The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1872-12-07

convention with Mexico OF the 4th 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 gov
ernments. which 1t is believed will prove sue.
eessful. The commissioners, appointed pursuant
to the joint resolutions of Congress, of the 7th
OF May last, to inquire into depredations on the
Texas frontier, have diligently made investiks-
tons in that quarter. Their report upon the
subject will be communicated to you. Their
researches were necessarily incomplete, partly
on account OF the limited approximations made
by Congress. Mexico, on the part of that gov.
eminent, has appointed similar commission to
investigate the outrages 1t is announced off,
cially, but the press of that country states that
thetullest investigation is desired. and that the
cooperation of all parties concerned is invited
to secure that end. | therefore recommend that
Especial appropriation be made at the earliest
day practicable, to enable the commissioners on
the part of the United States to return to their
lsbors without delay
CUBA.
1t is with regret that have again to announce
a continuance of the disturbed condition OF the
Island of Cuba. No advance toward the pacif-
cation of the disconnected portion of the ropula.
ton has been made, while the insurreotiou has
gained no advantages, and exhibits no more OF
the elements of power, or of the prospect OF ulti
tuhtc euCCcs6 IMAM were cAuAoAtOO Jour uSos
Spain, on the other hand, has not succeeded
in its repression, ana the parties stand apparent.
ly in the same relative attitude which they have
occupied tos a long time past This contest has
lasted now for more than four years. Were 1t
seen at distance from our neighborhood, we
might be Indifferent to it's result, although hu.
manity could not be unmoved by means of its
incidents wherever they might occur. 1t 10,
however, at our door. l cannot doubt that the
continued maintenance of slavery in Cuba is
among the strongest inducements to the contin.
uance OF the strife. A terrible wrong is the
natural cause Of u 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 restoration OF peace
and order. 1t is especially to be hoped that the
present liberal government of Spain will volun.
tarily adopt this view. The law OF emancipa.
ton, which was passed more than two years
since, has remained unexecuted III the absence
OF regulations Tor its enforcement 1t was buta
feeble step toward emancipation, but 1t was the
recognition Of 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 last few weeks the reg.
ulatons for carrying out the laws Of enancipa.
ton has been announced, giving evidence of the
sincerity OF intention of the present government
to carry into effect the law Of 1870. L have not
failed TO urge the consideration 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 bloody and
destructive contest close TO our border, as we'll
as the exPediency aud tue Justice Of conceding
reforms, of which the proprety is not question.
ed. Deeply impressed with the conviction that
the continuance of slavery is one of the most
nj tha inn nf fhe nm ham
condition in Cuba, regret to believe that citi.
xens of the United States, or those claiming to
DO such, are large holders in Cuba of what is
there claimed as property, but which is forbid.
den and denounced by the laws of the United
States. They are thus, in defiance of the spirit
of our own laws, contributing to the continu.
ancs OF this distressing and slckening contest
In my last annual message referred to this
subject and again recommend such legislation
As may be proper to denounce, and, if not to pre-.
vent at least to discourage, American citizens
from holding or dealing in slaves. T.. s.s,A.y
SPAIN AND THE PACIFIC REPUBLICS
It is gratifying to announce that the rstifcs.
tiou of the convention concluded under the aus.
pieces OF this government between Spain on the
one part and the Allied Republics Of the Pacific
on the ether, providing for an .rrnistiee, has
been exchanged. A copy of tho instrumen is
herewith submitted. 1t is hoped that this may
be followed by u permanent peace between tho
same parties. 49, tics
BRAZIL AND THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.
The differences which at one time threatened
the maintenance Of peace between Brazil and
tho Argentine Republic, it is hoped are in the
way Of satisfactory adjustment With these
states, as with the republics Of Central and
South America, We continue to maintain the
most friendly relations,
THE VENEZUELA CLAIMS.
1t 10 with regret, however, announce that the
Governor of Venezusla has made no further psy.
| ments oh account of tho awards OF the Conven.
tion OF the 25th Of April 1866. That Republic
| is understood to be now almost, il not quite.
trauquiized. 1t 10 hoped, therefore, that it will
lose no time in providing for the unpaid balance
| Of its debt to the United States, which, having
originate in injuries 10 its citizens BY the Ven.
ezuelan authorities. and having been aoknowl.
| edged pursuant to treaty in the most solemn
! form known among nations, would seem to de.
serve preference over debts Of different origin
and contracted in different manner. This sub.
]eot 10 again recommended to tho attention Of
Congress for such action 40 may be deemed
proper.
! Our treaty relations with japan rem ain uu
changed. An imposing embassy from that in
teresting and progressive nation visited thi,
country during the year that ia passing, but be
I'd a. Al