The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1879-12-01

|
and extension of present statutes as shall
secure to those in every grade of Official
life or public employment the projections
with which great and enlightened Nation
should guard those who are faithful in ito
service.
| FOREIGN RELATIONSHIPS FISHERY oups
TIoN, ETC.
Our relations with foreign countries have
continued peaceful.
With Great Britain there are still I'm
| settled questions, growing out of the local
| laws of the maritime provinces and the
action of provincial authorities, deemed To
be in derogation of rights secured by treaty
| to American fishermen. The United StateO
| Minister in London has been instructed 70
present demand for $105, 302 OF, in view
| of the damages received by American citi-
| Zens at Fortune Bay on the 9th day of Jan
| uary, 1873. The subject has been takan
| into consideration by the British Govern
| ment and an early reply is anticipated.
Upon the completion of the NECESSARY
preliminary examinations, the subject Of
our participation IN the provincial fisher.
les, as regulated by treaty, will at once no
brought to the attention of the British Gov,
eminent, with view to an early and nor.
manent settlement of the whole question
which was only temporarily adjusted bv
the treaty of Washington. y
Efforts have been made to obtain the re-
movai of restrictions found injurious to the
expectation OF cattle to the United King
dom.
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 regulations of the Dominion Gov.
eminent on the subject, in the interest of
humanity and commerce.
THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.
In accordance with the Joint reso-.
luton of the last session of Con.
gress, commissioners were appointed ia
represent the United States at the two In.
ternational Exhibitions in Austria one of
which is now In progress in Sydney, and
the other to be held next year at Melbourne
A desire has been expressed by our mer.
chants and manufacturers interested in the
important and growing trade with Aus
tralla, that an increased provision should be
made by Congress for the representation of
our industries at the Melbourne Exhibition
of next year, and the subject is respectfully
submitted to your favorable consideration.
THE ATLANTIC CABLES.
The assent of the Government has been
given to the landing, on the coast of Massa.
chusetts, of a new and independent trans
Atlantic cable between France, by way of
the French island of St. Pierre, and this
country, subject 10 any future legislation of
Congress on the subject. The conditions
imposed, before allowing this connection
with our shores to be established, are
such as to secure its competition with any
existing or future lines of marine cable,
and preclude amalgamation Herewith, to
provide for entire equality of rights to our
Government and people with those OF
France IN the use of the cable, and prevent
any exclusive possession of the privilege as
accorded by France and the United States
which may be projected and accomplished
by our citizens. An important reduction
OF the present rates of cable communica-
ton with Europe, felt TO be too burden
some TO the interests of our commerce,
must necessarily flow from the establish
ment OF this competing line.
The attention of Congress was Crawn to
the proprlety OF some general regulation
by Congress of the whole subject OF trans
marine cables by my predecessor in his
message of December Z, 1915, and | re.
spectiully submit to your consideration the
importance of Congressional action in
this matter.
sUNDRY CLAIMS AND TREATIES.
The question of grave importance with
spain, growing out of the incidents ofthe
Cuban insurrection have been, for the
most part, happily and honorably settled.
It may reasonably be anticipated that the
now sitting in Washington,
or the decision of private cases in this
Will soon be able to bring its
abors TO a conclusion.
The long-Standing question of East
Florida claims has lately been renewed as
subject of correspondence, and may pcs
IDLY require Congressional action for its
nal disposition.
A treaty with tie Netherlands, with re-
pect to consular rights and privileges,
imilar to those with other powers, has
cen signed and ratified, and the ratifica.
Ons were exchanged on the 31st of July
lst. Negotiations for extradition treaties
18th the Netherlands and with Denmark
re now in progress.
Some questions with Switzerland in re-
ard to pauper and convict emigrants, have
risen, but 1t is not doubted that they will
e arranged upon just and satisfactory
asis. question has also occurred with
,spect to an asserted claim by Swiss
unicipal authorities to exercise tutelage
7er persons and property OF Swiss citizens
lturalized in this county. 1t is possible
is may require adjustment by treaty.
With the German Empire frequent ques~
)ns arise in connection with the subjects
naturalization and expatriation; but the
nperIal Government has constantly mani
sted a desire to strictly maintain and
imply Win al treaty SupuIatlOnS IN re-
I'D to them.
In consequence OF the omission of Con-
ess to provide for a diplomatic repre-
NATIVE at Athens, the legation 10 Greece
S been withdrawn. There is now no
annel of diplomatic communication be.
cen the two countries, and the @GpedI-
cy of providing for one, in some form, is
omitted to Congress.
Relations with Austria, Russia, Italy,
frugal. Turkey and Belgium continue
licable, and marked by no incident Of
)ecial importance.
A change of the personal head of the
'vernment of Egypt has taken place. No
ange, however, has occurred in the rela-
ms between Egypt and the United States.
e action of the Egyptian Government in
esenting to the city of New York one of
. ancient obelisks, which possesses such
toric interest, is highly appreciated as a
lerous mark of International regard. III
1sperity should attend the enterprise of
transportation across the Atlantic, its
ction in a conspicuous position in the
EFF commercial city of the Nation will
IN be accomplished.
PAN AND CHINA, CLAIMS AND EMIGRATION.