Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-12-06

| WILL. LII. 1~C" "
| fdence between the communities so lately
and so seriously estranged, | feel an absO-
| lute assurance that the tendencies are
| in that direction, and with increasing iorce.
The power of public opinion will override
all political prejudices, and all sectional or
State attachments, in demanding that all
over our wide territory the name and char
aeter of citizen of the United States shall
mean one and tie same thing, and carry
with them unchallenged security an0 re-
spect.
Our relations with other countries con-
tinue peaceful. Our neutrality in contests
between foreign powers has been maintained
and respected.
THE PARIS ExP0slTIOS.
The Universal Exposition hold at Paris
during the past Summer has been attend
ed by large numbers Of our citizens. The
brief period allowed for the preparation and
arrangement of the contributions OF our
citizens TO this great Exposition was well
employed in energetic and judicious efforts
to overcome this disadvantage. These efforts,
led and directed by the Commissioner-Gen-
eral, were remarkably successful, and the
exhibition Of the products of American in
dustry was creditable aud gratifying IN
scope and character. The reports OF the
United States Commissioners, giving its re-
suits in detail, will be duly laid before you.
Our participation in this international COM
petition for the favor and the trade of the
world may be expected to produce useful
and important results, in promoting inter
course, friendship, and commerce with other
nations.
THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY CONFERENCE.
10 accordance with the provisions OF the
act OF February 2s, 1878, three commission
ers were appointed to an International con-
ference on the subject Ui adopting a COM
men ratio between gold and silver, for the
purpose OF establishing, internationally,
the use OF bimeta!lIc money, and securing
fxty of relative value between those
metals.
Invitations were addressed to the various
Governments which had expressed will
ingness to participate in its deliberations.
The conference held its meetings in Paris,in
August last. The report of the commis-
sioners, herewith submitted, will show It's
results. No common ratio between gold
and silver could be agreed upon by
the cun'trcuce The general Conclusion
was Itachtd that it Is necessary to
maintain 10 the world the monetary func-
the selection OF the use OF one or the other
Of these two metals. or .! both, 10 be made
by each State.
THE HALIFAX AWARD.
Congress having appropriated at its last
session the sum Of S5,5OO,O00 to pay the
award oi the Joint Commission at Halifax,
if, after correspondence with the British
Government, on the subject OF the con-
formiiy of the award to the require
ments OF the treaty and to the terms
of the question thereby submitted to the
Commission, the President shall deem 1t his
duty to make the payment, communications
| upon these points were addressed to the
British Government through the legation OF
the United States at London. Failing to
| obtain the concurrence of the British Gov
| erpment in the views OF this Government
| respecting the award, | have deemed 1t
nv duty TO tender the sum named, within
the year fixed by the treaty, accompanied a
notice of the grounds OF payment, and by
a protest against any other construction OF
the same. The correspondence upon this
subject will be laid before you.
CUBA AND ITALY.
The Spanish Government has officially an
nounctd the termination OF the lnsurrec-
tion in Cuba. and restoration OF peace
throughoat that island Confident expect
ations are expressed Of a revival OF trade
and prosperity, which II Is earnestly hoped
may prove well-founded Numerous claims
OF American citizens for relief for injuries
or restoration of property. have been among
the incidents of the long-continueo hostill-
ties. Some of these claims are ID process OF
| adjustment by Spain. and the others are
| prom. Used early and careful consideration.
The treaty made with Italy, in regard to
reciprocal consular privileges. has been duly
ratified and proclaimed.
No questions Of grave Importance have
arisen with any other ct the European
| powers,
The japanese Government has been desir-
| Gus Of a revision OF such parts OF Its treaties
with foreign powers as relate to commerce,
| and, it Is understood, has addressed to each
OF the treaty powers n request to open nego-
tiations with that view. tie United States
| Government has been inclined to regard tke
matter iayorably. Whatever restrictions
upon trade with Japan are found Injurious
TO thar people, cannot but fleet IIIurlously
nations holding commercial intercourse with
them. japan, after long period OF seclu-
sion. has within the past lew years made
rapid strides In the path Of enlightenment
and progress, and, not unreasonably, Is
looking forward to the time when her re-
lations with the nations oi Europe and
| America shall be aseimilated to those
which they hold with each other. A treaty
| looking to this end has been made, which
will be submitted for the consideration OF
the Senate.
CHINA AND THE SAMOAN I,IANDs.
| After an interval Of seven years, the Chi
nese Government has again sent ENJOYS TO
the United States. They have been receiy-
ed, and permanent legation is now estab-
lished here by that Government. Ii is not
| dou bted that this step will be of advantage
to both nations in promoting friendly rela-
tioEs and removing causes Of difference.
| The treaty with the Samoan Islands, hay-
ing been duly ratified and accepted on the
| part OF both Governments, is now Is opera
| tion, and survey and surroundings OF the
harbor of Pag0- PagO have been made by a
naval vessel of the United States, with a
| view OF its occupation as Il naval station, II
| found desirable to the service.
MEXICAN AFFAIRS.
Since the resumption Of diplomatic rels-
ticn with Mexico, correspondence has been
| opened and still continues between the two
Governments upon the various questions
| WHICH NJ ODe tlillc " tuth
relations While no formal agreement has
been rcs ched as to the troubles on the
border, much has been done to repress and
diminish them. lhe Elective force Of the
United States troops on the RIO Grande, by
strict and faithful compliance with H.
structions, has done much to remove the
sources of dispute, and it is now understood
that q like force Of Mexican troops on the
| other side OF the river Is also making an
energetic movement against the maraud-
| ing Indian tribes. This Government looks
with the greatest satisfaction upon every
evidence OF strength in the rational author
ity Of Mexico. and upon every effort put
forth TO prevent OF punish incursions upon
our territory. Reluctant to assume any ac-
tion or attItute in the control OF these IE-
cursiOns. by military movemenls across the
border. not imperatively demanded for the
protection Of the lives and property of our
own citizens, shall take the earliest oppor-
tunity, consistent with the proper discharge
Of this plain duty, 20 recognize the ability
Vi the Mexican Government to restrain #
i,ctiyely violations oi our territory. Ii l.
proposed to hold next year an International
Exhibition 10 Mexico, and 1t Is believed
that the display OF the agricultural and
manufacturing products Of the two nations
will tend to better understanding and in
creased commercial intercourse between
their people.
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
With Brazil, and the Republics of Ger
tral and South America, some steps have
been taken toward the development OF closer
commercial intercourse. Diplomatic rela-
tiOns have been resumed with Columbia and
with Bolivia. A boundary question between
the Argentine Republic and Paraguay has
been submitted By those governments foi
arbitration TO the President OF the United
States, and ! have, alter careful examins
tion. given a decision upon it.
A naval expedition up the Amazon and
Madeira rivers has brOrght back inlorma-
tiOn valuable both for scientific and com
mercial purposes A like expedition l.
about visiting the coast of Africa and th,
Indian ocean. The reports of diplomatic
and consular officers IN relation to the de
| valnnfnart nf nur f,toi1n onrn mProe ha q,