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

The Government of China has signified
its willingness to consider the question of
the emigration of its subjects to the United
States with a dispassionate fairness, and to
cooperate in such measures as may tend
to prevent injurious conseq denceS to the
United States. The negotiations are still
proceeding, and will be pressed with dill
gence.
A question having risen between China
and Japan about the Lew Chew Islands,
the United States government has taken
measures to inform those powers of its
readiness to extend its good offices for the
maintenance of peace, If they shall mu-
tually deem it desirable, and find it practi-
cable to avail themselves of the proger.
THE MEXICAN BORDER AND AWARDS.
1t rs qualification to be able to an
nouncs that, through the judicious and
energetic action of the military comman-
ders of the two nations on each side of the
RIO Grande, under the instructions of their
respective governments, raids and depreda-
lions have greatly decreased, and, in the
localities where formerly most destructive,
have now almost wholly ceased. In view
of this result, [ entertain confident ex-
pectation that the prevalence of quiet on
the border will soon become so assured as
10 justify q modification of the present Or
ders to our military commanders as to
crossing the border, without encouraging
Suoh disturbances as would endanger the
-Deace of the two countries.
The third instalment of the award
against Mexico under the Claims Commits
SION of July 4, 1868, was duly paid, and
has been put in course of distribution IN
pursuance of the act of Congress provid-
ing for the same. This satisfactory situa-
tiOn between the two countries leads me to
anticipate an expansion of our trade with
Mexico and an increased contribution of
capital and industry by our people to the
development of the great resources of that
Country. earnestly commend to the wis
dom of Congress the provision of suitable
leg Station looking to this result.
CENTRAL AMERICAN GOVERNMENTS
Diplomatic intercourse with Colombia is
again restored by the arrival of a minister
from that country to the United States
This is especially fortunate in view of the
fact that the question of an lnter-oceanic
canal has recently assumed new and i'm
portant aspect, and is now under discussion
with the Central American countries
through whose territory the canal, by the
Nicaragua route. would have to pass. 1t
is trusted that enlightened craftsmanship
on their part will see that the early prosecu-
ton of such work will largely enure to
the benefit, not only of their own citizens
and those of the United States, but of the
commerce of the civilized world. 1t is not
doubted that should the work be ulderta-
ken under the protective auspices of the
United States, and upon satisfactory con-
cessions for the right of way, and its secu-
rity, by the Central American govern
ments, the capital for its completion would
he readily furnished from this country and
Europe, which might, failing such guaran
tess, prove inaccessible.
Diplomatic relations with Chilli have
also been strengthened by the reception Of
q minister from that country.
OUR SOUTH AMERICAN RELATIONS.
The war between Peru, Bolivia, and
Chill still continues. The United States
have not deemed it proper to ipterpose IN
the mather, further than to convey all the
Governments concerned, the assurance that
the friendly offices of the Government of
the United for the restoration of peace and
upon an honorable basis will be extended
III case the bellIperents shall exhibit read
mess to accept them.
Cordial relations continue with Brazil
and the Arge ltine Republic, and trade with
those countries is improving. prOvi-
sion for regular and more frequent mail
communication, in our own ships, between
The ports of this country and the nations OF
South America seems to me to deserve the
attention of Congress, as an essential pre-
cursor of an enlargement of our commerce
with them, and an extension of our carry
ing trade.
A recent revolution in EeneZuela has
been followed by the establishment of a
provisional government This government
has not yet been formally recognized, and
il is deemed desirable to await the pro
posed action of the people, which is ex-
peCIed to give 1t the sanction OF cOnstitu-
tional forms.
THE SAMOAN ISLANDS.
A naval vessel has been sent to the Sa-
moan Islands, to make surveys and take
possession of the privileges ceded to the
United States by Samoa, IN the harbor OF
Page Pago. a cOaling-statiOn is to be es-
tabllshed there, which will be convenient
and useful TO United States vessels.
The subject of opening diplomatic rela-
liOns with Roumania and Servia, now be-
come independent sOverei gntIes, is at pres
ent under consideration, and is the subject
of diplomatic correspondence.
INCREASE OF TRADE.
There is a gratifying increase of trade
with nearly all European and American
countries, and it is believed that with iudic-
iOus action in regard to its development it
can and will be still more enhanced, and
that American products and manufactures
will find new and expanding markets. The
reports of diplomatic and consular officers
upon this subject, under the system now
adopted, have resulted in obtaining much
valuable information, which has been and
will continue to be LAID before Congress
and the public from time to time.
GOVERNMENT FOR ALASKA
The third article of the treaty with Rus
STA, of March 80, 1867, by which Alaska
was ceded to the United States, provides
that the Inhabitants of the coded territory,
with the exception of the unciviliZed tribes,
shall be admitted to the enjoyment of all
the rights of citizens of the United States,
and shall be maintained and protected in
the free enjoyment of their liberty, property
and religion. The unciviliZed tribes are
subject to such laws and regulations as
the United States may from time 10 time
adopt in regard to the aboriginal tribes CT
that country
Both the obligations of this treaty and
the necessities of the people, require that
some organized form of government over
the Territory of Alaska be adopted.
There appears to be no law for the arrest
of persons charged with common law of
fences, such as assault, robbery, and muir
der, and no magistrate authorized to issue
or execute process in such cases. Serious
difficulties have already arisen from Of
fences Of this character. not only among