The avant courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1871-1872, 1871-12-14
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
AZ tAs Senate and House Of Representatives.


In addressing my third annual message to
the law making branch OF the government,
II 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 inquire into the wisdom Of. the laws already
enacted, but to learn their special intent and
to enforce them accordingly. The past year
has, under a wise Providence, been one Of
general prosperity to the nation. It has,
however, been attended with more than usual
chastisements in the loss of life and property
By storm and fire. These disasters have
served to call forth the best elements Of hui
man nature in our country, and to develop a
friendship for us on the part of foreign na-
tions, which goes far towards alleyiating the,
distress occasioned by the calamities.s The.
benevolent who have SO generously shared
their means with the victims Of these misfor-
tunes will reap their reward in the conscious
ness OF having performed noble act, and in
receiving the grateful thanks of men, women
and children, whose sufferings they have re-
ieved.
sl OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS. =
The relations of the United States with fol.
eign powers continue to be friendly. The
year has been an eventfal one. in witnessing
two great nations speaking one language and
having one lineage, settled by peaceful arbi-
tration disputes OF long standing, and liable
at any time to bring these nations into hostile
conflict. An example has thus been set
which, ii successful 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
broadsWord. transmit herewith copy. of
the treaty alluded to, which has been con-
cIuded since the adjournment of Congress
with Her Britanic Majesty, and 4 copy Of the
protocols of the conferences of the Commits
sioners, by whom it was negotiated. This
treaty provides the methods for adjusting the
questions pending between the two nations.
Various queitiens are to be adjusted by arbi-
tration. RECOMMENDED Congress at an early
day to make the necessary provision for the
tribunal at Geneva, and for the several COM
missions 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 arbi-
traitor for the tribunal at Geneva. I have
caused nv thanks to be suitably expressed for
the readiness with which the joint request has
been complied with by the appointments of
gentlemen Of eminence and learning to the
important positions. His Majesty, the En-
peror of Germany, has been pleased to COM
ply with the joint wish of the two govern-
ments, and has consented to act as the arbi-
traitor OF the disputed water boundary between
the United States and Great Britain. The.
contracting parties in the treaty have under
taken to regard as between themselves certain
principles of public law, for which the United
States have contended from the commence
meut of their history. They have also agreed
to bring these principles to the knowledge Of
the other maritime powers, and to invite them
to accede to them. Negotiations are going
on as to the form of the note by which the
Invitation is to be extended to the powers.
THE FISHERIES. .
I recommend the legislation necessary on
the part of the United States to bring into
operation the articles of the treaty relating
to the fisheries. and to the other matters
touching the relations of the United States
towards 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 possessions. 1t is much
to be desired that this legislation may become
operative before the fishermen of the Uniied
States begin to make their arrangements for
the coming season.
INLAND, LAKE AND CANAL NAVIGATION.
j have addressed a communication, OF
which copy is transmitted herewith, to the
Governors of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin,
urging upon the governments OF these States,
respectively. the necessary action on their
part, to carry into effect the object of the ar
ticle Of the treaty which contemplated 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 fnnaDlEaHlS 0I DUbii GUuAoi ioS' - =
hoped that the Importance of the object, and
the benefits to dow therefrom, will secure the
speedy approval and legislative sanction Of
the States concerned.
BOUNDARY LINE.
i renew the Recommendation Tor an appro-
priation for determining the true position of
the 49th 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 ard the summit
of the Rocky Mountains. The early action
Of Congress lii the recommendation named
would put it in the power Of the War De
partment to place q force il the field during
the next summer.
COMPLIMENT 10 MINISTER WAsHBuRN.
The resumption Of diplomatic relations Pc
tween France and Germany has enabled me
to give directions for the withdrawal i. q 'e the
protection extended to Germans IN france,
III the diplomatic and consular representa-
lives of the United States in that country. y
isiust to add that the delicate duty of this pro.
lection has been performed by the Minister
and Consulate at Paris, and the various Cor
suls ID france under the supervision a tne
latter. with great kindness, as well as Win
ereat prudence and tact. Their course mas
&. AcA ~ sl4s ~. A.-e1