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

h"o. mSeSaSSt IL 10 VIII tHabniuifieSS W
the Givcr OF all good that rs, Nation
we have been blessed for ;ie last year
with peace at home and abroad, and q
general prosperity souchsafed to but
few people. With tue exception of the
recent devastating fire, Which swept
from the earth, as it were, millions Of
accumulated wealth in fife tity of Bos-
ton, there have been no 'overshadowing
calamities within tlIe year to ierold. 1t
II gratifying to note how, like their fel-
low citizens of the city of Chicago, un-
der similar circumstances year earlier,
the citizens or Boston are rallying un-
der their misfortunes, and the prospect
is that their energy and perseverance
viii overcome all obstacles, and show
the same prosperity soon that they
would had no disaster befallen them =
Otherwise We have been free from pes
thence, wars and calamities which often
overtake Nations, and as far as human
judgment can penetrate the future no
csuse seems to exist to threaten our
present peace,
THE GENEVA ARBITRATION.
When Congress adjourned in June
tast, a question had been raised by
Crest Britain, and was then pending,
which for time seriously imperiled the
settlement by friendly arbitration of the
differences existing between this Gov
srnfnent and that of Her Britanic Me-
lssty, which by The Treaty of Washing
ton had been referred to the Tribunal
Of Arbitration which had met at Gen.
eva, IN Switzerland. The Artirtors,
however, disposed OF Che question
which had jeopardized the whole Of the
treaty, and threatened to involve the
two Nations In most unhappy relations
toward each other, in q manner entirely
satisfactory to this Government, and in
accordance with the views and the pol
icy which it had maintained. The Tri-
bunal which had convened in Geneva in
December, concluded its laborious sess-
lens on the 14.h day of September last,
on which day, having availed themsel-
res Of the discretionary power given to
It by the treaty to award a sum in gross,
II made lis decision, whereby it awarded
the srm of S15, ,5O0,0 900 in gold, as the
Indemnity to be paid by Great Britain
to the United States for the satisfacti on
of all the claims referred to its consid-
Grafton. This decision happily disposes
OF 4 long standing difference between
ahe tTo Governments, and in connec-
ii0n with another award, made by the
German Emperor, under reference to
him by the same treaty ,leaves these two
Governments without a shadow upon
the friendly relations which, it is my
sincere hope, may forever remain equal
" unclouded.
sThe report of the agent Of the Uni
b States, appointed to attend the Ger.
era Tribunal accompanied by the pro-
tocols OF the proceedings of the Arbi-
traitors, the arguments of the counsel
OF both Governments, the award of the
Tribunal, and the opinions given by the
several Arbitratois-is transmitted here
with I lave caused to be communica.
ted to the heads of the three friendly
powers Who complied with the joint re-
quest made to them under the treaty
lhe thanks Of thisuEovernment for the
appointment of Arbitrators, made by
them respectively, and also nv thanks
70 the eminent personaees named BY
them, and my appreciation of the dig
1ity, patience, impartiality and great
6hility With which they discharged theil
srduous and high functions.
Her Majesty's Government has com
nunicsted to me its appreciation by
Hsr Majesty of the ability and irdefati
Gsble industry displayed by Mr., Adams
the Arbitrator named on the part of tliii
Government during the protracted in
quiries and discussions of the Tri
bupal. Icordially unite with Her Maj
ssty In this appreciation. 1t is due ts
the agent of the United States befor,
ths Tribunal to record my high appre
station Of the marked ability, unwcar
led patience, and the prudence and dis
creticn with which he has conducted tht
very responsible and delicate duties sub
uitted to him; !; as it is also due to tht
lsarned and eminent counsel who at
tended the Tribunal on the part of this
Goyernment, to express my sense Of tn,
tnlents and wisdom which they brough
10 bear in the argument and of the re
suit 20 happily reached. !
u viii be the business of Congress te
provide for the distribution among thos,
Who nay be entitled to it of their re
spectiye shares of the money to b.
paid.
Although the sum awarded is not pay
able until Q year from the date Of th,
sxxrd, Il il deemed adyi: able that II
time be lost in making proper exam
iuatiun Of the several cases in which in
dsnni6cat,on money may be due.
consequently recommend the creation
Of . Board Of Commissioners for th,
purpose. 5ea
By The third and fourth articles of tn
Treaty OF Washington, the respectiv,
cjaims OF the United States and OF Grea
Britain, in their construction of til,
treaty Of the 18th of June, 1916, de6n
in9 the boundary line between tlfeir re
spcctive territories, we're submitted t,
the arbitration s,d award of His Maj
city. the Emperor Of Germany. to de
eide which OF those claims is most il
sccordance with the true Interpretation
of the treaty of 1916 His Majesty, TIL
Emperor Of G,rmany, having beef
pleased 10 undertake the arhitfation,h la
efS ,.sSv<oek fhahko ~ this Coyerntnon