The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-12-03

should be left undone by the Government
Of either Republic to strengthen their rels-
tons as neighbors and friends. 1t is much
to be regretted that many lawless acts con.
tinue to disturb the quiet of the settlements
on the border between our territory and
that Of Mexico, and that complaints oil
/ wrongs to American citizens in various
parts Of the country are made. The revo-
| lutionary condition in which the neighbor-
| ing Republic has SO long been involved has
| in some degree contributed to this disturb
ance. 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 of which just COM
plant are made will cease.
The proceedings of the commission un-
der the convention with Mexico of the 4th
of July, 1858, on the subject of claims,
have, unfortunately, been checked by an
obstacle for the removal of which rnea-
sures have been taken by the two Govern
ments which, it is believed, will prove sue.
cessful.
Tho commissioners appointed pursuant
to the joint resolution of Congress on the
7th Of May lsst to inquire into depreda-
tons on the Texan frontier have diligently
made Investigations in that quarter, and
their researches were necessarily incom-
plete, partly on account of the limited APP
preparation made by Congress. Mexico,
on the part of that Government, has APP
pointed similar commission to investigate
these outrages. 1t is not announced Off
cialy, but the press of that country state
that the fullest investigation is desired, and
that the cooperation of all parties concern
ed Is invited to secure that end. there
fore recommend that special appropria-
ton be made at the earliest day practical
BILE to enable the commissioners on the part
of the United States to return to their la
bors without delay.
THE WAR IN CUBA.
1t is with regret that have again to an
nounce o continuance of the disturbed con-
dition of the island Of Cuba. No advance
toward the paclfication of the discontinued
part Of the population has been made.
While the instruction has gained no advan-
tages, and exhibits no more of the elements
Of power or of the prospects of ultimate
success than were exhibited year ago,
Spain, on the other hand, has not succeed
ed in its repression, and the parties stand
apparently in tho same relative attitude
which they have occupied for long time
past.
This contest has lasted now for more
than four years. Were it seen at distance
from our neighborhood we might be indif-
ferent to its result, although humanity
could not be unmoved by many of its incl
,r,ba thau y,,,nhk II 20
however, at our door.
cannot doubt that the continued main-
tenance Of slavery in Cuba is among the
strongest inducements to the continuance
of this strife. A terrible wrong IS the natu-
raj cause Of terrible evil. The abolition
of slavery and the introduction of other
reforms in the administration Of govern
ment in Cuba could not fail to advance the
restoration Of peace and order. 1t is greatly
to be hoped that the present Liberal Gov
eminent Of Spain will voluntarily adopt
this view. The law Of emancipation which
was passed more than two years since, has
remained unexecuted, in the absence of
regulations for its enforcement. 1t was
but feeble step towards emancipation, but
it was the recognition of right, and was
hailed as such, and exhibited Spain in har-
mony with sentiments of humanity and
of justice, and in sympathy with the oher
Powers of the Christian and civilized world.
Within the past few weeks the regulations
for carrying out the law Of emancipation
have been announced, giving evidence of
the sincerity of intention of the present
Government to carry into effect the law of
1870. have not failed to urge the consid-
Grafton of the wisdom, the policy and the
Justice of more effective system for the
abolition of the great evil which Expresses
race and continues bloody and destruc.
tive contest close to our border, as well as
the expediency and the justice of conceding
reforms of which the propriety is not ques-
toned.
Deeply impressed with the conviction
that the continuance of slavery is one of
the most active causes of the continuance
of the unhappy condition in Cuba, 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 de-
nounced by the laws of the United States.
They are thus, in defiance Of the spirit of
our own laws, contributing to the continu.
ance of this distressing and sickening con-
test. In my last annual message l re-
ferred to this subject, and again recom-
mend such legislation as may be proper to
denounce and, if not prevent, at least to
discourage American citizens from holding
or dealing in slaves.
SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICAN
GOVERNMENTS.
1t is gratifying to announce that the rati-
fcations of the convention concluded un-
der the auspices Of this Government be-
tween Spain on the one part, and the allied
republics of the Pacific on the other, pro-
viding for an armistice, have been ex-
changed. A copy Of the instrument is
herewith submitted. Ii is hoped that this
may be followed by permanent peace be-
tween tho same parties. The differences
which at one time threatened the mante-
nance Of peace between Brazil and the
Argentine republic. it is hoped, are in the
way of satisfactory 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 payment on account of the award
under the convention Of the 18th of April,
1866. The latter republic is understood to
be now almost if not quite tranquilized. 1t
is hoped, therefore, that it will .ose no