The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1871-12-16

mariners. Admiral Rodgers was in
structed to accompany him with a
sufficient force to protect him in case
of need. A small surveying party
sent out on reaching the coast, was
treacherously attacked at disadvan-
tage. Ample opportunity was given
for explanation and apology for the
insult. Neither came. A force was
then landed. After al arduous march
over a rugged and difficult country,
the forts from which the Outrages
had been committed were reduced by
a gallant assault, and were destroyed.
Having thus pr :lished the criminals,
and having vindicated the honor Of
the flag, the expedition returned,
finding it impracticable, under the
circumstances, to conclude the desi-
red convention.
[ respectfully-refer to the cores
pondence relating thereto, herewith
submitted, and leave the subject for
such action as Congress may see fit
TO take.
MEXICO.
The Republic of Mexico has not
yet repealed the very Objectionable
laws establishing 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 ia:
ken by that Republic for restraining
lawless persons on it's frontiers. I
hope that Mexico, by it's own action,
will soon relieve this Government of
the difficulties experienced from these
causes.
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA.
Our relations with the various re-
publics Of Central and South Ameri-
ca continue, with one exception, to
be cordial and friendly.
I recommend some action by Con-
gress regarding the overdue INSTALL
ments under the award of Venezue-
Ian Claims Commission of 1866.
The internal dissensions of this Gov
ernment present no justification for
the absence of effort to meet their
solemn treaty obligations.
The ratification of an extradition
treaty with Nicaragua has been ex-
changed.
It is a subject for congratulation
that the great Empire of Brazil has
taken the initiatory step toward 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 to hope
that the Government of Brazil may
hereafter find it for its interest, as
well as intrinsicaIly right, to advance
toward entire emancipation more
rapidly thai the present act contem-
plates. The true prosperity and
greatness of a nation is to be found
in the elevation and education of it's
laborers. 1t is subject for regret
that the reforms in this direction,
which were voluntarily promised by
the statesmen of Spain, have not
been carried out in it's West India
colonies. The laws and regulations
for the apparent abolition of slavery
in Cuba and Porto Rico leave most
of the laborers in bondage, with no
hope of release until their lives be-
come q burden to their employers.
[ desire to direct your attention to
the fact that citizens of the United
States, or persons claiming to be citi-
zens, of the United States are large
holders in foreign lands of this spe-
cies of property, forbidden by the
fundamental law of their alleged
country. [ recommend to Congress
to provide, by stringent legislation,
a suitable remedy against the hold
ing, owning or dealing in slaves, or
being interested in slave property in
foreign lands, either as owners, hi
rers or mortgagers, by citizens of the
United States.
It is to be regretted that the dis
tnrbed condition Of the Island Of
Cuba continues to be a source Of an
noyance and anxiety. The existence
of a protracted struggle in close
proximity to our own territory with
out apparent prospect of an early
termination cannot be other than an
object of concern to a people who,
while abstaining from interference
in the affairs of other powers, natu-
rally desire to see every country in
the undisturbed enjoyment of peace,
liberty and the blessings of free in
stitutions.
Our naval commanders in Cuban
waters have been instructed, in case
it should become necessary, to spare
no effort to protect the lives and
property of bona fide American citi-
gems, and to maintain the dignity of
the flag. 1t is hoped that all pend
ing questions with Spain growing
out of the affairs in Cuba may he adj
justed in the spirit of peace and con-
ciliation which has hitherto guided
the two powers in their treatment OF
such questions.
+ A NEW DIPLOMATIC IDEA.
To give Importance and to add to
the efficiency of diplomatic relations
with Japan and China, and to fur.
ther aid in retaining the good opin
ion of those people, and to secure to
the United States its share of the
] cnmmerce destined to flow between