Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1872-12-14

laws OF the united StateS. They are
thus contributing to the continuance
of this distressing and sickening con-
test. In my last annual message
referred to this subject, and l again
recommend such Legislation as may be
proper to denounce, if not to prevent
and discourage American citizens from
dealing in slaves.
| THE SOUTH AMERICAN WAR.
1t is gratifying to announce that the
ratification of the Convention, conclud-
ed under the auspices of this Govern
ment, between Spain ON one part and
the allied Republics of the Pacific on
the other, providing for an armistice,
have been exchanged. A copy of the
instrument is herewith transmitted.
1t is hoped that this may be followed
by permanent peace between the
same parties. The differences, which
at one time threatened the maintenance
of peace between Brazil and the Argen-
tine Republic, it is hoped are in way
of satisfactory adjustment. With these
States, as with the Republics of Central
and of South America, we intend to
maintain the most friendly relations.
CLAIMS AGAINST VENEZUELA.
It is with regret, however, that I
announce that the Government of
Venezuela has made no further payment
on account of the awards under the
Convention of 25th April, 1866. That
Republic is understood to be now
almost, if not quite, tranquillized. It
is hoped, therefore, that it will lose no
time in providing for the unpaid balance
of its debt to the United States, which
having originated in injuries to it's
citizens by the Venezuela authorities,
and having been acknowledged pur-
suant to q treaty in the most solemn form
known among nations, would seem to
derive preference over debts of a differ
ent origin and contract. In different
manner this subject is again recon-
mended to the attention of Congress
for such action as may be deemed
proper.
OUR RELATIONS WITH JAPAN AND CHINA.
Our treaty relations with Japan re-
main unchanged. An Embassy from
that interesting and progressive nation
visited this country during the year
that is passing, but being unprovided
with powers for the signing of con-
vention in this country, no conclusion
in that direction was reached. 1t is
hoped, however, that the interchange
of opinion, which took place during
their stay in this country, has led to Il
mutual appreciation of the interests
which may be expected when the re-
vision of the treaty shall be undertaken.
In this connection ! renew my recon-
mendation of year ago, that to give
Importance and add to the efficiency of
our diplomatic relations with Japan
and China, and to further aid in main
tanning the good opinion of these people
and secure to us our share of the COM
merce destined to flow between these
nations and the balance of trade of the
commercial world, an appropriation
should be made to support at least
four American youths in each of these
countries, to serve as part OF the official
family of our Ministers. Our Repre-
sentatives would then be placed upon
an equality with the representatives of
Great Britain and some other powers
AS now, our representatives in Japan
and China have to depend for the in
terpretations and translations upon
natives of those countries, who know
our language imperfectly, or procure
for the occasion the services of employ
ees of foreign business houses, or the
interpreters to other foreign Ministers.
CERTAIN TRANSFERS OF POWER RECOMMENDED.
renew the recommendation made
on previous occasion for the transfer
to the Department of the Interior, to
which they seem more appropriately to
belong, of all the powers and duties in
relation to territory with which the
Department of State is now charged by
law or by custom.
INDECENT CITIZENS ABROAD.
Congress, from the beginning of the
Government, has wisely made provis-
ion for the relief of distressed seamen
in foreign countries. No similar pro-
vision, however, has been made for the
relief of citizens in distress abroad
other than seamen. It is understood
to be customary with other Govern.
ments to authorize their Consuls to ex-
tend such relief to their citizens or
subjects in extreme cases. A similar
authority, and an appropriation to
carry it into effect, are recommendedin III
the case of citizens of the United States
destitute or sick under such circum-
stances. It is we'll known TINT our citi-
zens resort to foreign countries in
great numbers. Though most OF them
are able to bear the expenses incident
to the location, there are some who,
through accident or otherwise, become
penniless, and have not friends at
home able to succor them. Persons in
this situation must either perish, cast
themselves upon the charity of foreig-
ners, ,-or 6e relieved ct the private
charge of our own officers, who usually,
even with the most benevolent DISPOSE
tons, have nothing to spare for such
purposes. Should the authority and
appropriation asked for be granted,
care will he taken to carry the NUM-