Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-12-11
'@'-.,.ono5 non, Fir.t Paze. i

1858. and the award Of the joint commission.
while I do not anticipate an interruption
of friendly relations with Mexico, l cannot
bnt LOOK with some solicitude upon contin-
nance of border disorders, as exposing the
two countries TO irritations of popular feeling,
which are naturally unfavorable to complete
smity. Firmly determined that nothing shall
be wanting on my part to promote good I'M
derstanding between the two nations, yet
must ask the attention OF Congress TO the ae-
incl occurrences on the border, that the lives
and property of our citizens may be ade-
ouately protected and peace preserved.
Another year has passed without bringing
/ TO a close the protracted contest between the
Spanish government and she insurrecuonists
/ in the island OF Cuba. While the United
I States have sedulouSly sbstained from
any Intervention in this contest, II
i impossible not TO feel it Is attended by
/ incidents affecting the rights OF American
citizens Apart from the effects of the hos
hlities upon trade between the United
States and Cubs. their progress is inevitably
ACCOMPANIED by complaints, having more OF
less foundation, of searches, arrests, EN-
barVees, and oppressive taxes upon the prop
erW Of American residents, and Of unpro
yoked interference with American vessels
and commerce 1t is due 10 the government
of Spain 70 say that during tie past year i
has promptly disowned and offered repara
ton for any unauthorized acts of subordinate
whenever such acts have been brought TO II
attention.
Such occurrences cannot bUttendto excite
feelings of annoyance, suspicion and resent
ment. which are greatly TO be deprecated
Much delay consequent upon the accusation
Of fraud in some of the awards, has occurred
in respect to the distribution of the limite'
amounts received from Venezuela under tn
treaty of April -, ls66, applicable 10 Ia
awards Of the Joint Commission created b,
that treaty.
So long "a these Snstters are pending Il
Congress the executive cannot assume eithe
to pass upon the questions presented or I
distribute the funds received. Ii IA eminent
desirable that definite legislative actio
should be taken, either approving the award
70 be final, OF providing some mode Tor re
! examination Of the claims
Our relations with the republics OF Cen
f tral and South America and with the cmpir
. Of Brazil have continued without seriou
chan e further than the temporary interrup
tion OF diplomatic relations with Nenezuel
, and with Guatemala. AmiCable relation
have already been fully restored with NenC
zuela. and II is not doubted that all ground
+. of misunderstanding with Guatemala vi
speedily De removed
From all other countries there are iavor'
, t Die indications of a disposition on the part {
o their governments and people TO reciprocal
= our efforts in the direction OF increased con
! / mercial intercourse.
The government of the Ssmosn Islan'
! has sent an envoy in the person of rs Seer
tary Of State 20 invite the government Of q
United States to recognize and protect the
independence 90 establish commercial relation
4 with theirpeop,e and to assist them in steps {
ward a responsible and regulated government
The inhabitants Of these Islands having mac
considerable progress in Christian civilization
and the development OF trade, are doubti
of their ability 10 maintain peace and ind
IpendenCe without aid OF some stronger pO'
er This subject Is deemed worthy OF ?
+. spec;.ul attention. and claims upon our a
s.stance by this community Will be careful
considered.