The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1880-12-11

| pTlStS VI ILLS CldTdCtcI Will ooou oC cC'
| on foot which can not fail to contribute
largely to the prosperity of both cOun'
tries.
New ENJOYS from Guatemala. Column
bia, Bolivia, Venezuela and Nicarauga
have recently arrived at this capital
whose distinction and enlightenment at
ford the best guarantee of the continu-
ance of friendly relations between our
selves and these sister republics.
The relations between this government
and that of the United States OF Colon
bia have engaged public attention during
the past year. mainly by reason OF the
project of an inter-Oceanic canal across
the isthmus of Panama, to be built ny
private capital under concession from
the Columbian government for that pur-
pose. The treaty obligations subslsting
between the United States and Colom-
bia, by which we guarantee the neutrall-
ty of the transit and the sovereignty and
property of Colombia in the isthmus,
make it necessary that the conditions I'M
der which so stupendous change in the
region embraced in this guarantee should
be notwithstanding, as 1t would,
this isthmus, from barrier between the
Atlantic and Pacific oceans, into Il gate
way and barrier between them, for the
navies and merchant ships of the world
government as being compatible with the
discharge of these obligations on our
part, and consistent with our interests as
the principal commercial power OF the
western hemisphere. The views which
expressed in IA special message to Con-
gress in March last, in relation to this
subject, deem it my duty again to press
upon your attention. subsequent con-
sderaton has but confirmed the opinion
that it is the right and duty Of the Unit
ed States to assert and maintain such SUI
pervision and authority over any inter
oceanic canal across the iSthmuS that
connects North and South America as
will protect our national interest"
The war between the republic OF
Chill, on the one hand, and the allied re-
pubics of Peru and Bolivia on the other.
still continues. This government has not
felt called upon to interfere in Il contest
that is within the belligerenl rights OF the
parties as independent states. We have,
however, always held ourselves III readi-
ness to aid in accommodating their diff
ference. and have at different times re-
minded both belllgerentS of our willing
ness to render such service.
Our good offices in this direction were
recently accepted by the belligerenls,
and it was hoped they would prove etfica-
measures which the ministers OF the
United states ut Santiago ana Lima
were authorized to take, with the view to
bring about II peace, were not success
full. In the course of the war some queS-
tions have arisen affecting neutral rights;
in all these the ministers of the United
States have, under their instructions,
acted with promptness and energy in pro.
lection of American interests.
The relations of the United States with
the empire of Brazil continue to be most
cordial and their commercial intercourse
steadily increases, to their mutual ad-
vantage.
The internal disorders with which the
Argentine Republic has for some time
past been afflicted, and which have more
or less influenced its external trade, are
understood to have been brought to a
close. This happy result may be expect
ed to rebound to the benefit of the for
eign commerce of that Republic as well
as to the development Of its vast interior
resources.
In Samoa, the government OF King
Malietoa, under the support and recog-
milton of the consular representatives OF
the United States, Great Britain, and
Germany, seems to have given peace
and tranquility to the islands. While 1t
does not appear desirable to adopt as a
whole the scheme of tripartte local gov
eminent which has been proposed, the
common interests of the three great
treaty Powers require harmony IN their |
relations to the native frame OF govern |
ment. and this may be best secured 10y a
simple diplomatic agreement between
them. 1t would be well if the consular
jurisdiction of our representative at
Apa were increased in extent and i'm
portance so as to guard American inter-
ests in the surrounding and outlying Is
lands of Oceanica.
The Obelisk, generously presented by
the Khedive of Egypt to the city OF New
York, has arrived safely in this country,
and will soon be erected in that metropo-
lis. A commission for the liquidation of
the Egyptian debt has lately concluded
its work, and this government, at the
earnest solicitation of the khedive, has
acceded to the provisions adopted by 1t,
which will be laid before Congress for It's
information. A commission for the re-
vision of the judicial code of the reform
tribunal of Egypt is now in session IN
Caro- Mr.. Farman. Consul General, and
J. M. Batchelder, Esq, have been APP
pointed as commissioners to participate
in this work. The organization OF the
reform tribunals will probably be contln-
ued for another period of five years.
In pursuance of the act passed at the
last session of Congress, invitations have
been extended to foreign maritime
states to join in a sanitary conference in
Washington, beginning the first of Jan
uary. The acceptance of this invitation
by many prominent Powers gives prom
Use of success in this important measure,
designed to establish system of inter
national notification by which the spread
of infectious or epidemic diseases may
be more effectively checked or prevent
ed. The attention of Congress is invited
to the necessary appropriations for carry
ing into effect the provisions OF the act
referred to.
The efforts of the Department OF State
to enlarge the trade and commerce of
the United States, through the active
agency of consular officers, and through
he dissemination of information OBJ
aimed from them, have been unrelaXed.