Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1876-12-13

been reduced in the time over $4s5 900 900 by
reminding the six per cent. bonded debt for bonds
bearing i've and one half five and four and one half
per cent. interest respectively. The annual interest
has been reduced from over $500 o 0OD in 1859 to
but little over $l00003,00 In 1876. The balance OF
trade has been changed from over $13o, 5000
against the United States In 1863 to more than
$l2o 600 900 in favor in 1876. It is confidently
believed that the balance OF trade In favor OF the
United States will increase. diminish and that
the pledge OF Congress to resume specie payments
in 1879 will be easily accomplished, even in the
absence OF much desired further legislation on the
subject.
INDIAN AFFAIRS.
A policy has been adopted towards the Indian
tribes inhabitng la re portion OF the Territory
OF the United States which has been humane and
has substantially ended Indian hostlities in the
Dakota, Wyoming and Montana Territories, the
Black Hills region and approaches thereto.
llostities there have grown out Of the avarice Of
the white man, who has Violated our treaty stipua-
tionI in his search for gold. The question might
be asked why the Government has not enforced
obedience to the terms Of the treaty prohibiting
the occupation Of the Black Hills region by
emigrants to the Black Hills were re-
moved by troops. but rumors of fresh
discoveries Of gold took into that region increased
numbers. Gold has actually been found in paying
quantities. and an effort to remove the miners
would only result in the dcsertion Of the bulk OF
the troops that might be sent to remove them. All
difficulty in this matter has however, been re-
moved. subject to the approval of Congress- by
treaty cedng the Black Hills and ts approaches
to settlement by citizens.
The subject Of the Indian policy and treatment
Is so fully set forth by the Secretary OF the lntc
rior and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. and
my views 80 fully expressed therein. that refer
to their reports and recommendations my own.
FRIENDLY RELATIONS.
The relations Of the United States with foreign
Powers continue on friendly footing. Questions
have arisen from time to time in the foreign re-
lations OF the Government but the United States
has been happily free during the past year from the
complications and endorsements which have
surrounded some Of the foreign Powers.
The diplomatic correspondence submitted here
with contains information as to certain Of the mat
tiers which have occupied the Government The
cordiality which attends our relations with the
Powers Of the earth has been plainly shown by the
general participation Of foreign nations In the Ex-
hibiton which has just closed. and by the exer-
tons made by distant Powers to show their inter
est in and friendly feelings toward the United
States in commemoration OF the Centennial OF the
Nation. The Government and people OF the
United States have not only fully appreciated this
exhibition Of kindly feeling, but II may be Justly
and fairly expected that no small benefits will re-
suit both to ourselves and other Nations from
better acquaintance and a better appreciation OF
our mutual advantages and mutual wants.
CONSULAR AND DIPLOMATIC APPROPRIATIONS.
Congress at its last session saw tit to reduce the
amount usually appropriated for foreign inter
course by Withholding appropriations Tor repre-
sentatves of the United States in certain foreign
countries and for certain consular offices. and by
reducing the amounts usually appropriated Tor
certain other diplomatic posts and thus necessi-
tating change in the grade OF representatives.
For these reasons. Immediately upon the passage
OF the bill making appropriations for the
diplomatic and consular service for the present
force instructions were issued TO the representa-.
tives of the United States at Bolivia Ecuador and
Columbia, and to the consular officers for whom
no appropriations had been made, to close their
respective legations and consulates and cease
from the performance Of their duties, and in like
manner steps were immediately taken to substi-
tute Charges d Afai es for Ministers Resident at
Portugal Denmark, Greece, Switzerland and Para
quay
While thoroughly impressed with the wisdom
OF sound economy In the foreign service as In
other branches OF the Government | cannot es-
cape the conclusion that in some instances the
Withholding Of appropriations will prove an ex-
pensiye economy, and that the small retrench-
ment secured by Il change OF grade In certain
diplomatic posts Is not an adequate consideration
for the loss OF influence and Importance which
will attend our foreign representatives, under this
reduction. | of the opinion that re exam
ination Of the subject will Cause change In some
instances In the conclusions reached on these
subjects at the last session OF Congress.
THE ALABAMA CLAIMS.
The Court of Commissioners Of the Alabama
Claims, whose functions were continued by an
act Of the last session Of Congress until the 1st
day Of January, 1877, has carried on IT. labors
with diligence aud general satisfaction. BY re-
port from the Clerk OF the Court transmitted
herewith bearing date Nov. Il. 1876, It appears
that during the time now allowed by law the
oS" WIN a nSye q al Inc e s pre-
tans statement OF the general results OF the la
bors OF the Cont to date thereof. 1t Is cause for
congratulation that the method adopted for the
satisfaction OF the classes of claims submitted 20
the Court. which are OF long standing and Justly
entitled to early consideration, should have proved
successful and acceptable.
THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY.
IL IL with satisfaction that am enabled TO state
that the work of the Joint Commits sion for de.