The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-12-12

Sc
en- their relations as ncighbors and friends.
It is rauch TO be regretted that many awless
acts continue to disturb the quiet OF the set
Elements on the borders between our terrific
nv and that Of Mexico, and that complaints
of wrongs to American citizens IN various
parts Of the country are made. The reyelu-
tionary condition 10 which the neighborlag
republic has SO long been Involved has, 10
some degree, contributed to this disturbance
It is to be hoped that with more settled
rule Of order through the republic, which
may be expected from the present government
the acts ofwhch just complaint was made
will cease.
The proceedings of the commission under
the convention with Mexico of the 4th of Ju-
~, 1868, on the subject Of claims have I'M
fortunately beon checked by an obstacle, for
the removal of which measures have been Ia
ken by the two governments which it is be-
lieved, will prove successful.
| The commissioners appointed pursuant to
the joint resolution of Congress on the 9TH
Of May last to enquire into depredations on
the Texan frontier have diligently made in
ycstigations in that quarter, and their re-
searches were necessarily incomplete, partly
on account of the limited appropriation made
by Congress. Mexico on the part Of that
government has appointed a similar commits
sion to investigate these outrages. It is an
nouuced officially, butthe press Of that coun-
try states that the fullest Investigation is de-
sired, and that the cooperation Of vi parties
concerned is invited to secure that end.
therefore recommend that special appropri-
alton be made at the earliest day practicable
to enable the commissioners on the part of
the United States to return to their labor
without delay.
It is with regret that / have again to an
nounce continuance of the disturbed con5i-
ton Of the Island Of Cuba No Advance to-
ward the pacifcation Of the disconnected part
Of the population has been made. While she
instruction has gained no advantages and
exhibits no moro Of the elements of power.
or Of the prospects ee ultimate success than
were exhibited year ago, Spain, on the 9TH
er hand, has Dot succeeded in its repression
and the parties stand apparently in the same
relative attitude which they have occupied
ioi d loaS5 Ciuue past.
/ Tkis contest has lasted now for more than
four years. Were it seen at distance fl ON
our neigh5orhood we might be Indifferent to
its result, although humanity could not be
removed by many of its incidents where they
might occur. It is, however, at our door
I cannot doubt that the continued mainte-
nance of slavery in Cuba is among the strong
est inducements to the continuance of this
strife. A terrible wrong is the natural cause
, Of terrible evil. The abolition of slavery
and the introduction Of other reforms in the
administration of government In Cuba, could
not fail to advance the restoration Of peace
and order.
It is to be hoped that the present liberal
government Of Spain will voluntarially adopt
this view. The Law of emancipation, which
was passed more than two years since, has
remained unexecuted in the absence Of regr-
ationa Of its enforcement. It was but fee
bic step towards emancipation, but it was the
recognition Of right and was hailed as such
and exhibited Spain in harmony with senti-
ments of humanity and of justice, aud in
sympathy with the other powers Of the Chris
tian and civilized world.
i ..se sAe s PCT ~ weeks the regulations
j fvl os . out the Law pfemancipa have
been announced, giving evidence Of the sin
certify Of intention ofthe present government
to carry irto effect the law Of 1870 [ haze
not failed to urge the consideration Of the wis
dom, the policy and the justice Of moro ef-
feetiye system for the abolition Of the great
evil which Expresses race and continues a
bloody and destructive contest close to our
border az we'll as the expodiency and the jus.
! tice Of conceding reforms Of which the pro-
prietyis not questioned.
/ AMERICANS HOLDING SLAVES.
Deeply impressed with the conviction that
the continuance of slavery is one Of the most
active causes of the continuance of the un-
happy condition in Cuba, I regret to believe
that citizens Of the United States, or those
claiming to be such, are large holders in Cuba
of what is there claimed as property, but
which is forbidden and denounced by the laws
Of the United States. They are thus in def
ance of the spirit Of our own laws contributing
to the continuance Of this distressing andsick-
eniug contest. In my last annual message [
referred to this subject, and [ again recon-
mend such legislation as may be proper to de,
neunce, and if not prevent, at least TO- dis
4 courage American citizens from holding or
dealing in slaves.
1t is gratifying to announce that the ratif-
cation Of the convention concluded under the
auspices Of this government between Spain on
the one part and the
ALLIED REPUBLICS OF THE PACIFIC
on the other, providing for an armistce, have
been exchanged. A copy Of the instrumont
is herewith submitted Il is hoped that this
may be followed by permanent peace be-
tween the same parties The differences. which
at one time threatened the maiatenaaoe of
peace between Brazil and the Argentine Re-
publics, it is hoped ARE in the way of salts
factory adjustment
| With the States as with the republics of
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
we continue to maintain the most friendly
relations.
1t is with regret, however, announce that
the government of Venezuela has made no
further payments on account of the awards
under the Convention of the lst Of April,
1865. The latter Republic is understood to
be now almost if not quite trauquillzed. It is
hoped, therefore, that it will lose no time ia
providing for the unpaid balance of its debt
| to the United States which having or;,;,