, 1877-12-15

task OF becoming proficient bearing these
thincs IN mind, have sndeavored to re-
duce the number of changes in subOrii
nate places usually made upon the change
OF the general administration, and shall
most heartily cooperate with Congress IL
better systematizins of such methods and
rules of admission to the public service
and of promotion with it rs may promise
to be most successful in making thorough
competency, efficiency and character the
decisive tests IN these matters
| ask the renewed attention of congres,
to what has already been done by the civil
service commission nappointed IN pursuance
Of an act of congress, by my predecessor,
toprepare and revise the civil service rules.
In regard to much of the departmental
service, especially At Washington, it may
be difficult tn Oganize better system
than that which has thus been provided,
and it is now being used to a considerable
extent under my direction. The eommis-
sion has still legal existence, although
for several years no appropriation has
been made for defrayin. lis expenses.
! Believing that this commission hasrender-
ed valuable services, and will he a most
useful agency III improving the admins
tration of civil service, L respectfully
recommend that suitable appropriation
be Immediately made to enable it to con-
time its service. 1t is my purpose to
| transmit to congress asearly is practicable
the.rcport of tie chairman of The commits
sion, and to ask Your attention to such
measures upon this subject as in my
opinion viii further promote the improve
| ment Of the civil service.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
During the past year the United States
| have continued to maintain peaceful re-
lations with foreign powers. The out
break of war between Russia and Tmkey,
though 1T one time attended by grave ap-
prchcns;uns as to It's effects upon other
European nations. has had no tendency
to disturb the amicable relations existing
between the United States and each of the
two conten.l.ns powers An attitude Of
Just and impartial neutrality has been
preserved. and am gratified to state that
in the midst Of their hostil!ties both the
Russian and the Turkish governments
have shown an earnest desire to adhere To
the Obligations of I'll treaties with the
United States and give due regard to the
rights Of American citizens.
BY the terms of the treaty defining
the rights, immuLities ard privileges If
consnls between the United States and
Italy, ratified IN 1868, either governments.
may, aftec the lapse of ten years, ter
inmate the existence Of the treaty 10y
giving twelve months notioo OF It's inten
ton. The government of Italy, availiEg
itself 81 the facility. has iiow given the
required notice, and the treaty Will ac-
coriiagly end on the l;t,l September, 1873.
Ii Ia understood, however, that the Italian
government wishes to renew It in is gen
eral scope, desiring Only certain modih-
cations IN one vi its articles in this dis
position ! concur, and shall hope tl:-t no
serious obstacles may intervene 10 prevent
or delay the negotiation Of satisfactory
treaty
Numerous questions III regard to pass
ports, naturalization and exemption from
military service haze continued to arise
in case of emi@r&ats from Germany who
have returned to Their native country
The provisions Of the treaty of FEB %,
1868, however, have proved ample, and
so iudicious that the legation Of the L.
S. at Berlin has been able to adjust all
claims arising under it, not only without |
detriment to the amicable relations ex-
istin9 between the two governments, but
1t Is believed, without Injury or injustice |
to duly naturaiiZed American citizens. 1t |
is desirable shat the treaty originally made |
with the North German Union, III 1867, |
should now be extended so as to apply |
equally To al the states of the empire OF |
Germany.
TIE PARIS EXPOSITION
The invitation of the government of |
France to participate III the exposition of |
the products, agricultural and industry, |
and the fine arts, to be held at Paris dur |
ing the coming year, was submitted for |
Your consideration IT the extra session |
it is not doubted that its acceptance by
the United States, and a well collected eX-
hiLitiun of the products of American in
duStry on that occasion will tend To Stim-
ulate international commerce and imni
grafton rs well as To promote the tradi-
tipnal friendship between the countries.
TREATIFS WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
y question arose some time since as tOthe
proper construction of the articles of the
treaty of 1912 between the United States
and Great Britain. Both goyernments,h how
ever, are now in one accord IN the belief
that the question is not one that should
be allowed To frustrate the ends Of Justice
or to disturb the friendship between the
two notions. No serious difficulty has
arisen in accomplishing the extradition OF
criminals when necessary. 1t Is probable,
that the points of disagreement will i'll due
time be settled, and If need he more eX-
piicit declaration be made in new treaty.
The Fishery commission under articles
Is TO % of the treaty of Washington has
concluded its session. The result of the |
deliberations OF the commission, as made |
public by the commissioners, Will be corr |
municated to congress.
A treaty for the protection of trade |
marks has been negotiated with Great |
Britain which has been submitted to the |
senate for consideration.
OUR RELATIONS WITH MEXICo.
The revolution which recently occurred
in Mexico was followed by the accession
OF the successful party to power and the |
installation OF its chief. General Portirio
Diaz, in the presidential office. 1t has
been the custom of the United States,
when such changes of government have
heretofore occurredi in Mexico, toreeognize
and enter into official relations with the |
de factO government as soon as it should |
appear to have the approval of the Mexi-