River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1872-12-13

made by Congress. Mexico on her part
has appointed similar commission TO inves-
tgate these outra gcs. 1t Is not announced Of
iicially, but the press OF that country states
that the fullest investigation ia desired, and
that the cooperation Of all parties concerned
is invited to secure that end. !, therefore, rec
ommend that special appropriation be made
at the earliest day practicable 10 enable the
commissioners on the part of the United States
70 return to their labors without delay.
CUBAN AFFAIRS.
1t ia with regret that have again TO an
nounce a continuance of the disturbed condi-
ton Of the Island of Cuba. No advance to-
wards a psctication OF the Disconnected por-
ton OF the populace has been made while the
insurrection has gained no advantage and ex-
hibits no more OF the element OF power or the
prospect OF ultimate success than were exhib-
tied year ago.
spain, on the other hand, has not succeeded
in its repression, and the parties stand APP
psrenty IN the same relative attitude which
they have occupied for long time past. This
contest has lasted now for more than four
years. Were 1t seen At distance from our
Eeighborhood We might be Indifferent 10 the
results, although humanity could not be I'M
moved by its incidents, wherever they might
occur however at our door
/ cannot doubt that the continued main
tenance 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 administration Of the government in
Cuba could not fail TO advance the return OF
peace and order IL is especially TO be hoped
that the present liberal government of Spain
will voluntarily adopt this view, The law of
emancipation winch was passed more than two
years since has remained uneXecuted. In the
absence Of ppnula tIppc ~ itc at,f,Faar,,x,,t
was but feeble step toward eman-
cipation, but ii was the recognition
Of right, and was hailed as such, aud exhibit
ed Spain IN harmony with the sentiments of
humanity and of justice, and in sympathy
with other powers Of the Christian and civil
lied world. Within the past few weeks
the regulations for carving ont the laws OF
emancipation have been announced, giving
evidence OF the sincerity OF intention Of the
present government TO carry into effect the
law OF 1870 | have not failed to urge the
considerat ton of the wisdom, the policy. and
the justice of more effective system for the
abolition OF the great evil which oppressed
a race and continues a bloody and de-
structive contest close to our border.
as well as the expediency and the
justice Of conceding reforms of which
the propriety is not questioned. Deeply i'm
pressed With the conviction that the continu-
ance of slavery is one Of the most active causes
of the continuation Of the unhappy condition
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 prop
erty, but which is forbidden and denounc-
ed by the laws of the United States They
are thus IN defiance of the spirit of our own
laws. contributing to the continuance Of this
distressing and sickening contest. In my last
annual message | referred to this subject, and
| again recommend such legislation as may be
proper to denounce and if not prevent, at
least to discourage, American citizens from
holding or dealing in slaves.
SPAIN AND THE SOUTH AMERICAN REPUBLICS.
1t is gratifying to announce that the ratifica-
ton Of the Convention concluded under the
auspices of this government between Spain
on the one part, and the allied republics Of the
Pacific on the other, providing for an armis-
tee, have been arranged. A copy of the in
is herewith submitted. 1t is hoped
that this may be followed by a permanent
peace between the same parties.
SOUTH AMERICAS AFFAIRS.
The differences which at one time threaten
ed the maintenance of peace between Brazil
and the Argentine Republic it is hoped are on
the way to a satisfactory adjustment. With
these states as with the Republics of Central
aud South America. we continue to maintain
regret however, | snnoGnce that the govern
ment Of Venezuela has made no further pay
ments on account Of the awards made under
the convention of the 18th OF April, 1866. That
republic il understood to be now almost if not
quite tranGuiliZed. II is hoped, there
fore, that it will lose no time in
providing for the unpaid balances of
its debts to the United States, which, having
originated IN injuries to its citizens by the
Venezuelan autoritles, and having been ac-
knowledged pursuant to a treaty in the most
solemn form known among nations, would
seem to deserve preference over debts of
different origin, and contracted in different
manner. This subject is again recommended
to the attention OF Congress for such act on
as may be deemed proper.
RELATIONS WITH JAPAN.
Our treaty relations with Japan remain un.
changed. An imposing Embassy from that
and progressive nation visited this
country during the year that is passing, but
being unprouded with powers for the signing
Of convention. In this country no conclu-
sion IN that direction was reached II is
hoped, however, that the interchange Of opin-
ion which took place during their stay in this
has led to 4 mutual appreciation of
the interests which NAV be promised when
the revision OF the existing treaty shall be
In this connection Irenew my recommends
ton Of one year ago, that, 10 give importan ce
and 20 add 70 the efficiency Of our diplomatic
relations with japan and China, and 20 fur
Their aid in maintaining the good opinion of
those people, aud 10 secure 10 the United
States a share OF the commerce destined 10
flow between the two great nations
and the balance OF the commercial world,
an appropriation be made TO support at least
four American youths ia each OF these coun-
tries 10 serve As part Of the Official family OF
our ministers there. Our representatives
would not even then be placed upon an equal
lty with the representatives of Great Britain
or some other powers. As now situated our
IN Japan or China have to
depend for Interpreters and transators upon
natives of those countries who know cur lam
guagc impcrtectly, or procure for the occasion
the services of employees IN foreign business
houses, or the interpreters 10 other forcig On
ministers.
THE TERRITORIES.
renew the recommendation made on q pre-
yiuu~ OCCASION ~ the transfer % the Depart.
81 Z H..srsa utHf.f a..