Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-12-02
NO. 2SS.

that, through the iudicious and energetic ac-
tion of the military commanders Of the two
nations on each side Of the Rio Grande, under
the instructions of their respective Govern
ments, raids and depredations have greatly
decreased, and, in the localities where for
merly most destructive, have nov almost
wholly ceased. In view of this result, l en-
tertain confident expectation that the pre-
valence of quiet on the border will soon be-
come SO assured as to justify a modification
of the present orders to our military comman-
ders as to crossing the border, without en-
couraging such disturbances as would 'endan-
ger the peace of the two countries.
The third instalment Of the award against
Mexico under the Claims Commission Of Ju-
ly 4, 1868, was duly paid, and has been put
in course of distribution in pursuance of the
act Of Congress providing for the same. The
satisfactory situation between the two coun-
tries leads me to anticipate an expansion Of
our trade with Mexico, and an increased con-
trbution of capital and industry by our peo-
pie to the development of the great resources
of that country. l earnestly commend TO
the wisdom of Congress the provision Of suit
able legislation locking to this result.
Diplomatic intercourse with Columbia is
again fully restoredby the arrival of minister
from that country to the United States. This
is especially fortunate in view of the fact that
the question of an inter-oceanc canal has
recently assumed a new and important 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 prosecution 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. It is
not doubted that should the work be UNDER
taken under the protective auspices of the
United States, and upon satisfactory conces-
sions for the right of way, and its security,
by the Central American governments, the
capital for its completion would be readily
furnished from this country and Europe,
which might, failing such guarantees prove
inaccessible.
Diplomatic relations with Chilli have also
been strengthened by the reception of min
lister from that country.
The war between Peru, Bolivia, and Chill
still continues. The United States have not
deemed it proper to interpose in the matter.
further than to convey to all the Governments
concerned, the assurance that the friendly Of
fees Of the Government of the United States
for the restoration of peace upon an honorable
basis will be extended, in case the belliger-
Cordial relations continue with Brazil and
the Argentine Republic, and trade with those
countries is improving. provision for reg
ular 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 Con-
gress, as an essential precursor of an enlarge
ment Of our commerce with them, and an ex-
tension of our carrying trade.
A recent revolution in Venezuela has been
followed by the establishment of provision
al government. This government has not
yet been formerly recognized, and it is deem
ed desirable to await the proposed action Of
the people, which is expected to give it the
sanction of constitutional forms.
A naval vessel has been sent to the Samoan
Islands, to make surveys and take possession
of the privileges ceded to the United States
by Samoa, in the harbor of Pago Pago.
coalng station is to be established there,
which will be convenient and useful to Unit
ed States vessels.
The subject of opening diplomatic relations
with Roumania and Servia, now become in
dependent sovereignties is at present under
consideration, and is the subject of diplomatic
correspondence.
There is a gratifying increase of trade with
nearly all European and American countries.
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 obtain
ing much valuable information, which has
been and will continue to be laid before Con-
gress and the public from time to time.
The third article of the treaty with Russia,
of March 80, 1867, by which Alaska was ced-
ed to the United States, provides that the in
habtants of the ceded territory, with the ex-
ception of the uncivilized native 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 enjoy
ment Of their liberty, property, and religion.
The uncivilized tribes are subject to such
laws and regulations as the United States
NAV from time to time adopt in regard to the
aboriginal tribes of that country.
Both the obligations of this treaty and the
necessities of the people require that some
organized form of government over the terri
tory of Alaska be adopted.
There appears to be no law for the arrest
of persons charged with common-law offences,
such as assault, robbery and murder, and no
magistrate authorized to issue or execute
have already arisen from offences Of this char
acter, not only among the original inhabitants,
but among citizens of the United States and
other countries, who have engaged in mining,
fishing, and other business operations within
the Territory. A bill authorizing the ap-
pointment Of justices of the peace and con-
stables, and the arrest and detention of per-
sons charged with criminal offences, and pro-
viding for an appeal to United States courts
for the district of Oregon, in suitable cases,
will, at proper time be submitted to Con-
gress.
The attention os Congress is called to the
annual report of the Secretary of the Treas
ury on the condition of the public finances.
The ordinary revenues from all sources for
the fiscal year ended June 80, 1879. were
S273, 1927, lS4.46; the ordinary expenditures
for the same period were S266, ,947 1888. IS;
leaving surplus revenue for the year of 96,-
S79, 800. .93.
The receipts for the present fiscal year,
ending June 30 1880, actual and estimated,
are as follows Actual receipts fer the first
quarter commencing July l, 1879, S79, ,s43,-
663. 81 estimated receipts for the remaining
three quarters of the year, S20S, loo, 1886. 50;
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