The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-12-03
TUESDAY Evpe, DECEMBER 8, 1872.
THE MESSAGE,

ought to have been transmitted by the
Associated Press in time for our afternoon
edition yesterday. The message was in
their hands, ready for transmission, at a
iow minutes past one o'clock, and three
hours time was amply sufficient, with the
number Of wires at their command, in
which to have forwarded it for the evening
press Of the South. But no part Of it came
except as q Especial" and we obtained
the best we could Of that.
The message is clear, comprehensive,
and straightforward document. The con-
dition Of the Government in its several de-
partments is succinctly, yet fully stated,
while our relations with foreign govern
ments are touched upon at sufficient
length, and with sufficient accuracy of
statement, to enable any person Of ordinary
intelligence to thoroughly understand what
has been done in the way Of diplomacy
during the past year, and what is likely to
be our foreign policy for the ensuing year.
The President congratulates the country
upon the happy settlement by arbitration
OF our recent unpleasant and very grave
differences with the government of Great
Britain, which had been submitted to the
Geneva Conference by the Treaty of Wash.
ngton, and recommends, in this connection,
the appointment of Board of Commission
era to make examination of the several
claims for indemnity, SO that individual
losses may be satisfactorily adjusted by
the time the Geneva award is due and pay
able to the government. ffo refers, also,
in gratulatory terms, to the settlement of
tho yexed question OF boundary between
the two governments, which had been re-
ierred TO the arbitration and award OF
the Emperor of Germany, to decide upon
the construction and true Interpretation of
the treaty Of 1916. In this award the
claim of the American government had
been fully recognized by his Majesty the
Emperor, and Great Britain had gracously
acquieseed in giving effect to the decision.
BY this determination Of the Emperor of
Germany, we secure the important archipe-
lago of islands, lying between the continent
and Vancouver's Island, which Great Brit
ain has persistently claimed and occupied
ever since the ratification of the treaty of
1886. 1t also leaves us, for the first time
in the history Of the country, without O
disputed boundary question upon our
hands.
Our relations with the other powers of
Europe, are referred to in grateful and
graceful terms as being Of the most cordial
and friendly character, satisfactory treaties
having been concluded during the past year
with several of them in reference to natu-
radiation and other questions of material
interest to our people. References are made
20 the part our government has taken in
The International Statistical Congress which
lately assembled at st. Petersburgh, and
tae preparations making Cor the Intcrna-
tional Exposition TO he held during the
next gear in Vienna, IL which adequate
arrangements will be made Cor the accom-
mediation Of American exhibitors. These
International projects are highly commended
for their tendency ia The direction Of ad-
Nanead civilization, The elevation OF indus
try and labor, the increase of human hap
paless, and the greater intercourse and
goodwill beiwcea nations.
The President expresses bis regret that
tilaIe has beesl no advance since his last
ANIMAL message in the paeiticaton Of the
Disconnected portion Of the people Of Cuba.
He refers 70 The insurrcciion ns having
gained no advantages in The last year,
while tie Spanish government has failed to
represS the revolutionary demonstrations
Of her people. The contest has now lasted
for four years, and the President regards
the continued maintenance ofslayery 10 that
island rs the chief obstacle in the way of
restoration OF peace. He expresses the hope
that the present liberal government of Spain
will voluntarily adopt the views which have
been uniformly urged upon its consideration
BY the American government. Our rela-
tons with the Central and South Ameri-
can governments continue to be of the
most friendly character, as well as those
with Japan and China.
Our relations with the Mexican Repub-
lie arc referred to in connection with the
death Of the late President and the election
OF his temporary successor, and while the
many lawless acts that have disturbed the
quiet Of the border settlements, in eonse-
quence Of the late revolutionary condition
Of that republic, are referred to as subjects
Of just complaint on the part Of our
government, It is believed that
tho causes Of grievance will cease
under the more satisfactory condi-
ton Of affairs in that government. The
commissioners appointed to inquire INTO the
depredations committed on the Texan from
tier have not yet fully completed their Ia.
borg, and IN additional appropriation is
recommended to enable them to perform
their duties agreeably 10 the resolution un-
der which they were appointed in May last.
The financial exhibit of the government
10 in the highest degree satisfactory. The