The Rock Island daily Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1872-1873, 1872-12-03

report upon the subject will be communl-
Gated to you. Their researches were
necessarily incomplete, partly on account
of the limited Appropriation made by
Congress. Mexico, on the part of that
government, has appointed a similar
commission to investigate these outrages.
Il is not announced officially but the
press of that country states that the
fullest investigation is desired, and that
the cooperation of all parties concerned
Is invited t. secure that end. | there
fore recommend that special appropria-
ton be made at the earliest day practica-
bic to enable the commission on the part
OF the United States to return to their
labors without delay.
CUBA.
1t is with regret that l have again to
announce a continuance of the disturbed
condition OF the Island of Cuba. No ad-
vance toward the paclfcation Of the dis
portion Of the population has
been made while the insurrection has
gained no advantages and exhibits no
moIe OF the elements of power or of the
prospect of ultimate success that were
exhibited year ago. Spain on the other
hand has not succeeded in its repression
and the parties stand apparently in the
same relative attitude which they occu-
pied for long time past. This contest
has lasted now for more than four years.
Were it seen at a distance FROM our
ueighborhood we might be Indifferent to
its result, although humanity could not
be unmoyed by many OF its incidents
whenever they might occur. It is how
I L. IL
the continued maintenance of slavery in
Cuba is among the strongest inducements
to the continuance of this strife A ter
rIble wrong Is the natural cause of ter
rible 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. 1t is especially to be hoped that
the present liberal government of Spain
will voluntarily adopt this view. The law
of emancipation which was passed more
than two years since has remained uuex-
ecuted in the absence of regulations for
its Enforcement. 1t was but feeble step
toward emancipation, but 1t was the rec
ognitlon of right and was hailed as such
and exhibited Spain in harmony with the
sentiments of humanity and justice, and
in sympathy with the other powers of the
Christian and civilized world. Within
the past few weeks the regulations for car
rying out the law of emancipation have
been announced, giving evidence of the
sincerity Of intention the present gov
ernment to carry into effect the law of
1876. | have not tailed TO urge the con
Slderatlon of the wisdom, the policy and
the justice of more effective system for
the abolition OF the great evil which OPP
pressed race and continues
bloody and destructive contest
close to our border, as well
forms OF which the pr0pTIety Is not ques-
toned. Deeply impressed with the con-
yieion that the continuance of slavery is
one of the most active causes of the con-
tinuanee of the unhappy condition of
affairs 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 proper
ty, but which Is forbidden and denounced
by the laws of the United States, They
are there, in defiance of the spirit of our
own laws. contributing to the coatiBu-
anee of this distressing aud sickenlng
contest. la my last annual message |
referred to this subject and | again rec
ommend such legislation as may be pro-
per to denounce and If not prevent at
least to discourage American citizens
/ from holding or dealing IN slaves.
SPAIN AND SOUTH AMERICA
1t is gratifying to announce that the
ratification 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 armistice have
been exchanged. A copy Of the instru-
ment is herewith submitted. Ii is hoped
/ that this may be followed ty permanent
/ peace between the same parties.
/ BRAZIL AND VENEZUELA
The differences which at one time
threatened the maintenance of peace be-
tween Brazil and the Argentine Repub-
| lie it Is hoped are in the way of satisfac-
tory adjustment With these, states as
with the Republics of Central and South
America, we continue to maintain the
most friendly relations. 1t is with re-
gret, however, | announce thst the Gov
ernor of Venezuela has made no further
payments on account ofthe awards under
the convention of the 25th of April, 1866
That Republic is understood to be now
almost il not quite tranquillzed. 1t is
hoped therefore that it will lose no time
in providing for the unpaid balance. oi
its debt to the United States. which,
having originated in injuries to its citI-
zens by the Venezuela authorities, and
having been acknowledged pursuant to
a treaty in the most solemn form known
among nations, would seem to deserve q
preference over debts OF different origin
and contracted IN a different manner.
This subject is again recommended TO the
attention Of Congress for such action as
may be deemed proper.
JAPAN.
=0ur treaty relations with Japan re
main unchanged. An imposing embassy
from that interesting and progressive ma
ton visited this country during the yea
that is passing, but being unprovided
with powers for the signing of c0nVeH
ton in this country no conclusion In tha
direction was reached 1t Is hoped how
ever that the interchange of opinion whicl
took place during their stay In this couR
try has led to a mutual appreciation o
the interests which may be promoted
when the revision of the existing treat
shall be undertaken In this connection
| renew my recommendation of one yea
ago that to give importance and to ad
to the efficiency OF our diplomatic rela
tions with Japan and China and to tur
ther aid in maintaining the good oplnio
of these people and to secure to tn
United States its share OF the commerce
destined to flow between these nation
and the balance of the commercial world
an appropriation be made to support &
least four American youths in each G
? these countries to serve as a part of th
official family of our ministers ther,
Our representatives would not even the
be placed upon an equality with the rel
resentatiyes Of Great Britain or son
!. other powers. As now situated our rel
re sentatives in Japan and China have
depend for interpreters and translation
4 upon natives of those countries VT
know our language imperfectiy, or Or
cure for the occasion the services of en-
ployes in foreign business houses
,ntarnrotorS tn othar Fnrai0n ,piniStars