The Worthington advance., 1878-12-05
srnment to enforce the laws which are framed
70 nreserua these inesti hla riuhfs

ernment to enforce the laws which are framed
to preserve these inestimable rights.
The material progress and sWelfare of the
States depend on the protection afforded to
their citizens. There can be no peace without
such protection, no prosperity without peace;
and the whole country is deeply interested IN
the growth and prosperity Of all its parts.
While the country has not yet reached complete
anity of feeling and reciprocal confidence be-
tween the communities so lntely and SO seri-
ously estranged, 1 feelr an: absolute assurance
that the tendencies are in that direction, and
with increasing force. The power ofpublic
opinion will override all political prejudices
and all sectional or State attachments in de-
manding that all over our wide territory the
name and character of citizens of the United
states shall mean one a I'd the same thing, and
carry with them unchallenged security and re-
speet.
PARIS EXPOSITION.
Our relations with other countries continue
peaceful. Our neutrality in contests between
foreign powers has been maintained: and re-
spected. The universal exposition held at
Paris during the past summer has~been attend
cd by large numbers of our citizens. The
brief period allowed for the preparation and
arrangement of the contributions of our citi-
Zcns to this great exposition was we'll employed
in energetic and judicious efforts to overcome
this disadvantage. These efforts, led and
directed by the commissioner general, were
remarkably successful, and the exhibition OF
the products of American industry was credita-
bic and gratifying in scope and character.
The reports of the United States commission
crs, giving its results in detail, will be duly
laid before you. Our participation in this in
ternational competition for the favor and the
trade of the world may be expected to produce
E,,l
tercourse, friendship and commerce with other
nations.
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY CONFERENCE.
In accordance with The provisions of the act
of February 2S, 1878, three commissioners were
appointed to international conference or
the subject of adopting common ratio be-
tween gold and silver, for the purpose Of estab
fishing, internationally, the use of bi-metalit
money, and securing fxity of the relative
value between those metals. Invita-
tions were addressed to the various
governments which had expressed
Willingness to participate in its deliberations
The conference had its meeting in Paris in Au.
gust last. The report of the commissioners
herewith submitted, will show its results No
common ratio between gold and silver could be
agreed upon by the conference. The general
conclusion was reached, that it is necessary te
maintain in the world the monetary functions
Of silver. as we'll as Of gold, leaving the selec
tlon of the use of one or the other of these two
metals, or of both, to be made by each State.
THE HALIFAX AWARD.
Congress having appropriated at its last scs
sion the sum of S., SOC. 600 to pay the award Of
the joint commission at Halifax, if after cor
respondence with the British government or
the subject Of tho conformity OF the award to
the requirements of the treaty, and to the
terms of the question thereby submitted to the
commission, the President sholl deem it 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 con-
currence of the British government in the views
of this government respecting the award, /
have deemed it my duty to tender the sun,
Eamed within the year fixed by the treaty, ac-
companied by notice Of the grounds of the
payment, and protest against any other con-
struction Of the same. The correspondence
upon this subject will be laid before YOU.
CUBAN INsURKECTIoN.
The Spanish government has officially an
nounced the termination of the insu,recton in
Cuba and the restoration of peace throughout
the. island. Confident expectations are ex-
pressed of Il revival Of trade and prosperity,
which it is earnestly hoped may prove well
founded. Numerous claims of American citi-
zens for relief for I'M uries or restoration Of
property have been among the incidents of the
long-continued hostiiities. Some of these
claims arc in process Of ad justment by Spain.
and the others are promised early and careful
consideration,
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
The treaty made with Italy in regard to re.
ciprocal consular privileges has been duly rati.
fed and proclaimed. No questions of grave
Importance have arisen with any other of the
European powers.
JAPAN AND CHINA.
The japanese government las been desiroua
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 request to open negotiations with that
view. The United States government has been
inclined to regard the matter fayorably. What.
ever restrictions upon trade with Japan are
found inj urious to that people cannot but affect
injurously nations holding commercial inter
course with them. Japan, after long period
of secl1sion, has within the last few years made
rapid strides in the path Of enlightenment and
progress, and not unreasonably is looking for
ward to the time when her relations with the
nations of Europe and America shall be assimi-
lated to those which we hold with each other.
4 treaty looking to this end has been made
which will be submitted for consideration of
the Senate.
After an interval of several years the Chinese
government has again sent ENJOYS to the United
States. They have been received, and q; per
manent legation is now established here by that
government. 1t is not doubted that this stcp
will be of advantage to both nations in pro.
noting friendly relations and removing causes
of difference.
SAMOA.
The treaty with the Samoan Islands having
been duly ratified and accepted on the part OF
both governments is now in operation, and q
survey and sounding Of the harbor of Page
have been made by a naval vessel Of the United
States, with view of its occupation as naval
station, if found desirable to the service.
RELATIONS WITH MEXICO.
Since the resumption Of diplomatic relation,
with Mexico, correspondence has been opened
and still continues between the two govern
ments upon the various questions which at ont
time seemed to cndanger their relations While
no formal agreement has beeu reached as tt
the troubles on the border, much has beer
done to rcpress and diminish them Thu
effective force of United States troops on thu
Rio Grande, by strict and faithful compliance
with instructions, has done much to remove
the sources of dispute, and it is now under
the other side Of the river is also making ar
energetic movement against marauding Indiar
tribes. This government looks with
the greatest satisfaction upon ever,
evidence of strength in the nationa
authority Of Mexico, and upon every effort pu
forth to prevent or to punish incursions upo1
our territory. Reluctant to assume any actor
or attitude in the control of these incursion
by military movements across the border, no
imperatively demanded for the protection Of tn,
lives aud property of our own citizens, I shal
take the earliest opportunity consistent will
the proper discharge of this plain duty t.
recognize the ability of the Mexican govern
ment to restrain, effectively, the violations O.
our territory.
1t is proposed to hold, next year, an interna
tional exhibition In Mexico, and it is believed
that tho display of the agricultural and manu-
featuring products Of the two nations vii
tend to better understanding and increased
commercial interests between their people.
49,; SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES.
With Brazil, and the republics Of Central ant
South America, some steps have been taker
toward the DEVELOPMENT of closer commercia