The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1872-12-13
LAwLEssNEss ON THE RIO GRANDE.

American citizens in various parts OF
the country are made. The revolution
ary condition in which the neighboring
republic has so long been involved has
in some degree contributed to this dis
turbance. 1t is to be hoped that with
a more settled rule of order through
the republic, which may be expected
from the present Government, the acts
of which ust complaint is made will
cease. The proceedings of the Com
mission under the Convention with
Mexico of the 4th of July, 1868, on the
subjects of claims have unfortunately
been checked by an obstacle, for the re-
moval of which measures have been
taken by the two Governments which
1t is believed will prove success ful.
The Commissioners appointed, pursu-
ant to the joint resolution of Congress
of the 7th of May last to inquire into
depredations on the Texan frontier have
diligently made investigations In that
quarter. Their report upon the subject
will be communicated to you. Their
researches were necessarily incomplete,
partly on account OF the limited appro-
priation made by Congress. Mexico,
on the part of that Government, has
appointed similar commission to in
vestigate these outrages. 1t IL not an
nOunced officially, but the press of that
country states that the fullest investiga-
tion is desired, and that the co.opera.
tion of all parties concerned Is invited
to secure that end. 1 therefore recon-
mend that q special appropriation be
enable the Commissioners on the part
of the United States to return to their
labors without delay.
CUBA.
1t is with regret that 1 have again to
announce q continuance of the disturb
ed condition of the Island of Cuba. No
advance towards the pacificatiOn of the
discOntented part OF the population has
been made. While the insurrection has
gained no advantages and exhibits no
more of the elements of power or OF the
prospects of ultimate success than was
exhibited year ago, Spain, on the
other hand, has not succeeded in its
repression, and the parties stand appar
emily in the 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 Indifferent to its results,
although humanity could not be un-
moved by many of the incidents
wherever they might occur. 1t is,
however, at our door. / cannot doubt
that the continued maintenance of
slavery in Cuba is among the strongest
inducements to the continuance of the
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
the 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 remain
ed uneXecuted in the absence of regula-
tions for its enforcement. 1t was but n
was the recognition of right, and was
hailed as such, and exhibited Spain in
harmony with sentiments of humanity
and justice and in sympathy with the
other powers of the civilized world.
Within the past few weeks the regula.
tions for carrying out the law of eman-
cipation 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 consideration of the
wisdom, the policy, and the justice of a
more effective system for the abolition
of the great evil which oppresses race
and continues bloody and destructive
quarrel close to our border, as well as
the eXpediency and the justice of con-
ceding reforms of which the propriety
| is not questioned. Deeply impressed
with the conviction that the continuance
of slavery is one of the most active
causes Of the continuance Of the I'M
happy condition in Cuba, regret to be-
lieve 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 for.
hidden and denounced by the laws o
the United States. They are thus, in
contributing TO the continuance of this
distressing and sickening contest. lr
my last annual message l referred tt
this subject, and l again recommend
such legislation as may be proper t(
denounce, and If not prevent, at least
to discourage American citizens from
holding or dealing in slaves.
THE SOUTHERN REPUBLICS.
1t is gratifying to announce that tn,
ratification of the convention conclud
ed under the auspices of this Govern
ment between Spain on the one par
and the allied republics of the Pacitl
on the other, providing for an armistice
have heen exchanged. "A copy of thu
instrument is herewith submitted. 1ti
hoped that this may be followed by
permanent peace. The differences whicl
at one time threaten d the maintenance
Of peace between Brazil and the Argen
uine Republic, it is hoped, are in tn
way of satisfactory adjustment. Wit
these states. as with the republics G
Central and South America, we continu
to maintain the most friendly relations
1t is with regret, however, that j an
nounce that the Government of Ven
ezuela has made no further payment
on account of the awards under the cor
ventiOn of the 25th Of April, 1866. Ths
republic / understand tobe now almos
if not quite, tranquillized. 1t Is hoped
therefore, that it will lose no time |
providing for the unpaid balance Of il
debt to the United States, which, hay
ing originated in injuries to his citizer
by Venezuelan authorities, and havin
been acknowledged pursuant to treat
in the most solemn form known anon
nations, would seem to deserve pr,
ference over debts of different origi
/, anu COUlrdCttu III ulHeTent IuduHe
This subject is again recommended
the attention of Congress for such astiO
as may be deemed proper. ~
CHINA AND JAPAN.
Our treaty relations with Japan r
4 main unchanged. An imposing emba
2 sy from that interesting and progressiN
+. nation visited this country during IL
l year that is passing, but being unpr
!. vided with powers for the signing of
0 convention in this country, no cOncl
9 sion in that direction was reached. 1t
/, hoped, however. that the interchani
!. of opiuions which took place duriI
Q their stay In this country has led to
o mutal appreciation of the interes
S which may be promoted when the rev
t ion of the existing treaty shall be u
8 dertaken. In this connection i rene
my recommendation of one year ag
that to give importance and to add
the efficiency Of our diplomatic relatio
It with Japan and China, and to furth
l. aid in retainging the good opinion
is these peoples, and to secure to I
Is United States its share of the CONNER
T. destined to flow between these natio