Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-12-03
uralination, all Of which treaties have been duly

Congress at its last session having made 81
appropriation to defray the expense of Commits
sioners on the part of the United States TO the
International Statistical Congress at st. Peters
burg, the persons appointed IN that character
proceeded TO their destination and attended the
sessions of the Congress. The report shall In
due season be laid before you. This Congress
meets at intervals OF about three years and has
held its sessions in several of the countries OF
Europe. / submit TO your consideration the
prOpriety Of extending an invitation to the Con-
gress to hold its next meeting in the United
States. The centennial celebration to be held
in 1876 would afford an appropriate occasion foI
such meeting.
The Vierna Exposition.
Preparations are making for the international
Exposition to be held during the next year in
Vienna on a scale of very great magnitude
The tendency of these expositiOns is in the di-
rection of advancing civilization and the eeva.
ton Of industry, OF labor and OF the increase Ot
human happiness, as well as of greater inter
course and good will between the nations. As
this exposition Is to be the first wh ch win have
been held in Eastern Europe, it is believed that
American inventors and manufacturers will be
ready to avail themselves of the opportunity for
the presentation of their productions, ii encOur-
aged by proper aid ard protection.
At the last session of Congress
authority was given for the appointment OF
one or more agents 70 represent this government
at the Exposition. The authority thus given has
been exercised, but in the absence of any appro'
priation, there is danger that the important ben
eft which the occasion offers viii, in large de-
gree, be lost TO the citizens of the United States
| commend the subject strongly to your cOnsid-
Grafton, and recommend that an adequste ap-
preparation be made for the purpose. To further
aid Ameri san exhibitors at the Vienna EXposl-
ton, would recommend, in addition to an APP
propriation of money, that the Secretary of the
Navy be authorized 10 lit up two naval vessels to
transport between our Atlantic cities and Triest.
or the most convenient port to Vienna and back,
their articles for exhibition.
Mexico.
Since your la,t session the President Of the
Mexican Republic, distinguished by his high
character and by his services TO his country, has
died. His temporary successor has now been
elected with great unanmity by the people, a
proof of confidence on their part in his patriot
ism and wisdom, which it Is believed viii be con-
firmed by the results of his administration. 1t Is
particularly desirable that nothing should be left
undOne by the government of either republic to
strengthen their relations as neighbOrs and
friends. 1t is much 10 be regre' ted that many
lawless acts continue 20 disturb the quiet of the
settlements on the border between our territory
and that OF Mexico an that complaints of wrong
to American citizens in various parts of the
country are made. The revolutionary condition
in which the neighbOriDg republic has so long
been involved, has in some degree contributed TO
this distuf bance. 1t is to be hoped that with a
more settled rule of order through the republic,
which may be expected from the present govern
ment, the acts OF which just complaint is made
will cease.
The proceedings of The commission under the
convention with Mexico OF the 9TH of July, 1868,
on the subject of claims have unfortunately been
checked by an obstacle. for the removal OF which
measures have been taken by the two govern
ments, which it is believed viii prove successful.
Uutrages GA Texan Border.
The Commissioners appointed pursuant to the
Joint resolutions of Congress Of the 7th of May
last, TO inQuir into depredations on the Texas
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 tho
limited appropriation made by Congress. Mexico
on the part cftheir government has appointed
similar commissioner to Investigate these out
RACES. II is not announced officially, but the
press of that country states that the fullest inYeS
all parties concerned is invited TO secure that
end. / therefore recommend that a special APP
be made at the earliest day practica.
bic 10 enable the Commissioner, on the part OF
the United State, to return TO their Iabors
without delay.
Condition or Cuba.
It is with regret that have again 10 announce
a continuance Of the disturbed condition Of the
Island OF Cuba. No advance toward pacifiea-
ton of the discontinued part OF the population
has been made. While the resurrection has
gained no advantages and exhibits no more Of
the elements of power or OF the prospect Of ulti-
mate success than were exhibited year ago,
Spain on the other hand has not succeeded in its
the same relative attitude which they have oc-
cupied tor long sine past. This contest has
lasted now for more than four years. Were II
seen at a distance from our neighborhOod we
mil ght be Indifferent 70 its results, although hu-
manity could not be unmoYed by many OF its in
cidents wherever they might occur. 1t is, how
ever, a. our door. / cannot doubt that the cOnt-
nued maintenance of slavery in Cuba is among
the strongest inducements TO the continuance OF
this strife. A terrible wrong is the natural cause
of terrible evil. The abolition of slavery and
the Introduction Of other reforms in the admins
tratlOn OF the government in Cuba could not fan
10 advance the restoration of peace and order.
1t is especially TO be hoped that the present lib
eTal government OF Spain VIII voluntarily adopt
this view. The law OF emancipation which WAS
passed more than two years since has
remained unexecuted, and in the absence Of reg
ulatiOn3 for its in orcement 1t was but feeble
step toward emancipation, but it was the recog-
milton Of the right and was hailed as such, and
exhibited Spain in harmony with the sentiments
of humanity and Of Justice, and in sympathy
with the other powers of the Christian and civil
lied world. Within the past few weeks the reg
ulatiOns for carrying oGt;he laws Of en- ncipa-
ton hsve been announced, giving evidence Of
the sincerity of intention OF the present govern
ment to carry into OBJECT the law of 1870 have
not failed to urge the consideration Of the Wis
dom OF the policy and the justice Of more et-
fective system for the abolition of the great evil
which oppressed race and continues bloody
and destructive contest close 10 our border, as
well as the eXpedieDCy and the justice Of con-
questioned.
American Shareholders.
Deeply impressed with the conviction that the
continuance of slavery IS one of the most active
causes OF the continuance OF the unhappy con-
diuon in Cuba, regret to believe 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 forbidden and
denounced by the laws Of the United States.
They are thus, in defiance OF the spirit OF our
DKYnl AUS no a
rh distressing and sickening contest. In my
last annual message | referred to this subject,
and again recommend such legislation as may
be proper TO denouncc, and if DOT prevent, at
least to discourage American citizens from hold
ing or dealing in slaves.
South America.
II IS gratifying TO announce that the rstihca-
ton OF the convention concluded under the aus
pces of his Government, between Spain on the
Jne part, ami the allied Republics of the Pacific
ll the other, providing Tor an armistice, have
been exchanged. A copy of the instrument is
herewith submitted 1t Is hoped that this may
be followed 10y permanent peace between the
same parties.
The differences which at one time threatened
The maintenance of peace between Brazil and
5he Argentine Republic are, it is hoped on the
way OF satisfactory adjustment. With these
States as with the Republics Of Central and South
America We continue 10 maintain the most
friendly relations.
Our Venezuelan Claims.
1t is with regret, however, 1 announce that
the Government of Venezuela has made no
further payments on account OF the awards I'M
ler the convention of the 2jth OF April, 1865
That Republic is understood TO be almost if not
quite tranquilized. 1t is hoped therefore that
t will lose no time in providing for the unpaid
debt to the United States, which, having Origi-
latedin injuries to its citizens by the Venezuelan
authorities and having been Acknowledged per-
;uant 10 a treaty in the most solemn fyTm known
among nations, would seem 20 deserve prefer
snce over debts Of different origin and contract
ID in a different manner. This subject is again
to the attention of Congress for
such action as may be decided proper.
Our Japanese Cousins.
Our treaty relations with Japan remain I'M
changed. An imposing embassy from that in
terestiug and progressive nation visited this
country during the year that is passing but be-
ing GnpIOvided with powers for the signing Of
in this country, no conclusion in that
direction was reached. It is hoped however,
that the interchange of opinion which took place
mutual appreciation Of the interests which may
be promoted when the revision of the existing
treaty shall be undertaken. In this connection
renew my recommendation Of year ago that
10 give Importance and TO add 10 the efficiency
of cur diplomatic relations with .Japan and
China, and TO further aid in retaining the gooa
opinion Of these people and TO secure to the
10 flow between these nations and the balance of
the commsr rcial world, an appropriations be made
TO support at least four American youths in each
If these countries to part of he official
amiy of our ministers there. Our representa-
ives wOuld not even then be placed upon an
equality with the representatives OF Great BTi-
ain and of some other powers. As now sitUa-