The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1875-12-09


Oar relations with most OF the
FOREIGN POWERS
continue On satisfactory and friendly foot.
ing. Increased intercourse, extension oil
commerce, and the cultivation oi
mutual interests have improved our re-
lations with the large majority Of the pow
ers OF the world, rendering practical the
peaceful solution Of questions which, from
time TO time arise, leaving few which de-
mand extended or particular notice. Cores
pondenoe OF the Department of State with
our diplomatic representatives abroad, Is
transmitted herewith.
am happy 30 announce the passage OF
an act BY the General Cortes oil Portugal,
proclaimed since the adjournment OF Con-
gress, for the
ABOLITION OF sE9vITUDE
in The Portuguese colonies. Ii i to he
hoped that such legislation may he anOth-
er step toward the great contamination to
be reached, when no man shall be permit
ted, directly or indirectly, under any ea-
cuse or form of law, 10 hold his fellow
man in bondage. / am of the opinion, al
so, that il is the duty of the United States,
as contributing toward that end, and re-
quired by the spirit OF the age in which
We live, to provide, by suitable legislation,
that no citizen of the United States shall
hold slaves, as property, in any other coun-
try, or be interested therein.
Chill has made reparation in the case OF
the whale ship, Good Return" seized,
without sufficient cause, upwards of forty
years ago, though she had hitherto
DENIED HER ACCOUNTABILITY,
the denial was never acquiesced in by this
Government, and the justice of the claim
has been DO earnestly contended for that it
has been gratifying that she should have at
last acknowledged il.
The arbitration in the case of the u. s.
steamer Montjoy Tor seizure and detention,
for which the government Of the United
States OF Columbia was held accountable,
has been decided in favor Of the claim
This decision has settled question
which has been pending for
several years, and which, while
it continued open, might have more or less
disturbed the good understanding which il
is desirable should I've maintained between
the Republics.
= reciprocity treaty with the King Of
the
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
was concluded the same month. As it con-
tains stipulation that it shall not go into
effect until Congress shall enact the proper
legislation for the purpose, copies OF the
intrument are herewith submitted, in or
der that, if such should be the pleasure OF
Congress, the necessary legislation upon the
subject may be adopted.
OUR RELATIONS WITH SPAIN.
In March last, an arrangement was made,
through Mr.. Gushing, our Minister in Mad
rid, with the Spanish Government, Tor the
payment, BY the latter, TO the United States,
of the sum of $4,000 in coin,
for the purpose of the relief Of the families
or persons OF the ships company, aud Ger.
tain passengers Of
THE vIRGINIUs.
This sum was TO have been paid in three
installments at two months each. II is due
to the Spanish Government that | should
state that the payments were fully and
speedily anticipated by that Government,
and that the whole amount was paid with
in but few days more than two months
from the date OF the agreement, copy Of
which is herewith transmitted. In pursu-
ance OF the terms Of the adjustment, have
directed the distribution OF the amount
among the parties entitled thereto, in
Gliding the ships company, and
such OF the passengers as were
American citizens. Payments are made
accordingly, on application of the parties
entitled thereto. The paper has furnished
no evidence of an approaching end to the
ruinous conflict which has been raging for
seven years in the neighboring
ISLAND OF CUBA.
The same disregard OF the laws Of
civilized warfare and OF the Just demands
OF humanity. which have heretofore called
forth expressions Of condemnation from the
nations Of Christian lands, have continued
to blacken the sad scene. Desolation, ruin
and pillage are pervadiDg the rich fields
of one of the most fertile and productive
regions OF the earth, and the incendiary's
torch firing the plantations and vslu-
able factories and buildings, is the agen.
marking the alternate advance or retreat
Of the contending parties. The
CONTINUANCE OF THE STRIFE
seriously effects the interests of all COM
mercisl nations, but those of the United
States more than all Others, by reason of its
close proximity, Its larger trade and inter
course with Cuba, and frequent and init
mate personal and social relations which
have grown up between its citizens and
those Of the Island. Moreover, the proper
ty of cur citizens in Cuba is large, and is
rendered insecure and deprecated in val
lie and in capacity OF production, by the
OF the strife and the unnatur-
al mode OF its conduct The same is true.
only in degree, with respect to the
interest and people OF other nations, and
absence of any
REASONABLE ASSURANCE
OF a near termination Of the conflict, must.
oil &c ,ssity, soon compel the States thus
to consider what the interests of
their people and their duty toward them
selves may demand | have hoped that
Spain would be enabled to establish peace
in her colony, to afford security to the
property and the interests OF our citizens,
and TO allow legitimate scope to trade |
and commerce, and the national produc-
tons of the island Because of this hope,
ard from an extreme reluctance TO inter- |
iere, in the most remote manner, in the
lffairs of another and friendly Nation, es-
pecially Of one whose sympathy and friend |
hip in the struggling infancy Of our exist |
.nce must ever be remembered with graft |
ude. ! have patiently and anxiously |
waited tine progress of events. Our own
,ivil conflict Is too recent for us moi 10 con-
ider the difficulties which surround a Gov
rument distracted by dynastic rebellion
If home, at the same time that it has 10
'ope with a separate insurrection, in a dis
ant colony. But whatever causes
nav have produced the situation
which so grievously affects our interests.
{ exists with all attendant evils, opera-
ing directly upon this country and
IS people. Thus far, all the
RESORTS OF STAIN
lave proven abortive, and time has marked
10 improvement in the situation. The
rmed bands OF the other side now cccupy
early the same ground as in the past,
Nth the difference, from time 10 time, of
more lives sacrificed, property destroyed, |
wider extent Of fertile and productive
eldS, and more valuable property, CON-
family and wanton!y sacrificed by the in
endiaries OF each. In contests OF this ma
nre, where considerable body of people,
tho have attempted to free themselves of
be control Of the superior government,
ave reached each point in the occupa.
on Of a territory, in power and general or
pixafinp n, copstitrreo -, f~ot IL.