The Van Buren press., 1872-12-10

government Of either republic to strength
en- their relations as neighbors and
friends. Itis much to be regretted that
many lswlcss acts continue to disturb
the quiet OF the settlements on the bor-
der between our territory and that OF
Mexico, and that complaints of wrong 10
American citizens in various portions OF
the country are made The reyolutiona-
ry condition in which the neighborng
republic has so long been involved, has
in some degree contributed TO this dis
turbancs, and it is to be hoped that with
a more settled rule OF order through that
republic, which may be expected from the
present government, the acts OF which
just complaint Is made will cease The
proceedings of the commission before
the convention with Mexico of the 9th Of
July, 1865, on the subject of claims have,
unfortunately, been checked by an obsta-
clio, for the removal of which measures
have been taken by the two governments,
which, it is believed, will prove success
ful. The commissioners appointed pur-
sGant to the joint resolutions of congress
of tho 7th Of May last, TO inquire into
the depredaiions perretrated on the from
tier Of Texas, have diligently made in.
vcstigatons in that quarter, and their re-
port on the subject wi be communicat
cd to you Their researches were nee
essariy incomplete, partly on account oil
the limite appropriation made by cen
gross Mexico, on the part OF the gov
eminent ,:has appointed similar com
mission to investigate these outrages II
is not announced officially, but the prcss
of that country states that the fullest in
vestigatio is desired and that the CO op.
GRAFTON of all parties concerned is invit
cd to secure that end. ], therefore, rec
ommend that n special appropriation be
made Mt the earliest day practicable, to
enable the commissioners on the part oi
the United States to return to Their la
bors without delay,
CuBA.
/, IS with regret that / have again to
announce continuance of the disturbed
condition Of the island Of Cuba. No ad-
vance toward the pacihcation of discon-
tented part of the population has been
ma le, while the insurrection has gained
no advantages and exhibitssno more OF
the elements of power, of the prospect OF
ultimate success, than were exhibited a
year ago Spain, on the other hand, has
not succeeded in it's repression, and the
pal ties stand apparently In the same rel
ativc attitude which they have occupied
for long time past. This contest has
lasted row for moro than four years
Were it seen at a distance from our neigh
borhood we might be indifferent as to its
results, although humanity,eoala no: be
ever they might occur. .ltI lis, however,
at our door
| can not doubt that the continued
maintenance of slavery in Cuba is among
the strongest inducements to the contn-
nance OF this strife. A terrible wrong is
| the natural cause of n terrible evil The
abolition OF slavery and the introduction
OF other ref rms in the administration OF
the government in Cuba could not fail to
advance the restoration of peace and or
der. It is especially to be hoped that
will voluntarily adopt this view OF the
law Of emancipation, which was passed
more than two years since, and has re
manned unexecuted in the absence ofreg
ulations for il enforcement.k II was but
feeble step toward emancipation, but il
was the recognition OF right, and was
hailed as such, and exhibited Spain in
harmony with sentiments Of hun anily
and justice, and in sympathy with the
other powers Of the Christian and civil
lied world. Within the past few weeks
the regulations for carrying ont the laws
Of emancipation have been announced
giving evidence ofthe sincerity Of inten'
tion of the present government to carry
into effect the law OF 1870 ! have not
failed to urge tho consideration Of th'
wisdom of the. policy and the justice OF
more efficient system for the abolition o.
the great evil which oppressed race and
continues bloody and destructive con
test close to our borders, as well as th'
expediency and the justice OF concedins
reforms Of which the propriety is no
questioned. Deeply impressed with tn
conviction that the continuance OF slav
cry is one OF the most active canses o
the continuance Of the unhappy condi
tion in Cuba, l regret to believe that cit
izens Of tho United States, or thos'
claiming to be such, are large holders II
Cuba OF wha. is there claimed us proper
ty, but which 10 forbidden and denounc
ell by the laws Of the United States The,
are thus, in defiance or the spirit Of on
cwn laws, contributing to the contlnu
ance Of this distressing and sickeninI
contest In my last annual message,
referred to this subject, and again rec
ommend such legislation as may bsprop
or TO denounce and, il not prevent, q
least to discourage American citizen
from holding and dealing in slaves.
PROTECTION OF AMERICANS ABROAD,
The government has heretofore wisel
made provision for the reief. of distress
ed seamen in foreign countries. No Elm
, liar pro vision, however. has hitherto bee
made for the relief Of citizens in distres
abroad other than seaman. 1t is undel
stood to be customary with other gov
. ernments to authorize their consuls I
extend such relief to their citizens or sui
: jects in certain cases A similar authol
, ity and appropriation to carry it into 0
, feet are commended in the case OF cit
zeus of the United States under smil'
circumstances. 1t is well known Tn,
our citizens resort to foreign countris
i in great numbers, though some OF thel