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


formerly destructive, have now almost wholly
ceased In view OF this result l entertain
confident expectation of the continuance OF the
prevalence Of quiet on the border Of the two
countries.
The third installment of the award against
Mexico under the Claims Commission of July
4, 1865, was duly paid and has been put in
course OF distribution in pursuance OF the act
of Congress providing for the same This sat
lsfactory situation 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 devel-
Opment Of the great resources of that country.
! earnestly commend TO the wisdom of Con-
gress the provision Of suitable legislation look
ing to this result.
Diplomatic intercourse with Colombia il
again fully restored by the arrival OF the Min
lster from that country to the United States
luis Is especially fortunate in view of the fact
uat the question Of an interoceanic canal has
recently assumed an important aspect, and is
Tow under discussion with the Central Ameri-
can countries, through whose territory the
canal by the Nicaragua route would have to
lass. IL is trusted that enlightened statos nan
thlp on their part will see that the early prose-
cuuon OF such work will largely nure to the
benefit, not only of their own citizens aud those
~ the United States, but OF the commerce of
the civilized world 1t il not doubted that,
should the work be undertaken under the pro-
tective auspices of the United States, and upon
satisfactory concessions for the right of way
anu Its curitY by the Central American Gov
ernments, the capital for it's completion would
readily be 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 Ministry from that country
The war between Peru, Bolivia, and Chilli
still continues. The United States has not
deemed 1t proper 10 inierpose in tho matter,
further than to convey to all the Governments
.nl$ l,sao t,A .afIt
ces OF the Government OF the United States for
the restoration of peace upon an honorable
basis Will be extended in case the belligeren.s
shall exhibit a readiness to accept them. Cor
dial relations commune wtth Brazil aud the Ar
geItno Republic, aud trade with those coui.-
tries Is improving.
provision for regular and more frequent
mail communication in our 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 precursor of an en-
largement of our commerce with them and an
extension OF our carrying trade.
recent revolution in Venezuela has been
followed by the establishment of Provisional
Government This Government has not yet
been formally recognized, and II is deemed
desirable 10 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
Samoa in: tho harbor OF Pago-Pago cosling
station is to be established there, which will be
convenient and useful to United States vessels.
The subject of opening diplomatic relations
with Roumania and Servia, now become lnGe-
pendent soveregn;ies, is at present under con
sideration, and is the subject OF diplomatic cor
respondence.
There is gratifying increase of trade with
nearly all European and American countries,
and it il believed that with judcious action il
I'd N do 81 "a a will
more enhanced, and that American products
and manufactures will find new and eXpandu
markets The reports of diplomatic and con-
sular officers upon this subject under the sys-
tenn now adopted, havs resulted in obtaining
much valuable information, which has been.
and will continue to be, laid before Congress
and the public from time to time.
Condition of Alaska.
The third article of the treaty with Russia OF
March 80, 1861, by which Alaska was coded TO
the United States, provides that the inhabitants
OF the coded territory, with the exception of
the uncivilized native tribes, shall be admitted
20 the enjoyment of all the rights OF citizens of
the United States, and shall be maintained
and protected in the free enjoyment OF the
liberty of property and religion. The unciv-
iized tribes are subject to such laws and
regulations al the United States may
from time to time adopt in regard to the
aboriginal tribes of the country Both
the obligations of this treaty and the necessi-
ties OF the people require that some organ
lied form or government over the Terri
tory of Alaska be adopted. There appears
to be no law for the arrest Of person 5
charged with common-law offenses, such as
assault, robbery, and murder, and no magistrate
authorized To issue or execute process IN such
cases Serious difficulties have already arisen
from offenses OF this character, not only among
citizens OF the United States but of other c)rln
tries who have engaged in mining, fishing, aud
other business operations within the Territory
bill authorizing the appointment OF Justices
OF the Peace and constables, and The arrest
ard detention Of persons charged with criminal
offenses and providing for an appeal to United
States courts for the District of Oregon Of snits
BILE cases will, at the proper time, be submitted
20 Congress.
Public Finances.
The attention of Congress is called to the an
nual report o.; the Secretary OF the Treasury on
the condition OF the public finances. The or
binary revenues from all sources for the fiscal
year ended June 81, 1879, were $50, S21, S4.46
The ordinary expenditures for the same period
were $3.50, 947 ,oS3 50, leaving q surplus revenue
for the year of So S193OO 90. The receipts for
the present fiscal year, ending June 3 1850,
actual and estimated, are as follows: Actual
ing July 1, 1879, s79,s43 6GS 81; es-
timated receipts for the remaining
three quarters Of the year, SECS, l56, $50 80.
Total receipts for the current fiscal year, act
ual and estimated, $2SS On, 600. The expend-
estimated, az follows: For tie quarter CON-
mencing July /, 1879, actual expenditures,
50. 6S3,3S5 10 For the remaining threo-quar-
ters OF the year the expenditures estimated
at sl72,3l6, so, making the total expend-
lures s264, 0O0, 00V, ana leaving an estimated
surplus revenue for the year ending June 80,
1881, of s24,0O0,000. The total receipts
during the next fiscal year ending
June 80. 1881, estimated according
to existing laws, will be s2SS, cocoon,
and tho estiroatcd ordinary expenditures tor the
same periot1 viii ne s25S or, 3tH 80 leaving a
surplus OF s9902, 635 81 for that year The
large amount expended for arrears Of pensions
during The last aud present fiscal Years,
amountny to S2i AZ 249 60, has prevented the
application Of the full amount required by law
TO the sinking fund for the current year, but,
these arrears having been substantially paid, II
is believed that the sinking fund can hereafter
be maintained without any change Of the exist.
ing law.
Army and Navy.
The Secretary Of War reports that the Wal
Department estimates for the fiscal year ending
June 30. 1881. are $40 $3.50, AZ. 93 the same be
ing for less sum OF money than any annual
estimate rendered to Congress from that de
partment during period Of at least twelve
wears. He concurs with the General OF the
Army in recommending such legislation a.
will authorize the enlistment OF the full num-
Der of 25,OUO men for the line OF the army
exclusive of the 3,4Go men required for de-