The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1872-12-06

buhb IL VIII lOSC uO bllO
in providing for the unpaid balance
of its debt to the United States,
which having originated in injuries
to its citizens by the Venezuela au
thorities, and having been acknowl-
edged pursuant to a treaty in the
most solemn form known among ma
tlons, would seem to deserve prefer
ence over debts of different origin,
and contracted in different manner.
This subject is again recommended
to the attention of Congress for such
action as may be deemed proper.
THE AsIATIc NATIONS.
Our treaty relations with Japan
remain unchanged. An imposing
embassy from that interesting and
progressive nation visited this count
ry during the year that is passing,
but being unprovided with powers
for the signing of convention in
this country, no conclusion in that
direction was reached. 1t is hoped,
however, that the interchange of opin
ion which took place during their
stay in this country has led to mu-
tual appreciation of the interests
which may be promoted when revis-
ion of the present treaty shall be
undertaken. In this connection 1
renew my recommendation of one
year ago, that to give Importance
and to add to the efficiency of our
diplomatic relations with Japan and
China. and to further aid in retain
ing the good opinion of these peo-
pie. and to secure to the United
States it's share Of the commerce
destined to flow between these ma
tions and the balance ofthe CONNER
cial world, an appropriation be made
to support at least four American
youths in each Of these countries,
to serve as a part of the official fam
ily of our minister. Our representa-
tives would not even then be placed
upon an equal with the representa-
tives of Great Britain or some other
powers. AS now stated, our repre-
sentatives in Japan and China have
to depend for interpreters and trans
lators upon natives of those countris
who know our language imperfectly
or procure for the occasion the serv-
ices of employees in foreign business
or the interpreters Of other foreign
Ministers.
l renew the recommendation made
on a previous occasion of the transfer
to the Department of the Interior, to
which they seem more appropriately
to belong, of all the power and duties
in relation to the Territories, with
which the Department of State is
now charged by law or by custom.
RELIEF FOR THE DISTRESSED.
Congress, from the beginning Of the
government, has wisely made provis-
ion for the relief ofdistressed seamen
in foreign countries. No similar
provision, however, has hitherto
been made for the relief of citizens
in distress abroad other than seamen.
1t is understood to be customary
with other governments to authorize
consuls to extend such reliefto their
citizens Of subjects in certain cases.
A similar authority and an appropri-
alton to carry it into effect are sug-
gested in case of citizens Of the
United State destitute or sick. IN
der such circumstances, it is well
known that such citizens went to
foreign countries in great numbers.
Though most Of them are able to
bear expenses incident to locomotion
there are some who through accident
or otherwise became penniless and
have no friends at home able to sue
cor them. Persons in this situation
must either perish or cast themselves
upon the charity of the foreigners or
be relieved at the private charge of
our own officers who usually even
with the most benevolent disposition
have nothing to spare for such pur-
poses. Should the authority and
appropriation asked for be given,
care will be taken to carry the bene-
fcience of Congress into effect. that
it shall be unnecessarily or uuworth-
lily bestowed.
THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
The report oft Secretary of War
shows the expenditures of the War
Department for the fiscal year ending
June 80, 1871, to be $35, ,799, 991.S2
and for the fiscal year ending June
80, 1872, to be $35,372,158.Z0, show
a reduction in favor of the last fiscal
year of $427, ,S3462. The estimates
for military appropriations for the
next fiscal year ending June 80, 1874,
are $33, ,801, ,17S.98. The estimates of
the Chief of Engines are submitted
separately, for Notifications, River
and harbor improvements, and pub
lie buildings and grounds, and the
Washington aqueduct. The affairs
of the Freedman's Bureau have all
been transferred to the War Depart
ment and regulations put in execu-
ton for the speedy payment Of
bounty, pay, &c, due to colored sold
iers' property coming under that
Bureau. All War accounts for mon
ey and property prior to 1871 have
been examined and transmitted to
the Treasury for annual settlement.
During the fiscal year there has been
paid for transportation on Railroads
81 ,300,000,of which $50, 1857 was over
the Pacific Railroadi; fer transport
aIion by water 76,37S,22, and by
stage $4S,972,84 and for the purpose
of transportation of animals, wagons.
hire of teamsters, u.s., 1854 1884.
About$370,000 have been collected
from Southern Railroads during the
year, leaving balance Of 100000
still due the Quartermaster. He has
examined and transmitted to the ac-
counting officers for settlement$367,-
1872 of claims by loyal citizens for
Quartermaster's store taken during
the war.
Subsistence supplies to the amount
Of SIS, 1904, ,802 have been issued to the
Indians. The annual average main
strength Of the army was 24IOl
white, and 5;494 colored soldiers.
The total deaths for the year report
I'd were 367 white and "a colored.
The distribution of the medical sur
yical history of the war is yet to be
ordered by Congress. There exists
IN absolute necessity for q medical