The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-12-05
TrEgEgED ENT.g MESSAGE.

n EsESE III EN & 8 MESSAGE.
The message of President Grant to Con-
gress on the occasion Of its re-assembling on
Monday last is somewhat lengthy document
aad We propose to lay before our readers an
abstract which shall enable them to Judge Of
its general characteristics
| The message begins with expressions Of
thanktulness TO the Giver Of all Good for ma
tlonal prosperity and peace, abiding to the
Boston Gre as the only oyershadowing calam-
ity of the last year.
The FIRST subject discussed is that Of o,r
foreign relations. Our relations to Great
Britain are very clearly and plainly set forth
The settlement Of the grave differences OF
long standing and the source of much diplo-
matte negotiation, by the treaty Of Washing
ton and th= Geneva arbitration, which awar-
ded to the United States the sum Of $l5,-
500, 900 Is alluded to as entirely satisfactory
| to this government, and in accordance with
the views and policy which it had maintain
ed It is a matter Of just pride that the
President can say !:
"This decision happily disposes of long
standing difference between the two Govern
ments, and in connection with another award
made by the German Emperor, under ref
erence to him by the same treaty leaves these
two Governments without shadow upon the
friendly relations whlch it is my sincere hope
may forever remain equally unclopded
No American will fail to join heartily in
such a hope. After stating that thanks had
| h,o,, al 70 4 ha
nitaries swho took part ia the Geneva arbitra
ton, and abiding to the appreciation express
ed iby the Queen Of the course Of Mr..
Adams, the President says:
cit is due to the agent Of the United States
before the Tribunal to record my high appfe-
citation Of the marked ability, universal pa
tien ce, and the prudence and discretion with
which he has conducted the very responsible
and delicate duties committed to him"
In concluding the discussion Of this sub
| ject the President recommends Congress to
take immediate steps to provide fer the ad-
| iustment of the amount due to individuals 10
5he distribution Of the award in gross made
by the board Of arbitration.
! The next subject considered is the emf
nently satisfactory, award made By the Ems
peror OF Germany. to whom, as arbitrator,
was referred the dispute between this coun
try aud England concerning an important
portion of our northwest rn boundary. Th~
result of the Emperor's decision cannot be
more tersely, or completely stated than in the
following language from the message:
This award confirms the United States In
their claim to the mportant archipelago OF
islands lying between the continent and Van
couver's Island, which for more than wenty
six years (cver since the ratification of the
treaty. Great Britain has contested, and
leaves US for the first time in the history OF
the United States as nation without cues
ZION Of suspended boundary between our ter
ritory and the possessions Of Great Britain on
this continent"
/ President Grant is very warm in praise of
Minister Bancroft, Who has had SO N ueh to
do with the treaty under (which this award
IS made, and to whom, this trium-
due. Proper aeknowled gmcnt of the prompt
action Of England under the award is also
made
A wise foresight is manifested in the pro-
position for definite settlement, by natural
objects or other monuments, Of the actual
line between the British American posses
sons and our Territory of Alaska. The rea-
soniug given in the followiug extract is at
once concise and conclusive
''Ihe region is now So sparsoly occupied
that no confictive Interests Of individuals or
OF jurisdiction arc likely to Interfere, to the
delay or embarrassment Of the actual location
Of the line. Ii deferred until population
shall enter and occupy the territory, some
trivial contest ofneighbors may again arraign
the two governments 10 antagonism. [ there
fore recommend the appointment of com.
mission, to act jointly with one that may be
appointed OF the part Of C feat Britain, to
determine the line between our Territory OF
Alaska and the coterminous possessions of
Great Britain"
The discussion ofour relations with Great
Britain, ie closed by recommendation for
appropriate legislation concerning the fisher
/ les.
| Ofour relations with other European ma
tious but little is said because little is neces
sary. The following sentence contains near
ly all oft :
with France, our earliest ally Russia,
the constant, steady friend Of the United
States Germany, with whose government
and people We have 50 many causes Of friend
ship and SO many common sympatties, and
tae other powers Of Europe, our relations are
maintained on the most friendly terms"
| The President is not unmindful of scien-
tifc interests, and recommends that the In
| ternational Statistical Congress be invited to
hold its next meeting in this country. He is
also watchfuI of our industrial interests
abroad, alndes to the Importance Of the In
teraational Exposition to be held in Vienna
next year, upholds the advantages TO accrue
to us as a nation and to our mechanics and
artzaus if their products are exhibited prop
erly, recommends the appointment of agents
to represent the government and the charter
lug of two vessels from our navy to transport
articles for exhibition.
The discussion of the Mexican questions
is conducted with manifestations OF great
frenGlineys toward that power and at the
SINE time determination to insist on our
rights.
II slavery is recognized the cause of the
Cuban disturbances. and the subject is closed
by recommendation Of further legislation
to prevent the holding of slaves in that Is