Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1871-12-23

their history. They have also agreed
to bring these principles to the knowl-
edge of the other maritime powers,
and invite them to accede to them ;
negotiations are going on as to the
form Of the note by which the invi-
tation is to be extended to the powers.
l recommend the legislation necessary
on the part OF the United States to
bring into operation tho articles OF
the treaty relating to the fisheries
and to the other matters touching the
relations Of the United States toward
the British North American posses
sions, to become operative AS soon as
the proper legislation shall be had on
the part of Great Britain and its pos
sessions. 1t is much to be desired
that this legislation may become op-
crativc before the fishermen of the
United States begin to make ar
rangements tor the coming season. l
have addressed communication, of
which copy is transmitted herewith,
to the Governors of New York, Penn
sylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan,
Illinois and Wisconsin, urging upon
the Governments Of these States re-
spectively, the necessary action on
their part to carry into effect the OBJ
iect of the articles Of the treaty
which contcmplatcs the use of the
canals on either side connected with
the navigation of the lakes and RI
vers, forming the boundary, in terms
of equity. b! the Inhabitants of both
countries. 1t is hoped that the i'm
portancc of the object and the benefits
to flow thcretron, will secure the
speedy approval and legislative sane
tion Of the States concerned.
TIE BOUNDARY LINE.
renew the recommendation for
an appropriation for determining the
true position of the forty-ninth paral-
lei Of latitude. where it forms the
boundary between the United States
and the British North American pos
sessions, between the Lake of the
Woods and the summit of the Rocky
Mountains. The early action of
Congress in the recommendation
named would put it in the power Of
the War Department to place force
in the field during the next summer.
DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS.
The resumption of diplomatic re
lations between France and Germany
has enabled me to give directions for
the withdrawal of the protection eX-
tended to the Germans in France. by
the Diplomatic and Consular repre-
sentatives of the United States in
that country. 1t is just to add that
the delicate duty Of this protection
has been performed by the Minister
and Consul at Paris and the various
Consnls in France, under the super
vision of the latter with great kind
ness AS well as with prudence and
tact. Their course has received the
commentator of the German Gov
rrnmcnt, aud has wounded no suscep-
tibilities ut the French.
The Government OF the Emperor
of Germany continues to manifest a
friendly feeling toward the United
States, and desire to harmonize
with the moderate and just policy
which Government maintains in its
relations with Asiatic powers, as well
as with the South American Repub-
lies. | have given assurance that the
friendly feelings of that Government
are fully shared by the United States.
The ratification OF the consular and
naturalization connection with Aus.
tria and Hungary have been ex-
changed.
have been officially informed of
the annexation of the States of the
Church to the Kingdom of Italy and
the removal of the capital Of that
Kingdom to Rome. In conformity
with the established policy of the
United States, l have recognized
this change. The ratification Of the
new treaty Of commerce between
the United States and Italy has been
exchanged. The two powers have
agreed in their treaty that property
at sea shall be exempt from capture
in case of war between the two pow
ers. The United States have spared
no opportunity OF Incorporating this
rule into the obligations of nations.
The forty first Congress. at it's third session,
made an appropriation for the organization of
Mixed Commission, for ndjudicating upon
tho claims of citizens of the United States
against Spain. growing out of the insurrec-
tion in Cuba. That Commission has since
been organized. transmit herewith the cor
respondencc relating to its formation and its
jurisdiction. 1t is to be hoped that this Com
mission will afford the claimants 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 Republics. which
has resulted in an armistice. with the reasona-
bic assurance of permanent peace.
The intimate friendly relations which have