The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1877-12-15
July 4, 1865, and the awards of the Joint

Nnhc 90 notantlcspatc the interruption
of friendly relations with Mexico, vet can
not but look with solicitude upon contin-
uance of border disorders as exposing the
two countries to waves of popular feeling
and the mischances of action which are nat
urally unfavorable to complete amity.
Firmly determined that nothing shall be
wanting on my part to promote good I'M
derstanding between the two nations, i yet
must ask the attention Of Congress TO the
actual occurrences ON the border, that the
lives and property of our citizens may be
adequately protected and peace preserved.
CUBA AND THE INSTRUCTION.
Another year has passed without bringing
to a close the protracted contest between
the Spanish Government and the insurrec-
ton in the Island Of Cuba. While the United
States have sedulously abstained from inter
vention in this controversy, it is impossible
not TO feel that it is attended by incidents
affecting American citizens. Apart from the
effect of the hostilities upon trade between
the United States AID Cuba their progress
is inevitably accompanied by complaints
having more or less foundation. Searches,
arrests, embargoes, and oppressive taxes
upon the property of American residents
and of unprovoked interference with Amer
lean vessels and commerce 1t Is due to
the Government of Spain to say, that during
the past year it has promptly disavowed
and offered reparation for any Unauthorized
acts Of unduly jealous subordinates, when
ever such acts have been brought to its
attention. Nevertheless such occurrences
can not but tend to excite feeling of an
noyance, suspicion and resentment, which
are greatly to be deprecated between the
respective subjects and citizens of two
friendly powers.
THE VENEZUELAN CLAIMS.
Much delay, consequent upon the accusa-
tions of fraud in some of the awards, has
occurred in respect to the distribution of
the limited amounts received from Ven
ezuela, under the treaty of April 25, 1866,
applicable to the awards of the joint COM
mission created by that treaty.
So long as these matters are pending in
Congress the Executive can not assume
either to pass upon the question presented
or to distribute the fund received. 1t is
eminently desirable that definite legislative
action should be taken, either deciding the
awards to be final, or providing some method
for REORGANIZATION of the claims.
SOUTH AMERICAN REPUBLICS.
Our relations with the Republicans of
Central and South America, and with the
Empire of Brazil, have continued without
serious change further than the temporary
interruption of the diplomatic course with
Venezuela and with Guatemala. Amicable
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 and 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
Soveregntics 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
between the respective countries Of theft
official residences and the United States
could be most judiciously founded In ODE
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 SUBJ
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 crcum-
stances, the President and Secretary both
think none should be, and they will stand
| by the act of Jaduary / 1879.
| The Secretary also maintains the re-
| sumption act does not require the cancella-
| ton of the $500 900, 900 United States notes
which remain after the greenback currency
has been reduced to that maximum, and it
may be left in circulation, always changea'
| Affairs of the War, Navy and Postofhce
| 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 a small supply OF
arms and ammunition, and persuadine
them to exchange their ponies fol
cattle. This the President thinks will
destroy or keep in check their warlike
| spirit As fast as the Indians abandon hunt
| ing the President believes they should be
collected upon a smaller number of reserva
tons and taught agriculture and herdiHg
and in teaching them peaceful pursuits theil
natural tastes should be considered, anC
those who preferred cattle-raising to farm
ing should be permitted to choose theil
occupation.
1t is recommended that the jurisdiction o
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 tn
| Government to be used for the instruction
of youth in the schools, and the farmer
themselves, and give necessary advice oil
the reservation. Indian labor alone i
recommended. The President refers to See
rotary Schurz's Indian investigations, an
speaks of their good results. Legislation
asked providing for the more certain dli