Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-12-04
to swsrve from its establishs 1

course.
Prompted by a.desire to Pit an end to the
bar barous treatment of our shipwrecked Sailors
on the Corean Coast, instructed our Minister
1t Picking to endeavor TO conclude a coDven-
-ioewrh Corea for securing the safety and hu,
name treatment of such mariners. Admiral
Rodgers was instructed to accompany him with
a sufficient force to protect him in case of need,
a small surveying party sent out, on reach,
at a disadvantage. Ample opportunity
and apology for the insult. Neither came. A
force was then landed. After an arduous march
over a rugged and difficult country the forts
from which the outrage had been committed
were reduced by gallant assault, and were de
stroyed. Having thus punished the criminals,
and having indicated the honor Of the flag, the
expedition returned, finding it impracticable,
under tie circumstances, TO conclude the de-
sired convention. / respectfully refer to the
correspondence relating thereto herewith sub
mitted, and leave the subject Tor such action as
Congress may see hit TO take.
The Republic of Mexico has not yet repealed
the very Objectionable laws establishing what is
Known the {" Free Zone on the frontier Of the
United States. It is hoped hat this NAV yet BE-
done, and siso that more stringent measures
NAV be taken by that Republic FOR restraining
lsvless persons on It's frontiers. L hope that
Mexico, by its own action, will soon relieve this
Government of he difficulties experienced from
these causes.
Our relations with the various republics of
Central and South America continue, with the
one exception, to be cordial aud friendly.
ing the overdue installments under the award
of the Venezuelan claims commission Of 1866.
The internal dsseptions of this government
presents no justification for the absence OF effort
to meet their solemn treaty obligations.
The ratification Of an extradition treaty with
Nicaragua has been exchanged.
empire of Brazil has taken the initiatory step
towards the abolition of slavery. Our relations
with that empire, always cordial, will naturally
be made more SO by this act. IT is not too much
q AT he pny pr m IN U
after find it to its interest, as well as intrinsi-
cally right, to advance toward entire emancipar
ton more rapidly than the present act contem-
plates.
The true prosperity and greatness OF o nation
70 to be found IN the elevation and education of
its laborers. 1t is subject tor regret that the
reforms in this direction, which were volunta-
rily promised By the statesmen OF Spain, have
not been carried out in Its West India Colonies.
The laws and regulations for the apparent alb
clifton OF slavery in Cuba and Porto Rico leave
moet OF the laborers in bondage, with DO hope
of release until their lives become 2 burden to
their employers.
that, citizens of the United States, or persons
claiming TO be citizens OF the United States, are
large holders in foreign lands of this species of
property, forbidden by the fundamental law OF
gress 10 provide by stringent legislation, suit
able remedy against the holding, owning, or
dealing in slaves, or being interested in slave
property in foreign lands, either as owners,
hirers, or mortgagers, by citizens of the United
States.
1t is to be regretted that the disturbed condi-
ton OF the Island of Cuba continues 10 be a
'urce Of annoyance and Of anxiety. The ex-
itence Of a protracted struggle in such close
proximity to our own territory. without apparent
prospect of An early termination, cannot be
other than an object of concern to people who,
while abstaining from interference in the affairs
Of other powers, naturally desire to see every
country in the undisturbed enjoyment OF
peace, liberty, and the blessings of
free institutions. Our naval commanders in
Cuban waters have been instructed, in case it
nroc @ aeS 70 spare no sfons to
lean citizens and 10 maintain the dignity of the
flag. 1t Is hoped that all pending questions with
Spain growing out Of the affairs in Cuba, may
be adjusted in the spirit of peace and concilia-
ton which has hitherto guided the two Powers
in their treatment Of such questions.
To give importance and to add to the effci-
ency Of our diplomatic relations With Japan
and China, and to further Aid in retaining the
good opinion of those peoples, and TO secure to
the United States its share Of the commerce
destined to flow between those nations and the
balance Of the commercial world, 1 earnestly
recommend that an appropriation be made to
support At least four American youths in each
fetal family Of our ministers there. Our
representatives would not even then be
placed upon an equality with the Representatives
Of Great Britain and Of some other powers. As
row situated, our representatives in Japan and
China have to depend for interpreters and trans
lators upon natives OF those countries who know
our language imperfectly, or procure, for the
occasion, the services of employees in foreig On
business houses or the interpreters TO other for
eign ministers.
/ would also recommend liberal measures for
the purpose of supporting the American lines Of
steamers now plving between San Franc scO
and Japan and China, and the Australian line
a'most our only remaining lines OF ocean steam
ers-and OF increasing their services.
The national debt has been reduced TO the
extent Of eighty-six millions, ifty-seven thou
sand one hundred and twenty-six dollars and
Gf1hf ~ rAt.fa .lrrpfx q hA sd ~ -
tiation OF national bonds, at q lower rate OF in-
teTtsf; the IL tereet on the public debt has been
so far diminished, that now the sum TO be raised
for the interest account IL nearly seventy mill
1,69.
1t was highly desirable that this rapid dimu-
credit OF the country and to convince its citizens
OF their entire ability to meet every dollar ofiia
bility without babkruptiDg them. But in view
OF the accomplishment Of thsse desirable ends
Of the rapid development Of the resources Of the
COUNTY, its increasing ability to meet large de-
mabds, and the amount alre ady paid, IL Is not
oesnaole that the present resources OF the
country should contin ne TO be taxed in order to
continue tins rapid payment. j, therefore, re-
CONNIE nd modification of both the tariff and
Internal mi tax laws; recommend that
ished except those collected from spirituous
vinous and malt liquors, tobacco in its various
forms, and from stamps.
In reaituSt!ng the tariff, suggest that care
iul estimate be made OF the amount OF surplus
revenue collected under the pre- sent laws after
providing for the current expenses of the Gov
errment the interest account and a sinkin fund,
and that this surplus be reduced in such a m an
ner as TO afford the greatest relief to the greatest
number.
There are many articles not produced at home,
but which enter largely into general consump-
ton through articles which are manufactured
at home, such as medicines compounded, &c,
&c, from which very little revenue il derived
but which enter into geuernl nse. All such ar
tieles recommend To be placed on the free
list" Should a further reduction prove advisa-
bic, would then recommend that il be made
upon those articles which can best bear IT. with
out disturbing home production or reducing he
wages of American labor.
have not entered into figures, because to do
so, would be TO repeat what win be laid before
ury.
The present laws for collecting revenue paw
Collectors OF Customs small salaries, but pro-
vide for notifies, (shares in all seizures) which,
at principal ports Of entry particularly, raise
the compensation of those officials to a large
FUN.
1t has always seemed 20 me - II this system
must, at times, work pernictously. IL holds out
an indueement to dishoneet men. Should such
get possession Of those ofces, to be Lax in their
scrutiny OF goods entered to enable them finally
to mako large seizures. Your attention 10 re-
epectfully invited to this subject.