The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1877-12-13

Venezuela and With Guatemala. Amicable
relations have already been fully restored
with Venezuela, and it is not doubted that
ali grounds Of misunderstanding with
Guatemala will speedily be removed.
From all three countries there are
| favorable indications of disposition on the
part of their Governments and people to
reciprocate our efforts in the direction of
increased commercial intercourse.
SAMOA.
The Government of the Samoan Islands
has sent an envoy, in the person Of its
Secretary of State, to invite the Government
of the United States advise and protect
their independence, to establish commercial
relations with their people, and to assist
them in their steps toward responsible and
regular government The inhabitants of
these islands having made considerable
progress in Christian civilization and the
development of trade, are doubtful of their
ability to maintain peace aud independence
without the aid of some stronger power.
The subject is deemed worthy of respectful
attention, and the claims upon our assist
ance by this distant community will be
carefully considered.
FOREIGN TRADE.
The long commercial depression in the
United States has directed attention to the
subject of the possible increase of our for
eign trade, and the methods for its develop
ment, not only in Europe, but with other
countries, especially with the States and
Sovereignties of the Western Hemisphere.
Instructions from the Department of State
were issued to the various diplomatic and
consular officers of the Government, asking
them to devote attention to the questions of
the methods by which closer relationship
hetwaan the racnapfiua countries of their
official residences and the United States
could be most judiciously founded. In obe-
dience to these instructions, examinations
and reports upon this subject have been
made by many of these officers, and trans
mitted to the department, and the same sub
mitted to the consideration of Congress.
sHERMAN's REPORT
Secretary Sherman, in his report, does not
ask for any additional legislation to enable
him to execute the resumption act, and the
President in his message agrees with the
Secretary. If Congress was disposed to
favor resumption, some additional laws
might be asked for, but, under the circum-
stances, the President and Secretary both
think none should be, and they will stand
by the act of Jaduary l., 1879.
The Secretary also maintains the re-
sumption act does not require the cancella-
tion of the $500, 100000 United States notes
which remain after the greenback currency
has been reduced to that maximum, and it
may be left in circulation, always changea-
BILE at the Sub-Treasuries for gold coin.
Affairs of the War, Navy and Postoffice
departments receive brief mention. The
recommendations of the Chiefs of depart
ments are generally approved.
INDIAN QUESTION.
In treating of the subjects which Come
under the Interior Department, special
prominence is given to the Indian question.
The President insists that good faith should
be preserved with the Indians. He is very
emphatic upon this point. The first step
toward civilizihg the Indians recommended
is by the Encouragement of hunting, al
lowing them only small supply of
arms and ammunition, and persuading
them to exchange their ponies for
cattle. This the President thinks viii
destroy or keep in check their warlike
spirit As fast as the Indians abandon hunt
ing, the President believes they should be
collected upon smaller number of reserva-
tions and taught agriculture and herding,
and in teaching them peaceful pursuits their
natural tastes should be considered, and
those who preferred cattle-raising to farm
ing should be permitted to choose their
occupation.
1t is recommended that the jurisdiction Of
the United States Court be extended to pro-
tect the Indians, and that an Indian police,
composed of Indians, be established. Com
pulsory education is recommended for In
dian children, the farms supported by the
Government to be used for the instruction
of youth in the schools, and the farmers
themselves, and giyo necessary advice on
the reservation. Indian labor alone is
recommended. The President refers to Sec
retary Schurz's Indian investigations, and
speaks of their good results. Legislation is
asked providing for the more certain dis
coyery and prevention of abuses in the
Indian service.
The message contains paragraphs on the
District of Columbia, Agricultural Depart
ment, Washington Monument, recommends
ing its completion, and on several other sub
iects of minor importance.