National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1871-12-15
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.


THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Tho President, in his annual mess q
to Congress. says:
In addressing my third annual mes
sage TO the law making branch OF the
government, it is gratifying 10 be able &c
state that during the past year success
has generally attended the effort 10 exc
cute all laws found upon the Statute
books The policy has been not to in
qure into the wisdom OF the laws nlread,
enacted, Int TO learn their spirit and
intent, and to enforce them accordingly.
PROSPERITY.
The past year has, under wise Prov
dencc, b en- one Of general prosperity tc
the nation. 1t has, however, been at
tended with moro than usual chastise
ments in the loss Of life and property by
storm and fire. These disasters have
served to cali forth the best elements OF
human nature in onr country, and To
deve'ope n friendship for us on the pant
OF foreign nations, which goes far towards
allevia'ing the distress occasioned by
the calamlties.
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.
Tho relations Of the United States
with foreign powers continue to be
friendly. The yeai has boon evcntful IN
witnessing two great nations, speaking
one language and having ono lineage
settling 10y peaceful arbitration disputes
of long standing. and liable Mt any time
TO bring those nations iuto bloody and
hostile conflict. An example has thus
been set which il successful in ITS final
issue, may be followed by other civil
lied nations, and be fiually the means Of
returning TO productive industry millions
of men now mintained to settle the
disputes Of nations by the baysnet and
the broadsword.
TREATIES.
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 tho relations Of the
United States toward the British North
American possessions to become opera
tive so soon rs the proper cgislation shall
be had on the part Of Great Britain and
its possessions. 1t ia much TO be de-
sired that this legislation may become
co operative before the fishermen of the
United States begin to make their ar
engagements for the coming season.
renew the recommendation for an appro-
priation for discriminating the true po-
sition OF the for'y-ninth parallel Of lati-
tude, where 1t forms the boundary be-
tween the United States and the British
North American possession, between the
Lake Of the Woods and the summit of
the Rocky Mountains.
FRANCE AND GERMANY.
The resumption of diplomatic relations
between France and Germany have en-
nbled me toglve directions for the with
drawal OF the protection extended to
Germans in France by the diplomatic
and consular representatives OF tine Unit
ed States in that country. It is Just to
add that the delicate duty Of this pro-
lection has been performed by the Min
ist:r and Consul-General at Paris, and
the various c,usulS in France under the
supervision Of the latter, with great kind
ness MS well as with prudence and tact.
Their course has received IL, commend
alton OF the German government, and
has wounded no susceptibility Of the
French.
UNITED STATES AND GERMANY.
Tho government OF the Emperor of
Germany continues TO manifest friend.
~ feeling toward the United States, and
n desire to harmonize with the moderate
and Just policy Which this ,vernment
maintains in its relations with Asiatic
powers, rs well rs with the South Ameri-
On republics. have given assurances
that the friendly feelings OF that govern
ment are fully shared Ivy the United
States.
The notifications of the new catv of
commerce between the United ST. tes and
Italy have been exchanged. T o two
powers have agreed in this treaty that
private property Mt sea shall be xemnt
from capture IN case of war betv cen the
two powers. The United Staes have
spared no opportunity of incorporating
this rule into the obligations of nations
SPAIN.
The forty-first Congress Mt its third ses-
SION, made an appropriate for the or
Gnnizatlon OF Il mixed commission for
adJudlcatlnS upon the claims of citizens
oil the United States against Spain.
growing out of the instruction in Cuha.
mat commission has since been organ
lied. l transmit herewith the cores
pondence relating to its formation and
its jur sdction. 1t is to be hoped that
the commission will afford the claimants
complete remedy for their injuries.
RUSSIA.
The intimate friendly relations which
have so long existed between the United
States and Russia continue undisturbeJ.
The vi 1t OF the third son of the EN-
peror Is proof that there is no
desire on the part of his government to
diminish the cordially of those rela-
tons. The hospitable reception which
has been given to .he Grand Duke is a
proof that on our side we share the
wishes OF that government The mex
cusable course of the Russian Minister
at Washington rendered it necessary to
ask his recall and TO decline to longer re-
ceive that fmctionary as a diplomatic
representative. 1t was impossible, with
.eli-respect, or with Just regard to the
dignity OF the country, to permit Mr..
CatacaZy TO hold intercourse with this
government after his personal abuse of
government officials, and during his
persistent interference, through various
means, with the relations between the
United States and other powers. In
accordance with my own wishes, this
government has been relieved of further
intercourse with MIR. Cat ,cazy. and the
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