Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-12-03
Presidents Message.

10 the Senate and House of Rep,eseAtatires
In transmitting to you this my fourtl, an
nual message, it is with thankfulness to the
Giver Of all good that as q nation we have
been blessed for the last year with peace At
home and abroad, and general prosperity
vouctsafed to but few people. With the ex-
ception OF the recent devastating fire, which
swept from the earth with 4 breath as it were
millions Of accumulated wealth in the city Of
Boston, there has been no overshadowiug ca
lamity within the year to record. 1t is crafty
ing to note how like their citizens Of the
city OF Chicago, under similar circumstances,
year before, the citizens Of Boston are rally.
ing under their misfortune, and the prospects
are that their energy and perseverance will
overcome all obstacles and show the same
prosperity soon that they would had no disas-
ter befallen them. Otherwise we have been
free from pestilence, wars and calamities
which often overtake nations, and as far rs
human judgment comprehends the future, no
cause seems to exist to threaten our present
peace.
GENEVA ARBITRATION.
When Congress adjourned in June last a
question had been raised by Great Britain
and was then pending. which for y time seri-
ously imperilled the settlement by friendly ar
bitratiOn. of the grave. difference between this
government and that Of Her Britannia Majesty,
which by the treaty of Washington had been
referred to the tribunal Of arbitration which
had met at Geneva in Switzerland. The ar.
bitrators, however, disposed Of the question
which had jeopardized the whole treaty, and
threatened to involve the two nations in most
unhappy relations toward each other, in
manner entirely satisfactory to this govern.
ment. and In accordance with the views of
tho nOlicv = hfrh IL hud int tninod
The tribunal which had commenced in Ge.
neva In December concluded its laborious
session on the l4th day of September last, on
which day having availed itself of the discre-
tionary power given to It by the treaty to
award the gross amount, it made its first de-
cision whereby 1t awarded the sum Of 915,.
500 900 in gold as the indemnity to be paid
by Great Britain to the United States for the
ratification of all the claims referred to its
consideration. This decision happily dispos-
es of long standing difference between the
two governments, and in connection with an
other award made by the German Em-
peror under reference to him by the same
treaty, leaves the two governments without q
shadow upon the friendly relations which it
is my sincere hope may forever remain equal
ly unclouded.
The report of the agent Of the United States
appointed to attend the Geneva Tribunal, ac-
companied by the protocols Of the proceed
ings of arbitrators, the arguments of the
counsel of both governments, the award OF
the tribunal and the opinions given by the
several arbitrators is transmitted herewith.
l have caused to be communicated to the
heads of the three friendly powers who COM
piled with the joint request made to them
under the treaty, the thanks of this govern
ment for the appointment of arbitrators made
by them respectively, and also my thanks to
the eminent personages named by them and
my appreciation of the dignity, patience and
great ability with which they discharged their
arduous and high functions. Her Majestys
government has communicated to me its ap.
probation by her Majesty Of the ability and
lndefatgabls industry displayed by MIR.
Adams, the arbitrator named ON the part OF
this government during the protaacted in
quiries and discussions ofthe tribunal cor.
daily unite with Her Majesty in this appre-
citation. 1t is due to the agent of the United
States before the tribunal to record my
high appreciation Of the ability, un-
wearied patience and the prudence and
discretion with which he has conducted the
very responsible and delicate duties CON-
mitted to him, as it is also due to the learned
and eminent council who attended the tribu-
nal on the part Of this government, to express
my sense of the talents and wisdom which
they brought to bear in the attainment of the
result SO happily reached. 1t will be the prov.
ince Of Congress to provide for the distribu-
ton among those who may be entitled to it.
Of the respective shares of money to be paid
although the sum awarded is not payable un-
til year from the date of award, it is
deemed advisable that no time be lost in
ma king proper examination Of the several
cases in which indemnihcation may be due.
l consequently recommend the creation OF a
board Of commissioners for the purpose.