The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1872-12-13

Z
the commission under the convention
with Mexico, of the 9th of July, 1868,
on the subject of claims, have unfortu-
nately been checked by an obstacle, for
the removal Of which measures have
been taken by the two Governments,
which IS believed viii prove successful.
The Commissioners appointed pursuant
to the joint resolutions of Congress, of
the 7th OF May last, to inquire into the
depredatiOns ON the Texas frontier, have
diligently made investigations on that
question, and their report upon the sub
iect 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 its Government, has ap-
pointed q similar commission to investi-
gate these Outrages. It is not annOunc-
ed officially, but the press of that cOun-
try states that the fullest investigation
is desired, and the cooperation of all
parties concerned is wanted to secure
that end. [ therefore recommend that
a special appropriation be made at the
earliest day practicable, to enable the
Commissioners on the part of the Uni
ted States to return to their labOrs with
out delay.
1t is with regret that have again to
announce the continuance of the dis
turbed condition of the island of Cuba.
No advance toward the pacifcation 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
were exhibited a year ago. Spain, on
| the other hand, has not succeeded in its
repression, and the parties stand appa-
rently in the same relative attitude that
they have occupied for a long time past.
| The contest has lasted now for more than
four years. Were it seen at a distance
from our neighbOrhOod, we might be
Indifferent to the results, although hu-
manity could not be unmoved by
many of its incidents wherever they
might occur. It is, however, at our
door, and [ cannot doubt that the
continued maintainance of slavery In
Cuba is among the greatest inducements
for continuance of this strife A terri
BILE wrong is the natural cause of a tar
rible 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 res
toration OF peace and good order. It is
especially to be hoped that the present
liberal government of Spain Will vOlun-
tarily adopt this view. The law of
emancipation, which was passed more
than two years since, has remained I'M
executed, in the absence of regulations
for its enforcement. Tt was but a feeble
step toward emancipation, but it was the
recognition of right, and was hailed as
such and exhibited Spain in harmony
with sentiments Ofhumanity and Justice,
and III sympathy with the other powers
of the Christian and civilized world.
Within the past few weeks the regula-
tions for carrying out the laws of eman-
cipatiOn have been commenced, giving
evidence of the sincerity of intention of
the present government to carry into eff
feet the law of 1870. [ have not failed
to urge the consideration of the wisdom,
the policy and the justice of a more eff
fective system for the abolition of the
great evil which Oppresses a race, and
continues a bloody and destructive con-
test close to our border, as well as the
expediency and the justice of conceding
reforms of which the prOpriety is not
questioned. Deeply impress with the
conviction that the continuance of sla-
very is one of the most active causes of
the continuance of the unhappy condi-
L
citizens of the United States, or those
claiming to be such, are large holders in
Cuba of what is there claimed as prop
erty, but which is forbidden and de
nounced by the laws of the United
States They are thus in defiance of
of the spirit of our own laws, contribu-
ting to the continuance of this distress
ing and sickening contest. In my last
message / referred to this subject, and l
again recommend such legislation as
may be proper to denounce, and if not
prevent, ut least to discourage Ameri-
cans from holding or dealing in slaves.
SOUTH AMERICA.
1t is gratifying to announce that the
ratification of the convention concluded
between Spain on the one part, and al
lied Republics of the Pacific on the
other, providing for an armistice, have
been exchanged. A copy of the instru-
ment is herewith submitted. It is hop
ed that this may be followed by a per
manent peace between the same parties.
The difference which at one time
threatened the maintenance of peace
between Brazil and the Argentine
Republic, it is hoped, are on the way of
satisfactory adjustment with these
States. 1t Is with regret, however, I
announce that the Government of Ven
ezuela has made no further payments on
account of the awards under the Con
vention of the 25th of April, 1866.
That Republic is understood to be now
almost, if not quite tranquihzed. It
is hoped, therefore, that it will lose no
time in providing for the unpaid
debt 10 the United States, which, having
by the Venezuelan authorities, and hav-
ing been acknowledged pursuant to
treaty IN the most solemn form known
among nations, would seem to deserve
preference over debts of a different
manner. This subject is again recon-
mended to the attention of Congress for
such action as may be deemed proper.
Our treaty relations with Japan
remain unchanged. An imposing en-
bassy from that interesting and progress
sivc nation visited this country during
the year that is passing, but not being
invested with powers Tor the signing of
| a convention in this country, no conclu-
sion in that direction was reached Tt
Is hoped, however, that the interchange
of opinion which took place during their
stay In this country has led to a mutual
/ appreciation of the interests which may
be promoted when the revision of the
/ existing treaty shall be undertaken. In
/ this connection [ renew my recommen-
dation of a year ago; though to give i'm
/ portance and to add to the efficiency of
our diplomatic relations with Japan and
/ China, and to further aid in retaining
/ the good opinion of these people, and
/ to secure to the United States its share
I of the commerce destined to flow be-
+ tween these nations and the balance of
/ the commercial world, an apprOpriation