Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1873-12-10
The Capture Of the Viiginius and
Our Demands Relating Thereto.
Important Amendments 10 the COnstitu.
ton Recommended.
Slavery in Cuba the Cause Of the
Trouble There,
WASHINGTON, December 2. 1873.

one to the country. In the midst of great
national prosperity, a financial crisis has oc-
CURED that has wrung large fortunes from a
great proportion. Political partisanshlp
in the agricultural regions. ard the
capture upon the high seas OF vessel bearing
our flag, has at one time threatened the most
serious conseq lences, and occupied the pub
lie mind from one end Of the country to the
other. THIS, happily, is now in the course of
nations concerned. The relations of the Uni
ted States, however, with most of the other
nations continue to be friendly and cordial.
with France, Germany, Russia, Italy, and the
minor powers, with Brazil and most of the
South American Republics and With japan.
mand special notice. The correspondence
between the Department of State and various
diplomatic representatives in or from those
countries is transmitted herewith.
In executing the will of Congress as ex-
pressed in it's joint resolution of the 14th of
February last, and in accordance with the pro-
visions of the resolution, number of practi-
cal ARTISANS and scientific men, and of honor
airy commissions were authorized to attend
the Exposition at Vienna as commissioners on
the part of the United States. 1t is believed
that we have obtained the object which Con-
gress had in view when it passed the joint
resolution in order to enable the people OF the
United States to participate IN the advantages
of the international exhibition of the pro 1uct
of agriculture, manufactures and the fine arts
to be held at Vienna. [ take pleasure in
adding that the American exhibitors have re-
ceived gratifying number of diplomas and
medals during the Exposition.
A conference was held at Vienna for the
purpose of consultation on the systems pre-
vailing in different countries for the perfec-
ton of inventions. I authorized representa-
tive from the Patent Office to be present at
{1,n fIp,
to take place, in order to aid. as far as he
might, in securing any possible additional
protection to American inventions in Europe.
The report Of the agent viii: be laid before
Congress.
1t is my pleasant duty to announce to Con-
gress that the Emperor of China, on attain
ing his majority, received the diplomatic rep
resentatives OF the western powers in per-
son. An account of these ceremonies, and Of
the interesting discussions which preceded
them will be found in the documents trans
mitted herewith. The accompanying papers
show that some advance, although slight, has
been made during the past year towards the
suppression Of the infamous Chinese coolle
trade. I recommend Congress to inquire
whether additional legislation be not needed
on this subject.
THE GENEVA AWARD.
The money awarded to the United States by
the tribunal OF arbitration at Geneva, was paid
by Her Majesty's Government few days in
advance Of the time when it would have be-
| come payable according to the terms Of the
treaty. In compliance with the provisions of
the act of March Sd, 1878, it was at once paid
into the Treasury and used to redeem, as far
as it might the public debt of the United
States, and the amount so redeemed was in
vested in five per cent. registered bond of
the United States for fifteen millions five hun
dred thousand dollars, which is now held by
the Secretary OF State subject to the future
!, $50 r
mendation, made at the assembling of
the last session OF Congress-, that a
commission be created for the purpose of au-
diting and determining the amounts of the
several direct losses growing out of the de-
struct!on OF vessels and their cargoes by the
Alabama and the Shenandoah after leaving
Melbourne, for which the sufferers have re-
ceived no equivalent or compensation, OF
ascertaining the names of the persons entitled
to receive compensation for the same; making
the computations ION the basis indicated by
the tribunal of arbitration at Geneva, and
that the payment OF such losses be authorized
to an extent not to exceed the awards of the
Tribunal at Geneva.
THE NORTHWESTERN BOUNDARY.
By an act approved on the 18th day
Of February last, Congress made provision
for completing jointly with an officer
or commissioner to be named by Her Brit
tanic Majesty, the boundary line between the
territory Of Great Britain, as Was left uncom-
pleted by the commissioners appointed under
the act OF Congress of August 18th, 1856
Under the provisions of this act the northwest
water boundary of the United States has
been determined and marked in accordance
with the award of the Emperor Of Germany.
A protocol and copy ct the map upon which
the line was thus marked are contained in the
papers submitted here. [ also transmit a
copy of the report Of the Commissioners for
marking the boundary between the United
States ard the British Possessions west of the
Lake of the Woods, of the operations of the
Commissioners. During the past season sur
veys have been made to point 497 miles
west of the Lake of the Woods, leaving about
$50 miles to be surveyed, the field work of
which can be completed during the next sea-
sdn.
The commission organized under the pro-
visions Of the treaty of Washington for. the
settlement and determination of the claims of
citizens OF either power against the other,
arising out of acts committed against their
persons or property during the period be-
tween April 18th, 1861, and April 9th, 1861
made its first award on the 25th Gay of Sep
TENDER last. It was awarded that the Gov
eminent OF the United States should pay to
the Government of Her Britannia Majesty,
within twelve months from the date OF the
award, the sum of 81 ,929,8l9 in gold. The
commission disallowed or dismissed all the
claims OF British subjects against the United
States. The amount of the claims presented
by the British Government, but disallowed or
| dismissed, is understood to be about ninety
three millions OF dollars. 1t also disal.
| lows all the claims of the United States
against Great Britain which were referred to
it. recommend the early passing of an act
appropriating the amount necessary to pay
this award against the United States have
caused to be communicated to the govern
ment OF the King of Italy the thanks of this
| government Tor the eminent services rendered
by Count Cont, who, as the third commits
| s1oner OF this commission, with dignity, learn
ing and impartiahty discharged the duties re-
qulrlng great labor and cons tant patience. tc
the satisfaction, I believe, of both govern
ments.
[ recommend legislation to create a
special court to consist Of three judges
who shall be empowered to hear the
claims of aliens upon the United
States, arising out Of acts committed against
their persons Or property during the insur
rection. The recent conference under the
treaty of Washington was confined to claims
of British subjects arising during the period
named in the locality, but it is understood
| that there are other British claims of SINH.
lar nature arising after the 9Th of April 1865
and it is known that other claims of like
nature are advanced by citizens or subjects o.
other powers. 1t is desirable to have these
claims also examined and disposed of,
Official information being received from the