The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-12-05

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reasonable limits TO such abuses. IL may
not be easy, and it may never, perhsps, be-
| necessary to define with precision the proper
limit Of political action on the part OF Federal
officers. But, while their right 10 hold and
freely express their opinions cannot be ques-
toned, it is very plain that they should neither
| be allowed to devots to OF or 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 prl-
| vate citizen impose upon the Government the
| duty of protecting its officers and agents from
| arbitrary exactions. In whatever aspect con-
| sidered the practice of making evies for
party purposes upon the salaries OF
| officers is highly demoralizing to the public
service and discredtsble To the country.
Though an officer should be as free any other
citizen 10 give his money IN aid Of his opinions
or his party he should also be az free as any
Other citizen to refuse 70 make such gifts II
salaries are but fair compensation for the
time and labor OF the officers, 1t IS gross MUS
tice to levy tax upon them IL they are made
| excessive IN order that they may bear the tax,
the excess an indirect robbery of the public
| funds. l recommend, therefore, such re-
| vision and extension Of the present statutes as
shall secure to those in every grade or official
| life o. public employment the protection with
| which a great and enlightened nation shall
| guard those who are faithful In its 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 or provincial authorities deemed to be in
der0gaton of rights secured by treaty to Amer
lean fishermen The United States Minister IN
London has been instructed to present de-
mand for SlC5,3l5 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 il an
ticipated. Upon the completion of
| the necessary preliminary examina-
ton, the subject OF our participation
in the provincial fisheries, as regulated by
treaty, will at once be brought TO the attention
of ihe British Government with view co all
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 upon the lakes,
which has resulted In important notifications
OF the previous regulations of the Dominion
Government on the subject, 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 i'll progress at Sydney
and the other to be held next year at Mel
bourne. A desire has been expressed by our
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
tiles at the Milbourne Exhibition of next year,
and the subject il respectfully submitted to
your favorable consideration.
The assent or 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 its competition with any
existing or future lines of marine cable, and
preclude amalgamaton 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 tins competing line. The attention of Con-
gress Was drawn to the propriety of some gem
eral regulation by Congress of the whole sub
Ject of transmarine cables by my pred
ecassor In his message OF Dec. z, 1875 and I
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 a subject of
correspondence, and may possibly require
Congressional action for its final disposition
treaty with the Netherlands with respect to
Consular rights and privileges similar to those
with other powers has been signed and ratified,
and the Publications we're exchanged on the
3lst of July last.
Negotiations for extradiiion treaties with the
Netherlands and with Denmark sre now in
progress.
Some questions with Switzerland in regard to
pauper and convict emigrants have arisen, but
II is not doubted that they will be arranged upon
a just and satisfactory basis. A question has
also occurred with respect to an asserted claim
by Swiss municipal authorities to exercise tutel-
age over the persons and property OF Swiss ciii-
zens naturaized in this country 1t is possible
this may require adjustment by treaty. With
the German empire frequent questions arise in
connection with the subjects of naturalization
and expatriation, but the Imperial Government
has constantly manifested a desire to strictly
maintain and comply with all treaty stipulations
in regard To them.
In consequence OF the omission of Congress
to provide for diplomatic representatiS n at
Athens, the legation to Greece has been with
drawn. There ie now no channel of diplomatic
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 amic,ble'
and marked by no incident of especial impor-
lance.
A 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 il highly appreciated az generous
mark OF International regard. If prosperity
should attend the enterprise of its transporta-
ion across the Atlantic, its erection in a con-
'picuous position in the chief commercial city
u the nation will be soon accomplished
The treaty recently made between Japan and
he United States in regard to the revision of
ormer treaties, 1t is now believed, will be fol-
owed by similar action on the part of other
reaty powers The attention OF Congress is
gain invited to the subject of the indemnity