Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-12-01

proper limit of political action on the part of
federal officers, but while their right to hold
and freely express their opinions can not be
questioned, it is very plain that they should
neither be allowed to devote to other subjects
the time needed for tho proper discharge Of
their official duties, to use the authority of
their Office to enforce their own opinions or to
cOerce the political action of those who hold
different opinions. Reasons of Justice and
public policy, quite analogous to those which
forbid the use of official power for the oppres-
sion of the private citizen, impose upon tta
government the duty Of protecting its officers
and agents from arbitrary exactions.
In whatever aspect considered, the practice
of making levies for party purposes upon the
salaries of Objects, is highly demoralizing to
the public service and discreditable to the
country. Though an officer should be as free
as any other citizen from using his own money
in aid OF his opinion or his party, he should
ais, be as free ss any other citizen to
refuse to make such gifts. If salaries
are but q fair com pensation for time and labor
OF the officers it is gross I'M ustice to levy tax
upon them. Ii they are made excessive in or
der that they may bear a tax, the excess is in
direct robbery Of the public funds. " -.
l recommend therefore such revision and
extension Of the present statutes As shall &C.
public employment, the protection with which
great and enlightened nation should guard
those who are faithful in its service.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
Our relations with foreign countries have con-
tinued peaceful. With Great Britain there are
still unsettled questions growing out of the
laws of the maritime provinces, and the action
of provincial authorities, deemed to be III dero-
Of nv tn
fishermen, the United States minister in Lon
don has been instructed to present a demand
for l0,53U, SOP in view OF damages received by
American citizens at Fortune Bay on the 9Th
day Of January, 1873. The subject has been
taken into consideration by the British
ticipated. Upon the completion Of
the necessary preliminary examinations the sub
ject of our participation in the provincial fish.
cries as regulated by treaty will al once be
brought to the attention of the British gov
eminent with a view to an early and permanent
settlement of the whole question, which was
only temporarily adjusted by the treaty OF
Washington.
Efforts have been made to obtain the remov-
al OF restrictions found injurious to the ex-
portation of cattle to the United Kingdom.
Some correspondence has also occurred with
regard to the rescue and saving Of life and
property upon the lakes, which has resulted in
important notifications Of the previous regu-
lation of the dominion government on this sub
ject IL tho interest of humanity and commerce.
In accordance with the joint resolution of
the last session of Congress, commissioners
were appointed to represent the United States
at the two international exhibitions in Aus
traiia, one of which is now in progress at Sgd
ney and the other to be held next year in Mel
bourne, a desire has been expressed by mer-
chants and manufacturers interestedln the i'm.
md md Ana Ito hot
an increased provision should be made by Com
eress Tor the representation of our industries nt
the Melbourne exhibition of next year, aud the
subject in respectfully submitted to your
favorable consideration. .
The assent Of the government has been given
to the landing on the coast of Massachusetts Of
new and independent transatlantic cable
between France: by way Of the French island
st. Pierre, and this country, subject to any fu-
ture legislation of Congress on the subject
The conditions imposed before allowing con-
nectlon with our shores to be established, ere
such as secure its com petition with any exist
ing or future lines of marine cable,
and preclude amalgamation Herewith, and
provide for an entire equality OF rights to- our
government and people with those Of France in
the use of the cable, and prevent any exclnsive
possession OF the privilege as accorded by
France to the disadvantage of any future cable
communication between France and the United
States which may be projected and accom-
pllshed by our citizens.
An important reduction of the present
rates on cable communication with
Europe, which il felt to be too burdenscme to
the interests Of our commerce, must necessarily
How from the establishment of this competing
line. The attention of Congress was drawn to
the propriety of some general regulation of
Congress OF the whole subject Of transmarine
cables by my predecessor, in his message of
ohar sud 7 s,,1Ir -
Your consideration tho importance of Con-
gressional action in this matter.
The questions of grave Importance with
Spain growing out Of the accidents of the
Cuban insurrection have been, for the most
part. happily and bonorably settled. It may
reasonably be anticipated that the commission
now sitting in Washington for the decision of
private cases in this connection, will soon be
able to bring its lahors to a conclusion.
The long standing question Of East Florida
claims has lately been renewed as q subject of
correspondence and may possibly require Con-
OCCASIONAL action for it's final disposition.
treaty with the Netherlands with respect
to consular rights and privileges similar to
those with other powers, has been signed and
on the 3lst of July last. Negotiations for ex-
tradition treaties with the Netherlands and with
Denmark are now pending. Some questions
with Switzerland in regard to pauper and con-
Wet einigrants have arisen, but it is not doubt
ed that they will be arranged upon just and
satisfactory basis. question has also occur
red with respect to an asserted claim
by Swiss municip pal authorities to exercise
tutilage over persons and property of Swiss cit
liens, naturalized in this country. It is posi-
BILE this may require adjustment by treaty with
the German empire. Frequent questions arise
in connection with the subject of naturaliza-
ton and expatriation but the imperial govern
Easr ofoI -
strictly maintain and comply with all treaty
stipulations in regard to them.
In consequence of the omission of Congress
to provide for a diplomatic representative at
Athens, the legation to Greece has been with
drawn. There is now no channel of diplomatic
communication between the two countries and
the expediency of providing for one in some
form is submitted to Congress. The relations
with Austria. Russia, Italy, Portugal, Turkey,
and Belgium continue amicable and marked by
no incident of especial importance, A change
Of the personal head of the government of
Egypt has taken place. No change, however,
has occurred in the relations between Egypt
and the United States. The action of the
Egyptian government in presenting to the city
OF New York one of the ancient obelisks which
possess such historic interest, is highly appre-
ciated as generous mark of international re-
gard. If prosperity should attend the enter
prise of its transportation across the Atlantic
It's erection IN conspicuous position in
the chief commercial city of the nation, will
be soon accomplished.
JAPAN AND CHINA. .. .- ...,,.
The treaty made between Japan and the
United States in regard to the revision of
former commercial treaties it is now believed
will he followed by similar action On the part
Of other treaty powers. The attention of Con
gress ia again invited to the subject of the
indemnity funds received some years Since
from Japan and China which, with the &C
cumulated interest, now amount to consider.
able sums. If any part of the funds is
justly due to American citizens they should re.
ceive 1T promptly and whatever may have been
received by this government in excess of strictly
just demands, should in some form be returned
to the nations to whom it equitably belongs.
The government of China has sisnifed its
Willingness to consider the question of the emf.
grafton OF its subjects to the United Slater
with diplomatic fairness and to cooperate in
such measures as may tend to prevent inju,
rious consequences to the United States. The
negotiations are still proceeding and will be
pressed with diligence.
A question having arisen between China and
Japan about the Lew Chew islands, the United
States government has taken measures to in.
form these powers of its readiness to extend
its good offices for the maintenance OF peace if
they shall mutually, deem it desirable and find
it practicable to avail themselves of th,
proffer