Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-12-03
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

To the Senate and House Of Representatives:
In transmitting to you this, my fourth annual
message, it is with thankfulncss to the Giver OF
alIlgoOd that asHa nation we have been blessed
for the last year with peace at home and abroad,
and general prosperity vouchSafed to but few
people. With the exception of the recent dev-
astatng fire which swept from the earth with a
breath, as it were, millions of accumulated
wealth in the city of Boston, there has been no
overwhelming calamity within the year to
record. 1t is gratifying to note that like their
fellow citizens Of Chicago, under similar cir
cumstanceS year ago, the citizens of Boston
are ralving under their mislortunes, and there
is every prospect that their energy and perSe-
yerance will overcome all obstacles and show
the same prosperity soon that they would show
had no disaster belallen them. Otherwise we
have been free from pestilence, war aud calam.
ity which often Oyertake nations: and as far as
human judgment can penetrate the future, no
cause seems to exist to threaten or prevent
peace.
When congress adjourned in June last, ques-
ton had been raised By Great Britain and was
then pending, which for time seriously imper-
HE'D the settlement, by friendly arbitration of
the grave differences 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 arbitrator, how
ever, disposed of the question which had jeop-
ardiZed the whole of the treaty, aud threatened
to involve the nations in most unhappy relations
toward each other, in a manner entirely salts
factory to this government, and in accordance
with the views and the policy which il had
maintained. The tribunal which had convened
in Geneva in December concluded its laborious
session on the 14th day OF September last, on
which day, having ayailed itself Of the discre
tionary power given to it by the treaty to award
sum in gross, it made It's decision, whereby
it awarded the sum of $780, 600 in gold as the
indemnity to be paid by Great Britain to the
IuifnI States for ratifpot finn n oil ole
referred to its consideration. This decision
happily disposeS of a long standing difference
between the two governments, and in connec-
ton with another award, made by the German
emperor, under a reference to him by the same
treaty, leaves these two governments without a
shadow upon friendly relations, which it is my
sincere hope may forever remain equally un-
clouded.
The report Of the agent of the United States
appointed to attend the Geneva tribunal accom-
panied by the protocols Of thepr0ceedings Of the
arbitrator, the arguments of the counsel o .both
governments, the award of the tribunal, and the
opinions given by the several arbitrators, is
transmitted herewith. have caused TO be com
municatcd TO the heads of the three friendly
powers who complied with the joint request
made to them under the treaty, the thanks
Of this government for the appointment
Of arbitrator made by them respective
ly, aud also my thanks to the eminent
personageS named by them, and my apprecia-
llDI VI tlG NlAUtlyg pdltuIts lNlpdlidlllN anu
great ability with which they discharged their
ardu0us and high functions. Her majesty's
government has communicated to me its appre-
cau3n by her majesty of the ability and lnde-
latgable industry displayed by Mr.. Adams, the
arbitrator named on the part of this government,
during the protracted inquiries and discussions
Of the tribunal. ! cordially unite with her maj
esty IN this appreciation. II is due to the agent
Of the United States before the tribunal to re-
port my high appreciation of tie marked ability,
unWedrled patience, and the prudence and dis
erection, with which he has conducted the very
responsible and delicate duties committed TO
him, as it is also due TO the learned add en-.
inent counsel who attended the tribunal on the
part OF this government, TO express my sense Of
the talents and wisdom which they brought 10
bear in the attainment of each result so happily
reached. Tt viii be the province of congress TO
provide for the distribution, among those who
may be entitled TO 1t, Of their respective shares
Of the money 70 be paid.
Although the sum awarded is not payable
until year from the date Of the award, it is
deemed advisable that no time be lost in making
proper examination of the several cases in
which Naturalization may be due. ! conse-
quently recommend the creation Of board Of
commissioners for the purpose.
by the Bath article Of the treaty of Washing
ton, the respective claims Of the United States
aud ol Great Britain, in their construction Of the
treaty Of the 18th Of June, 1915. defining the
boundary line between their respective terrific.
RES were submitted to the arbitration award
o. hls majesty the emperor Of Germ any 10 de.
elae which Of those claims Is most in accordance
WIN ING true Interpretation OF the treaty of 1916
ll4 MAJESTY the emperor OF Germany having
pseh pleAsed 10 undertake the arbitration rhas
Tue earnest thanks Vt this government and of
the people Of the United States, for Inc labor
pains ana care which he has devoted To the con,
sidefaiion Of this long pending difference.
nave caused an expression OF my thanks 70 be