The Portland daily press., 1879-12-01

to represent the United Oldtes ~ tho wv
tonal exhibitions in Australia one OF when is nov
iu progress at Sydney, and Melbourne desire mas
been expressed by our merchants ana mahuiae.uii
ers interested in the important and growing l5ue
with Australia that increased provision snoui NC
male by Congress for representation OF Our lluus
tries at the Melbourne exhibition next YER and tne
subject is respectfully submitted to your 1aVorao'e
consideration.
THE FRENCH GABLE.
The assant of the government has been given to
the landing ON the coast OF Massacnuset1s OF new
and independent transatlantic cable between
France bv way of the French island OF St; P1erre
and this country subject to any future legislation
of Congress on the subject. The eondltlons imposed
before allowing this connection with our shores TO
be established such to secure its competlton
with any existing or future lines OF marine cape
for the entire equality of rights to our government
and people with those OF France in the u'e OF the
cable and prevent any exclusive possession OF
privileges as accorded by France to the disad-
vantages of any future communication between
France and the Unired States which may be pro-
iected and ACCOMPLISHED by our citizens. An inn
portant reduction of present rates OF cable commu-
nicaton with Europe which are now felt to be TOO
burdensome to the interests our commerce must
necessarily flow from the establishment OF this
competing line. The attention of Congress was
drawn TO the propriety of some general regulation
by Congress OF the whole subject OF transmarne
cables by my predecessor in his message OF Decem-
Der z. 1875 and respectfully submit to your con-
sheraton the Importance OF Congress lonai actloh
in this matter.
CONTROVERSIES WITH SPAIN SETTLED
A question of grave Importance with Spain grow
ing out of the incidents of the Cuban lnsurrecton
has been for the most part happily ana nonoraoy
settled. It may re sonably be anticipated that the
commission sitting in washington Tor the de-
cision of private in this connection will soon
be able to bring its labors to conclusion The long
standinpouestion of east Florida claims has lately
been renewed as subject correspondence, and may
possibly require Congressional action for its final
disposition.
VARIOUS FOREIGN RELATIONS.
A treaty with the Netherlands with respect to the
consular rights and privileges similar to those with
other powers have been signed and ratlned, anu
notifications were exchanged on the 3lst OF Jniy
last Negotiations for extradition treaties with the
Netherlands and with Denmark are now III pro
gress.
Some questions with Switzerland in regard to
pauper and convict emigrants have arisen but 1t is
not doubted they will be arranged upon just anu
satisfactory basis
Question has also occurred with respect to an as
serted claim by the Swiss municipal authorities TO
exercise tuelage persons and property OF SWISS
citizens naturazed in this country. 1t is possible
this may require adjustment by treaty.
With the German Empire frequent questions arise
in connection with subjects of naturalization and
expatriation but the Imperial Government has con,
stantly manifested desire to strictly maintain and
comply with all treaty stipulatisns in regard TO
them.
In consequence of the omission of Congress to
provide for diplomatic representative at Athens
the legation to Greece has been Withdrawn. There
is now channel OF diplOm attic communication be-
tween the two countries and the expediency OF pro-
yiding for one in some form is submitted tv Con-
gress.
Our relations with Austria Russia. Italy, Portu-
gal, Turkey and Belgium continue amicable and
marked by incident of special Importance. A
change of the personal head Of the government OF
Egypt has taken place. No change however has oc-
CURED in the relations between Egypt and the
United States. The action of the Egyptian Govern
ment in presenting to the City of New York one OF
the ancient obelisks which possess such historic m
terest is highly appreciated as generous mark OF
International regard. Ii prosperity should attend
the enterprise of its transportation across the At
lantc ocean, its erection in conspicuous position
in the chief commercial city of the nation will
soon be accomplished.
The treaty recently made between Japan and the
United States in regard to the revision of former
commercial treaties it is now believed will be FOL
lowed by similar action on the part of other treaty
powers. Attention of Congress is again invited to
the subject of indemnity funds received some years
since from Japan and China, which with their ac-
cu1nulatet interest now amount to considerable
sums. If any part of these funds is justly due to
American citizens, they should receive 1t promptly,
and whatever may have been received by this gov
ernment in excess of strictly just demands should in
some form be returned to the nation to whom 1t
equitahy belongs.
The government OF China has signifed its willing
ness to consider the question of emigration OF its
subjects to the United States wi a dispasslonate
fairness and to cooperate in such measures as may
tend to prevent injurious consequences to the United
States Negotiations still proceeding and VIII De
pressed with diligence.
question having arisen between China and
Japan about 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 mutually,
deem it desirable and find it practicable to avail
themselves OF the proffer
1t is a qualification to be able to announce that
through the judicious and energetic action of the
military commanders of the two nations on each
side of the Rio Grande, under instructions of their
| respective governments, raids and depredatons
have greatly decreased, and in localities where Tor
| merly most destructive have now almost wholly
ceased. In view of this result entertain confident
expectation that the prevalence of quiet on the Dor
der will soon become so assured as to justify mod
ifcation of the present orders to our military COM
manders as to crossing the border without encour-
| aging such disturbances as would endanger the
peace OF the two countries.
The third installment of the award against Mex
leo, under the Claims Commission of July A. 1868,
was duly paid dhas been put in course of distri
button in pursuance of the act ofCongress providing
for same. This satisfactory situation between the
two countries leads to anticipate expansion OF
trade with Mexico and an increased contribution
of capital and industry by our people to the de-
velopment OF the great resources OF that country
provision of suitable legislation looking to this re-
| suit.
Diplomatic intercourse with Columbia is again
fully restored by the arrival of minister from that
country to the United States. This is especially
fortunate in view of the fact that the question of
inter-oceanic canal has recently assumed new and
important aspect and is now under discussion with
| Central American countries, through whose terri
tory the canal by the Nicaragua route would have
to pass. 1t is trusted that enlightened statesman
ship on their part will see that the early prosecu
extion of such work will largely enure to the ne
the Uniteh States, but of the commerce of the civ
| ilized world. 1t is not doubted that should the
work be undertaken under the protective auspices of
the United States and upon satisfactory concessions
| for he right of way and its security by Central
American governments, the capital for its compile
ton would be readily furnished from this country
and Europe, which might, failing such guarantees,
| prove inaccessible.
| Diplomatic relations with Chill have also been
strengthened by the reception of a minister from
| that country. The war between Peru. Bolivia and
| Chill still continues. The United States has not
deemed it proper to nterpoSe in the matter further
than to convey to all the governments concerned the
assurance that the friendly offices of the govern
meuts of the United States for the restoration of
| honorable basis will he extended in
case the belligerents shall exhibit readiness to &C.
| cept them.
Argentine Republic, and trade with these countries
| is improving. A provision for regular and more
| frequent mail communication in our ships between
ports of this country and the nations of South Amer
lea to to deserve the attention of Congress
as an essential precursor OF an enlargement OF our
commerce with them and an extension of our carry
ing trade.
lowed by the establishment of provincial govern
ment. This government has not yet been formally
recognized, and it is deemed desroble 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 Is
lands to make surveys and take possession of the
privileges ceded to the United States by Samoa in
the harbor of Pago Pago A coaling station is to be
established there which will be convenient and use
full to United States vessels.
The subject of opening diplomatic relations with
Roumania and Servia now become Independent SOW
ereignies is at present under consideration, and is
the subject of diplomatic correspondence. There is
European and American countries and it is believed
that with judcious action in regard to its develop
ment it can and will be sUill more enhanced, and
that American products and manufacturers will
find new and expanding markets. The reports of
diplomatic and consular officers upon this subject
under the system adopted, have resulted in OBJ
tanning much valuable information which has been
and will be continued to be laid before Congress
and the public from time to tine
THE GOVERNMENT OF ALASKA.
The third article of treaty with Russia Of March
30lh, 1867, by which Alaska coded to the
United States provides that the inhabitants of the
coded territory, with the exception of uncvilized
native tribes shall be admitted to the enjoyment of
all rights of citizens of the United States and shall
be maintained and protected in the free enjoyment
of their liberty, property and religion. The uncivil-
lied tribes subject to such laws and regulations
as the United States may from time adopt in rsgard
to the aboriginal tribes of that counery But oolga-
ons of this treaty and the necessities of the people
require that some organized form of government
over the territory OF Alaska be adopted. There APP
pears be law for the arrest of persons charged
with common law ohenses such as assault, robbery
and murder, and no magistrate authorized to issue
execute process in such r35es. Serious difficulties
have already arisen from oenses of this character
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 appointment of justices of the
peace and constables and arrest and detention of
persons charged with criminal otfenses and provid-
district of oregon in suitable cases. will at proper
time be submitted to Congress.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY