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

for the maintenance of peace, If they shall mu-
tually deem it desirable and find il practcab BILE
TO avail themselves of the prefer.
It is qualification to be able to announc e
that, through the judiclous and energetic &C
ton of the mi itary commanders of the two
nations on each side of the Rio Grande uuner
the instructions of their respective Govern
ments, raids and depredations have greatly
decreased, and, in localities where they were
formerly destructive, have now almost wholly
ceased. In view of this result, / entertain o
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, 1868, 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
I earnestly commend to the wisdom Of Con-
gress the provision of suitable legislation look
ing to this result.
Diplomatic intercourse with Colombia is
again fully restored by the arrival Of the Min
lister from that country to the United States
This is especially fortunate in view of the fact
that the question of an interoceanic canal has
recently assumed an important aspect, and is
can countries, through whose territory the
canal by the Nicaragua route would have to
pass 1t is trusted that enlightened statesman
ship on their part will see tina. the early prose-
cution of such a work will largely lnure to the
benefit, not only of their own citizens and those
of the United States, but OF the commerce of
the civilized world. 1t is 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
Al
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
Chilli have also been strengthened by the
reception Of Ministry from that country.
The war between Peru, Bolivia, and Chill
still continues. The United States has not
deemed it proper to interpose in the matter,
further than to convey to all the Governments
concerned the assurance that the friendly Off
ces of the Government OF the United States for
the restoration of peace upon an honorable
basis will be extended in case the belligerents
shall exhibit q readiness to accept them. Cor
dial relations continue with Brazil and the Ar
gentine Republic, and trade with those coun-
tries is improving.
A provision for regular and more frequent
mail communication in our ships between the
ports of this country ard the nations of South
America seems to me to deserve the attention
largement of our commerce with them and all
extension OF our carrying trade
A recent revolution in Venezuela has been
followed by the establishment of Provisional
Government. This Government has not yet
been formally recognized, and it is deemed
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 coded 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 useful to United States vessels
The subject of opening diplomatic relations
with Roumania and Servia, now become indie
pendent sovereignties, 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 is believed that with judicious action ia
regard to its development it and will be still
more enhanced, and that American products
and manufactures will find new and expanding
markets. The reposts of diplomatic and con-
sular officers upon this subject, under the sys-
tenn now adopted. have 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, 1867, by which Alaska was coded to
the United States, provides that the habitants
OF the ceded territory, with the exception 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 enjoyment of Their
liberty of property and religion. The unciv-
ilized tribes are subject to such laws and
regulations as 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 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 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 coun-
tries who have engaged in mining, fishing, and
other business operations within the Territory.
A bill authorizing the appointment OF Justices
Of the Peace and constabIes, and tie arrest
ard detention Of persons charged with criminal
offenses, and providing for an appeal to United
States courts for the District of Oregon of suita
BILE cases will, at the proper time, be submitted
to Congress.
Public Finances.
The attention of Congress is called to the an
nual report OF 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 80, 1879, were $273, 1921, 1874 46
The ordinary expenditures for the same period
were $3.50, 947, 0S3. So, leaving surplus revenue
for the year of 81, SIS, 300 93. The receipts for
the present fiscal year, ending June 81, 1880,
actual ana estimated, are as follows: Actual
receipts for the first quarter, commence
ing July 1, 1879, s79, $40, 66S6 es-
timated receipts for the remaining
three quarters Of the year, $2O8, 156, $50 SO.
Total receipts for the current fiscal year, act
ual and estimated, $2SS, 100000 The expend-
itures for the same period will be, actual and
estimated, as follows: For tie quarter COM
mencing July l, 1879, actual expenditures,
$91 1888, 1856 10. For the remaining three-quar-
tiers of the year the expenditures are estimated
at $172 80, making the total expend-
lures $264, 10000 and leaving an estimated
surplus revenue for the year ending June 80,
1880, of $24, 100000. The total receipts
during the next fiscal year ending
June 80, 1881, estimated according
to existing laws, will be $2S8, OOO, 600,
and the estimated ordinary expenditures for the
same period will De t27S, O97, 1854 80, leaving a
surplus of $780,, 635. 81 for that year. The
large amount expended for arrears Of pensions
during the last and present fiscal years,
amounting to $21 TAT 24Q CO. has prevented the