The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1872-12-10


and Trieste or the most convenient port,
10 Vienna and back, tileir articles for
exhibition.
MEXICO AND CUBA.
Since your last session The President
of the Mexican Republic, distinguished
10y his high character and by his servi-
ces 10 his country, has died. His tenn
perary successor has now been elected,
with great unanimity by the people,
proof of confidence on their part in bis
patriotism and wisdom which it is be-
lieved will lie confirmed hy the results
of his administration. 1t is particular
,ly desirable that nothing should lie left
undone by the Government of either
Republic 10 strengthen their relations
as neighbors and friends. 1t is much to
lie regretted HAT many lawless acts con-
tinue to disturb the quiet of the settle
ments on tue border between our terri
tory and that of Mexico. and that com
plants uf wrong TO American citizens
in various parts of the country are
made.
The revolutionary condition in which
the neighboring Republic has so long
been involved, has in some degree con
tribu ed TO this disturbance. IT is to he
hoped that with more settled rule of
order through the Republic which may
be expected from the present Govern
ment, the acts of which just complaint
is made will cease.
The proceedings of the Commission
under the convention with Mexico of
the 9th Of January, 1868, on the sub
ject of claims, have oltunately heen
checked by an obstacle, for the removal
of which measures have been taken by
the two Governments, which it is beiey.
ed will prove successful. The Com
missioners appointed pursuant to the
joint resolution Of Congress of the 7th
Of May last, to inquire into the depre.
dation of tie Texas frontier, have dill.
gently made investigations in that quar-
ter. Their report upon the subject will
be communicated TO you.
Their researches were necessarily in
complete, partly on account of the linn
tied appropriation made hy Congress-
Mexico, on the part of their Govern
ment, has appointed similar Commiss
ion to investigate these outraees. 1t il
not announced officially, but the pres!
of that country states that the fulles
investigation is desired, and that tn,
cooperation Of oil parties concerned i.
invited to secure that end.
l therefore recommend that a specia
appropriation be made. at the earlies
day practicable, to enable the Commiss
toner's on the part of the United States
to return TO their labors without delay
1t is with regret that / have again tt
snnounce continuance of the distur
bed condition of the Island of Cuba
No advance toward the pscifcalion o
! the discontinued part of the popu'atio,
has been made, while the insurrectior
has gained no advantages and exhibit:
no more Of the elements of power, ol
of the prospect of ultimate success
than were exhibited year ago. Spain
on the other hand, has not succeeded il
its repression, and the parties stand ap
parcntly in the same relative attitud,
which they have occupied for Ions
time past. This contest has lasted nov
for more than four years. Were it!
scene at distance from our nei9hbor
hood, we might be Indifferent to its re
suits, although humanity could not b,
unmoved by many of its incidents
wherever they might occur. 1t is, how
ever, at our door.
/ cannot doubt that the continued
maintenance Of slavery in Cuba il
among the strongest inducements to th'
continuance of this strife. A terribl,
wrong is the natural cause of terribl,
evil. The abolition of slavery, and TIL
introduction of other reforms in tn,
administration of government in Cuba
could not fail to advance the restoration
Of peace and order. 1t is especially to b.
hoped that The present liberal Govern
meEt Of Spain will voluntarily adop
this view. Tie law of emancipation
which was passed more than two year
since, has remained unexecuted, in III
absence of regulations for its enforce
ment. II was but feeble step towart
emancipation, but it was the recogni
ton of right, and was hailed as such
and exhibited Spain in harmony wit
the sentiments of humanity and OF jus
tice, and in sympathy with the othe
powers of the Christian and civilizet
world Within the past few weeks tn
regulations for carrying out the law O
emancipation have been announced
giving evidence Of the sincerity Of in
tentiun Of :he present Government t
T carry into effect the law of 1870.
, have not failed to urge the considers
ton of the wisdom, the policy and tn
justice of q more effective system fo
the abolition of the great evil whic
, oppresses race and continues a blood
and destructive contest close to on
, borders, as well as the expediency ant
the justice of conccding reforms Q
which the propriety is not questioned
Deeply impressed with the convictio
that the continuance of slavery is on
of the most active causes of the contir
uance Of the unhappy condition in Cuhs
regret to believe That citizens of th
United States, or those claiming to b
such. are large holders in Cuba Of wins
is there claimed as property, but whic
4 is forbidden and denounced bv the law
of the United States. They are thu.
in defiance of the spirit Of our ow
laws, contributing to the continuance {
this distressing and sickening contes
In my last annual message, | referre
TO this subject, and again recommen
, such legislation as may be proper {
denohnce and if not prevent, at least f
, discourage American citizens from no
ding or dealing in slaves.
1t is gratifying to. announce that tn
, ratification OF the convention concll
ded under the aus.jices Of this Govern
} ment between Spain, on the one par
: and the allied Republics Of the Pacifi
on the other providing for an armistic;