Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-09

in that quarter is quite inadequate to effec-
tually guard the line, even at those points
where the incursi0ns are usually made.
An experiment of an armed vessel on the
Rio Grande for that purpose is on trial,
and it is hoped that, if not thwarted by
the shallowness of the river and other ma
tural obstacles, it may materially contri-
butte to the protection of the herdsmen of
Texas.
The proceedings of the joint commission
under the convention between the United
States and Mexico, of the 18th of july.
1868, on the subject of claims, will soon be
brought to close. The result of those
proceedings will then be communicated to
Congress.
THE VENEZUELA CLAIM.
am happy to announce that the gov
eminent of Venezuela has, upon further
consideration, practically abandoned its
objections to pay the United States that
share OF its revenue, which some years
since it allotted towards the extinguish-
ment of the claims of foreigners generally.
In thus reconsidering it's determination.
that government has shown lust sense
of self-respect which cannot fail to reflect
credit upon it in the eyes of all disinter-
ested persons elsewhere. 1t is to be re-
GREETED, however, that It's payments on ac-
count of claims of citizens of the United
States are still so meagre in amount. and
that the stipulations Of the treaty in re-
gard to the sums to, be paid and the pc
RODS when those payments were to take
place should have been so signally disre-
garded.
Since my last annual message the ex-
change has been made of the ratification
OF treaty of commerce and navigation
with Belgium and of conventions with the
Mexican Republic for the further extern
sion OF the joint commission respecting
claims with the Hawaiian Islands for COM
merclal reciprocity, and with the Ottoman
Empire for extradition, all of which have
been duly proclaimed.
THE COURT OF ALABAMA CLAIMS.
The Court of Commissioners of Ala
bama Claims has prosecuted it's important
duties very assiduously and very satisfac-
torlly. 1t convened and was organized on
the 22d day of July, 1874, and by the
terms of the act under which it was created
was to exist one year from that date. The
act provided, however, that should it be
found impracticable to complete the work
OF the court before the expiration of the
year, the President might, by 'proclama-
ton, extend the time Of its duration to a
period not more than six months beyond
the expiration of the one year. Having
received satisfactory evidence that it
would be impracticable to complete the
work within the time originally fixed. |
issued proclamation, copy of which is
presented herewith, extending the time of
duration of the court for period of six
months from and after the 22d day of july
last. A report made through the clerk of
the court, communicated herewith, shows
the condition of the calendar on the LIST of
November last, and the large amount
OF work which has been accom-
pished. Thirteen hundred and eighty
two claims have been presented. of
which six hundred and eighty-two
had been disposed of at the date Of the re-
port. L am informed that one hundred
ana seventy cases were decided during
the month of November. Arguments are
oelng made and decisions given in the re-
naming cases with all the dispatch con-
sistent with the proper consideration of the
questions submitted. Many Of these claims
are IN behalf Of mariners, or depend on
has delayed the taking or the return of the
necessary evidence. It is represented to
me that it will be impracticable for the
court to finally dispose of all the cases be-
fore it within the present limit of its dura-
ton. Justice to the parties claimant, who
have been at large expense in preparing
their claims and obtaining the evidence in
their support, suggests short extension
to enable the court to dispose of all of the
claims which have been presented. 1 re-
commend the legislation which may be
deemed proper to enable the court to COM
plete the work before it.
l recommend that some suitable pro-
vision be made by the creation of special
court, or by comforting the necessary iuris-
dlction upon some appropriate tribunal
for the consideration and determining of the
claims OF aliens against the government
OF the United States which have arisen
within some reasonable limitation of time,
or which may hereafter arise, excluding
all claims barred by treaty provisions or
otherwise. 1t has been found impossible
to give proper consideration to these
claims by the Executive Departments of
the government. The tribunal would af-
ford an opportunity to aliens, other than
British subjects, to present their claims
on account OF acts committed against their
persons or property during the rebellion.
as also to those subjects Of Great Britain
whose claims have arisen subsequent to
the 9th day of April, 1865, which could not
be presented to the late commission organ
lied pursuant to the provisions of the
treaty of Washington.
THE RATES OF OCEAN TELEGaApHY.
The electric telegraph has become an essen
tlai and indispensable agent in the transmits
sion OF business and social messages. It's ope-
ration on land and within the limit of particu-
lar States is necessarily under the control of the
jurisdiction within which it operates. The
lines on the high seas, however are not snhiact
to the particular control of any one eovernment
In = concession was granted by the French
government TO company which proposed to
United States. At that time there was a teie
graphic connection between the United States
aad Cne continent OF Europe, through the pos
sessions of Great Britain at either end of the
line, under the control of an assoc alton which
had at a large outlay of capital and at great
risk demonstrated the practicability OF
MAINTAINING such means OF communi cation
The cost OF correspondence by this agency
was great, possibly not too large at She time for
proper remuneration for so hazardous and so
costly an enterprise 1t was, however q heavy
charge upon means of communication which
the progress in the social and commercial inter
course Of the world found to be a necessity and
the obtaining of this French concession showed
that other capital than that already invested
Was ready to enter into competition with as
Impressed with the conviction that the
interests. not only OF the people of the
United States, but of the world at large
demanded or would demand the multiplication
OF such m ans OF communication between sepa-
rate continents, 1 was DESTROYS that the pro
posed connection should be made. But certain
provisions OF This concession were deemed BY
me to be Objectionable, particularly one which
gave for long term OF years the exclusive right
OF telegraphic communication by submarine
cable between the shores of France and the
United States. I could not concede that any
power should claim the right to land cable on
the shores OF the United States and at the same
time deny to the United States or to its citizens
or grantees, an equal right to land cable on its
shores. The right to control the conditions for