Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1871-12-14
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Review of the affairs
of the ~ alton.
Our Relations with Foreign
Powers.
pOlYnAMY AND kU.KlUXISnf
THE WASHINGTON TREATY
pOLyGAMY AND kU.KlUXISNf
THE WASHINGTON TREATY

WASHINGTON. Dec, 4-The following
is the presidents message delivered to
Congress to-day, at noon:
To the Senate and House of Representatives ::
In addressing nv third annual message to
the law making branch of the Government, it
is gratifying TO be able to state that during
the past year success has generally attended
the efforts to execute all the laws found upon
the statute books. The policy has been not
to enquire into the wisdom Of laws already
enacted, but to learn their special intent and
enforce them accordingly.
The past year has, under wise Providence,
been one of general prosperity to the nation.
II has. however, been attended with more than
the usual chastisements in loss of life and
property by storm and fire. These disasters
have served to call forth the best elements of
human nature IN our country, and to develops
friendship for us on the part of foreign ma
tons, which goes far towards alleyiating the
distress occasioned by the calamities The be
uevoleut who have so generously shared their
means with the victims of these misfortunes
will reap their reward in the consciousness of
having performed noble act, and in receiving
the grateful thanks of the men, women and
children whose sutlerings they have relieved.
Foreign Relations.
The relations of the United States with for
eign powers continue TO be friendly. The year
has been an eventful one in witnessing two
great nations, speaking Que language, and
of one lineage settling, by peaceful arbitration,
disputes of long standing, and liable at any
time to bring these nations into bloodshed and
state of conflict
An example has thus been set which, if sue
Cessful in its final issue, may be followed by
other civilized nations, and be the final means
of returning to productive industry millions
of men maintained to settle the disputes of
nations by the bayonet and broad-sword.
The Washington Treaty.
Transmit herewith copy of the treaty al
luded to, which has been concluded since the
adjournment of Congress with Her Britannia
Majesty. and a copy of the protocols of the
conferences of the Commissioners by whom it
was negotiated.
This treaty provides methods for adjusting
the questions pending between the two ma
tons. Various questions are to be adjusted
by arbitration | recommend to Congress. at
an early day, TO make the necessary proyi-
siOns for the tribunal at Geneva, and for the
several commissioners on the part of the
United States called for by the treaty. His
Majesty the King of Italy, the President of the
Swiss Confederation, and His Majesty the
Emperor of Brazil, have each consented, on
the joint request of the two powers, to name
an arbitrator for the tribunal at Geneva.
| have caused my thanks to be suitably ex-
pressed for the readiness with which the Joint
request has been complied with by the APP
pointment of gentlemen of emnence and
learning to those important positions. His
Majesty, the Emperor of Germany. has been
pleased to comply with the joint request of
the two governments, and has consented to
act as the arbitrator of the disputed Costar
boundary between the United States and
Great Britain.
The controlling parties in the treaty have
undertaken to regard as settled, between them
aalt arta in M yIlll Ir lou fnr
which the United States have contended from
the commencement of their history. They
have also agreed TO bring these principles to
the knowledge of other maritime powers and
to invite them to accede to them. Negotia
tons are going on as to the form of the note
by which the invitation is to be extended to
the powers
recommend the legislation necessary on
the part of the United States to bring into
operation the articles in the treaty relating to
the fisheries, and to the other matters touch
ing the relations of the United States towards
the British American possessions, to become
operative as soon az the proper legislation
shall be had on the part of Great Britain and
It's possessions. 1t is much to be desired that
this legislation may become cooperative be-
fore the fishermen of the United States begin
to make their arrangements for the coming
season.
have addressed communication, of which
ors Of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana,
Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin, urging upon
the governors of those states, respectively the
necessity of activity on then part to carry into
effect the object of the article of the treaty,
which contemplates the use of the canals on
either side, connected with the navigation of
the lakes and rivers, forming the boundary,
IN terms of equity by the inhabitants of both
countries and it is hoped that the Importance
of the object, and the benefits TO flow there
from, viii secure the speedy approval of the
legislatures of the states concerned
The Northwestern boundary.
| renew the recommendation for an appro-
priation for determining the true position of
the 4Sth parallel of latitude. where it forms
the boundary between the United States and
the British North American possessions, be-
tween the Lake of the Woods and the summit
Of the Rocky Mountains. The early action of
Congress on the recommendation named,
would put in the power Of the War Depart
ment to place force In the field during the
next summer.
Protection of Germans in Paris.
The resumption of diplomatic relations be-
tween France and Germany have enabled me
20 give directions for the withdrawal of the
protection afforded to Germans in France by
the diplomatic and consular representatives OF
the United States in that country. 1t is Just
20 add that the delicate duty of this protection
Las been performed by the minister and con-
-llate in Paris, and the various consuls in
France under the supervision Of the
after. with great kindness well
As with prudence and tact. Their course has
received the commentator Of the German
government, and has wounded no suscepti-
t.lty Of the French. The government Of the
tmT er0r Of Germany continues to manifest
friendly feeling toward the United States, and
desire to harmonic with the moderate and
LIST policy which this government maintains
z rs relations with the Asiatic powers,a as well
with the South American Republic. ! have
sven assurance that the friendly feelings Of
tt government are fully shared by the