aging effect upon the increase aud development of
the country in Keeping up prices Of all the articles
necessary in every day life; it fosters a spirit of
gambling prejudicial alike to national morals aud
TO national finances. II the question can be met
az to how to set q fixed Fas to oui currency that
| value constantly and uniformly approaching par
with specie, very desirable object win be gained
TIE Army
For tho operations of the army in the past wear
the expense Of maintaining, estimates for the ensu,
ing year, and for continuing sea coast and other
improvements conducted under srpervision Of The
War Department. refer YOU to the ACCOMPANYING
report Of the Secretary of War.
ball your attention to the provisions the act of
Congress, approved March I'd, 1862 which discon-
tinues promotions in staff CORPS of the army until
provided for by law. recommend that the number
of officers in each grade Of staff coris be fixed and
that whenever the number in srY ono grada faIIs
below the number Fixed, that vacancy may IN FIJI.
ed by promotion from tie Efrde below
also recommend that when the Office of chief of
corps becomes vacant, the place may be flied by
seiectlcn from the corps in which the vacancy ex-
iss The report OF The Secretary of the NAVY shows
Improvement IN the navy, and efficiency of the naval
iofce without material increase in the expense of
supporting it. This is due to the policy which has
been adopted and is being extended as fast as orr
material viii admit, of using smaller vessels as
cruisers on the several Stations BY these means we
have been able to occupy Mt once larger extent of
cruising ground to visit frequently the poss
where the presence OF our flag is desirable and GEN
orally to discharge efficiently the aJpropriate
duties of the navy in time of peace. without exceed
ing the number OF men or the expenditures author
| lied Fy law.
| During the past year, the navy hae in addition
to its regular service supplied the and officers
and the vessels Of the coast survey. and has com
| peted the surveys authorized by Congress of rho
like authority has sent out expedition completely
furnished and equipped to explore the unknown
ocean of the North
! The suggestions as to the necessity for in
| and the plan recommended for reducing tho per-
sonnel Of the service TO peace standing by the
gradual abolition CT certain grades us officers and
| reduction Of others, and the employment of some
in tie service of the commercial marine are vel
considered, and deserve the attention of Congress
! also recommend that all promotions in the navy
above the rank of captan be made by selection in
stead OF seniority This course will secure in the
higher grades greater efficiency and hold out an in
centiye to our officers to improve themselves in the
knowledge of their profession.
The present cost of maintaining the navy and its
cost compared with that of preceding years and es-
Inmates Tor the ensuing year, contained in the
| accompanying report of the Secretary of the Navy
1lae Post Gfice.
The enlarged receipts of the Post ONCE Depart
ment, as shown by the accompanying report of the
Postmaster General, exhibits gratifying increase
in that branch OF the public it is the order
of the growth Of the education and the pros periy
! OF the pc pie, two clements highly conducive To
the vgor and stability of republics, with a vast
territory like ours. much of it sparsey populated,
hut all requiring the services OF the mail 1t is not