The Jasper weekly courier., 1877-12-14

y" ~.' NAt.htiDH Dy Lnf representatives on
the United states In Mexico TO the profec-
tion Of American citizens, a. far A. pracfica-
Die, nor has Il interfered with the prompt
payment OF the amounts due from Mexico
70 the United states, under the treaty Of
July 4, lc5s, and awards Of the Joint Com
mission While do not anticipate any in
terruption Of friendly relations with Mexico.
yet can not but look with some
soiicifude upon a continuance OF border
disorders, a. exposing the two countries 10
emotions Of popular feeling and mischances
q action, which are naturally unfayorable to
complete amity. While am firmly deter
mined that nothing shall be wanting on nv
part 70 promote good understanding be-
tween the two nations, yet must ask the
attention Of Congress TO actual occurrences
On the border, that the lives and property OF
our citizens may be adequately protected
and peace preserved.
THE CUBAN QUESTION.
Another year has passed without bringing
10 close the protracted contest between the
spanish Government and the insurrecfion-
lists IN the island OF Cuba. While the United
states have sedulously abstained from inter-
yention In this controversy, II is impossible
not 70 feel II Is attended By incidents Affect
ing American citizens. Apart from the
effect Of the hostilities upon trade be-
tween the United States and Cuba.
their progress H. inevitably accom-
panied by complaints, having more or
less foundation, searches. arrests, embargoes
ana oppressive taxes upon property OF Amer
lean residents, and unproyoked interfer-
ences with American vessels and commerce.
~ Il due 70 the Government Of Spain 10 say
mat, during the past year, IL has promptly
di.ayowed and offered reparation for any
authorized acts OF unduly Jealous subordi-
mates whenever such acts have been brought
20 It's attention. Nevertheless, such occur
rcnccs can not but tend to excite feelings
of annoyance. suspicion and resentment.
which are greatly 70 be deprecated between
the respective subjects and citizens of the
two friendly powers.
VENEZUELAN CLAIMS.
Much delay, consequent upon the accusa-
tions Of fraud in some OF the awards. has
occurred IN respect TO the distribu-
tion of the limited amounts receiv-
ed from Venezuela under the treaty
of April y, ls6. applicable 10 the awards
of The Joint Commission created by that
treaty. 30 long - these matters are pend
ng ia Congress, the Executive can not as
'ume either 70 pass upon the questions pre-
'ented or distribute the fund received. 1t
/ emnently desirable that definite legisla-
i've action should be taken. either deciding
ne award 70 be final or providing some
method for the re-examination Of claims.
SOUTH AMERICAN RELATIONS.
our relations with the Republics Of Gem
ral and South America and with the En-
,ire Of Brazil have continued without
rAt'u- tIau-ts AuItutf lu1n the temporary
Interruption Of diplomatic intercourse with
'enezuela and with Guatemala. Amicable
citations have already been fully restored
sIth Venezuela, and il il not doubted that
u grounds Of misunderstanding with
suafemaia will be speedily removed. From
n those countries there are favorable indi-
afion> ef disposition on the part OF their
governments and peoples 70 rccprocatc our
noris IN direction Of increased commercial
Intercourse
THE SAMOAN ISLANDS.
The Government OF the samoan islands
A. sent an envoy. In the person Of its Sec
efary of state, to invite the Government Of
he United States 10 advise and protect
heir independence. TO establish commercial
eiafions with their people, and 10 assist
hem IN their steps toward responsible and
Hgulated government. The inhabitants Of
le~e islands having made considerable prog
- IN Christian civilization and the de-
elopment cf trade, are doubtful OF their
,illfy 70 maintain peace and independence
lthOut the aid OF some stronger power.
he subject i deemed worthy of respectful
tention, and the claims upon our assist
Irefuly considered.
FOREIGN TRADE.
The long commercial depression in the
nited States has directed attention 10 the
ihject of the possible increase Of our for
IN trade. and the methods for iTs develop
ent. not only with Europe but with other
especially with the States and
Of the Western Hemisphere.
i~frnctions from the Department Of state
ere issued 10 various diplomatic and con-
liar officers OF the Government, asking
em 70 devote attention 10 the questions
~ 70 the methods BY which trade between
e respective Countries Of their official resi-
'nces and the United states could be ju-
ciously f0stered. In obedience 10 these
struciions, examinations and reports upon
= subject have been made by many OF these
hcers and transmitted 70 the Department,
n the same are submitted 10 the consider
ion uf Congress.
TREAsrRER's REPORT.
The annual report OF the secretary Of the
easairy on the state Of the finances pre-
nfs important questions for the action OF
'ngress. upon some OF which have already
marked The revenue on the Govern
mt during the fiscal year ending June 30,
n. was >36H.oo0,5sj. The total cxpendi-
re- for the same period were SIS ,'sD, ,00s,
wing a surplus revenue or ScD,330.577.
H. has substantially supplied the requires
nt> of the sinking fund for that year. The
mates ~ the revenue for the current fis-
year are >3t5.jOo,no. and the estimated
pendiftrcs for the same period are $sa2,-
.6iS. II these estimates prove 10 be
rect there will he surplus revenue OF
.bN.aM. an amount nearly sufficient for
sinking fund for that year. The csti-
led rcyenucs for the next fiscal year are
!. .2.n.prl.
appears from the report, that during the
fiscal wear the revenues of the Govern
~. ~ compared with the previous year,
y largely decreased. The decrease.
,unting 10 >is.4sl ,f2J.54. was mainly In
caused partly by large
ng oif Ia the amount or imported dntiable
n and partly by the general fall of prices
he markets FOR productions Of such arfi-
A. pay al yalorcm taxes. While this
~ injuriotisy III the diminution of the
niue. II ha~ been accompanied with a
large increase 0f expectations. The to-
.NnYrt> during the last fiscal year, includ-
nnln LnNaA hnnn eA.lS az. Ill. and The i'm