Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-12-03

I6dSOnaDle limits 70 such 3DuseJ. Lit
not be easy, and it may never, perhaps, be
necessary to define with precision the proper
limit of political action on the part of Federal
officers. But while their right to hold and
freely express their opinions cannot be ques-
toned, it is very plain that they should neither
be allowed to devote to other subjects the time
needed for the proper discharge of their official
duties nor 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 oppression of the pri-
vate citizen impose upon the Government the
duty of protecting its officers and agents from
arbitrary exactons. In whatever aspect con-
sidered, the practice of making leyies for
party purposes upon the salaries of
officers Is highly demoralizing to the public
service and discreditable to the country
Though an officer should be as free any other
citizen TO give his money In aid of his opinions
or his party he should also be as free as any
Other citizen to refuse to make such gifts If
salaries are but fair compensation for the
time and labor Of the officers, it Is gross lnius-
tce to levy tax upon them. If they are made
excessive In order that they may bear the tax
the excess indirect robbery of the public
funds. | recommend, therefore, such re-
vision and extension of the present statutes as
shall secure to those in every grade of official
life Or public employment the protection with
which great and enlightened nation shall
guard those who are faithful in it's service
Foreign Relations.
Our relations with foreign countries have
continued peaceful. With Great Britain there
are still unsettled questions glowing 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 Amer
lean fishermen The United States Minister In
London has been instructed to present de-
mand for 105,3a5 OF in view of the damages
received by American citizens at Fortune bay
on the 9th day Of January, 1878. The subject
has been taken into consideration by the Brit
ish Government, and an early reply is an
the necessary preliminary examina-
sion, the subject of our participation
in the provincial fisheries, as regulated by
treaty, will at once be brought to the attention
of the British Government with a view to ali
early ana permanent settlement OF the whole
question, which was only temporarily adjusted
by the treaty of Washington. Efforts have
been made to obtain the removal of restrictions
found injurious to the expectation of cattle to
the United Kingdom. Some correspondence
has also occurred with regard to the rescue and
saving OF life and property upoL the lakes,
which has resulted in important notifications
of the previous regulations of the Dominion
Government on the subiect, in the 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 Australia,
one of which is now in progress at Sydney
and the other to be held next year at Mel
bourne desire has been expressed by cur
merchants and manufacturers interested in the
important and growing trade with Australia
that an increased provision should be made by
Congress for the representation of our indus
tries at the Milbourne Exhibition of next year,
and the subject is 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 be-
tween France, by way of the French Island
Of St Pierre and this country, subject to any
future legislation Of Congress on the subject.
The conditions imposed, before allowing the
connection with our shore to be established,
are such as to secure it's competition with any
existing or future lines of marine cable, and
preclude amalgamahon Herewith to provide
for entire equality of rights to our Gov
eminent and people with those of France
in the use of the cable, and prevent any
exclusive possession Of the privilege as ac-
corded by France to the disadvantage of any
future cable communication between France
and the United States which may be projected
and accomplished by our citizens. An I'M
portant reduction of the present rates of
communication with Europe, felt to be too bur-
densome to the interests of our commerce,
must necessarily flow from the establishment
Of this competing line. The attention Of Con-
gress drawn to the propriety of some gen
ersl regulation by Congress of the whole sub
1ect of transmarine cables by my pred
ecessor In his message OF Dec. z, 1875, and l
respectfully submit to your consideration the
Importance of Congressional action in this
matter.
The questions of grave Importance with
Spain, growing out of the incidents Of the
Cuban instruction, have been for the most
part happily and honorably settled. 1t 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 labors to conclusion The
long standing question of the East Florida
claims has lately been renewed as subject of
correspondence, and may possibly require
Congressional action for its final disposition
treaty with the Netherlands with respect to
Consular rights snd privileges similar to those
with other powers has been signed and ratified,
and the Publications were exchanged on the
31gt of July last.
Negotiations for exsradtion treaties with the
Netherlands and with Denmark are now in
progress.
Some questions with Switzerland in regard to
pauper and convict emigrants have arisen, but
1t Is not doubted that they will be arranged upon
just and satisfactory basis. question has
also occurred with respect to an asserted claim
bySwlss municipal authorities to exercise tutel-
age over the persons and property of Swiss citi-
zens naturalized in this country It is possible
this may require adjustment by treaty. With
the German empire frequent questions arise in
connection with the subjects Of naturalization
and expatrlat1on, but the Imperial Government
has constantly manifested desire to strictly
maintain and comply with all treaty stipulatons
in regard to them
In consequence of the omission of Congress
to provide for diplomatic representation at
Athens, the legation to Greece has been with
drawn. There is now no channel of diplomatic
communications between the two countries,
and the expediency of providing for ore in
some form is submitted to Congress. Rela-
tons with Austria, Prussia, Italy, Portugal,
Turkey, and Belgium continue amicable
and marked by no incident of especial impor-
lance.
change of the personal head of the Govern
ment 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 historical
interest is highly appreciated as q generous
mark of international regard. If prosperity
should attend the enterprise of its Transports