The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-12-07

ting upon. ariairs Of cl.Z"as or the lfo'tad
States az ainl Sngil, gro-i'c out of the IT,
surreetion iii Clbs. That commission L.a
since been o~gsaized. transmit herewith
the correspondent .ting to its formation
and its Jurisdiction Il is to be hoped that
this Commiasl.n will afford the claimants ::
complete remedy for tn ir injuries It has
been made the agreeable duty Of the United
States to preside over conference at Wash
ington between the plenip otentiaries of Spain
and the allied South American Republic,
which has resultedsin an armistice with the
reasonable assurance of a permanent pcsce.
The intimate friendly relations which
have so long existed between the United
States and Russia continue undisturbod.-
The visit of the third son Of the Emperor IS
proof that there is no desire on the part Of
his government to diminish the cordially of
those relations. The bospitable reception
which has been given to the Grand Duke is
proof that Oh our side We share the wishes
of that government The inexcusable course
of the Russian minister ct Washington rem
dered it necessary to ask his recall, and to
decline to longer receive that functionary as
diplomatic representative. Il was impos-
sible, with self-respect or with just regard
to the dignity of the country, to permit Mr..
Catacazy to continue to hold intercourse
with this government after his personal
abuse of government officials, and during
bis persistent interference through various
means with the relations between the United
States and other Powers. In accordance
with my wishes, the government has been
relieved of further Intercourse with Mr..
| CatacaZy and the management of the affairs
of the Imperial legation has passed into the
hands of gentleman entirely unobjccliona.
be
| With Japan We continue to maintain ill.,
innate relations. The Cabinet Of the Mika-
do has, since the close of the last session Of
| Congress, selected citizens Of the United
States to serve in Offices of importance in
several departments of government have
reason to think that this selection is due to
an appreciation of tho disinterestedness of
the policy which the United States have
pursued towards Japan. 1t is our desire to
continue to maiDtain this disiuterested and
just policy With China as well as Japan
The correspondence transmitted herewith
shows that there is no disposition on the
! part OF this government to swerye from its
established course.
Prompted by a desire to put an end to
the bartarous treatment of our sbipwrecked
sailors on the Corean coast, instructed our
minister at Pekin to endeayor to conclude
convention with Corea for securing the safe
ty and humane treatment of such mariners.
Admiral Rodgers was instructed TO accom-
pany him with sufficient force to protect
him in case of need. A small surveying
party sent out, GU reaching the coast, was
treacterously attacked at disadvantage -
Ample opportunity was given for explana-
ton and apology for the insult Neither
came. A torce was then landed. After
an arduous march over rugged and diff
cult country the forts from which the out
RACES had been committed were reduced by
gallant assault and we're destroyed. Hav-
ing thus punished the minals, and having
vindicated the honor of the flag, the expeai-
ton returned. Finding it impracticable
under the circumstances to conclude the Dc.
sired convention, respectfully refer to the
corresf ondence relating thereto herewith
submitted. and leave the subject for such
action as Congress may see Git to take.
The Republic of Mexico has not yet re-
pealed the very Objectionable laws establish
fng what is known as the "free zone" on
the frontier of the United States. 1t is
hoped that this may yet be done, and also
that more stringent measures may be taken
by that Republic for restraining lawless per-
sons on its frontiers-I hope that Mexico by
its own action will soon relieve this govern
ment Of the difficulties experienced from
these causes.
Our relations with the various Republics
of Central and South America continue,
with one exception to be cordial and frindly.
I recommend some action by Congress re-
garding the overdue instalments under the
award of the Venezuelan claims commission
of 1856.
The internal dissensions of this govern.
ment present no justification for the absence
of efforts to meet their solemn treaty obliga-
tons. The ratification of an extradition
treaty with Nicarauga has been exchanged.
Its subject for congratnlation that the
great empire of Brazil has taken the initia.
tory step towards the abolition of slavery
Our relations with that empire. always cor
dial, will naturally be mace more SO by this
act. 1t is not too much to hope that the
government Of Brazil may hereafter find i.
for its interest as we'll as intrinsicaiiy right
to advance toward entire emancipation more
rapidly than the present act contemplates.
The true prosperity and greatness of ma
tioa is to be found in the elevation and edu-
cation of its.laborers. 1t is subject for re-
greet that the reforms in the direction, which
were voluntarily promised by the statesmen
OF Spain, have not been carriad out in its
West India colonies. The laws aud regu-
lations for the appcrent abolition Of slavery
in Cuba and Porto Rico leave most of the
laborers in bondage. with no hope of relesse
until their lives bee me burden to their
employers.
I desire to direct your attention to the
fact that citizens of the United States, or
persons claiming to be citizens Of the United
States, are large holders in foreign lands Of
the species Of property forbidden by the fun.
damental law Of their alleged country. 1
recommend to Congress to provide by strin-
gent legislation suitable remedy against
the holding, owning or dealing in slaves, or
being interested in slave property in foreign
lands either as owners. hirers or mortgages
by citizens of the United States.
1t is to be regretted that the disturbed
condition Of the island of Cuba continues 70