The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1881-12-14

la ions between Chill, Bolivia and
Peru. An early peace between these
republics is much to be desired, not only
that they themselves be spared further
misery and bloodshed, but because their
antagonism threatens conse-
quences which are in myjudgment, dan
gcrous to the interest Of republican gov
ernment on this continent, and calcu-
lated to destroy the best elements of
our free and peaceful civilization.
AS in the present excited condition OF
popular feeling in these countries there
has been serious misapprehension of
the position of the United States and as
separate diplomatic intercourse with
each through independent ministers is
sometimes subject owing to the want OF
prompt reciprocal communication to
temporary misunderstanding l have
deemed it judicious at the present time
to send special envoy, accredited to
all and each of them, and furnished
with general instructions, which will,
[ trust, enable him to bring these powers
into friendly relations.
OTHER FOREIGN TOPICS.
The government of Venezuela main
tains its attitude of warm friendship,
and continues with great regularity its
payment Of the monthly quota of the
diplomatic debt. Without suggesting
the direction in which Congress should
act, ask its attention to the pending
questions affecting the distribution OF
the sums thus far received.
The relations between Venezuela and
France, growing out of the same debt,
have been for some time past in an un-
satisfactory state, and this government,
as the neighbor and one of the largest
creditors of Venezuela, has intcrposed
itself with the French government, with
the view of producing friendly and
honorable adjustment.
l regret that the commercial interests
between the United States and Brazil,
from which great advantages were
hoped n year ago, have suffered from
the withdrawal of the American lines
Of communication between the Brazilian
ports and our own. Through the
Buenos Ayres and the United
States minister at Santiago,
treaty has been concluded between
the Argentine r epublic and Chill, dis
posing of the long-pending Patagonian
boundary question. 1t is a matter OF
congratulation that our government has
been afforded the opportunity Of sue
cessfully eXerting its good influence for
the prevention Of disagreements be-
tween these republics of the American
continent.
I am glad to inform you that the
treaties lately negotiated with China
have been duly ratified on both sides
and the exchange made at Peking.
Legislation is necessary to carry the
provision into effect. The prompt and
Friendly spirit with which the Chinese
government, at the request of the Uni
ted States, conceded the modification of
existing treaties should secure careful
regard for the interests and suscepti-
bilities of the government in the enact
ment of any laws relating to Chinese
emigration.
Those clauses of the treaties which
forbid the participation of citizens or
vessels of the United States in the
opium trade will doubtless receive your
approval. They will attest the sincere
interest which our people and govern
ment feel in the commendable effort OF
| the Chinese government to put stop to
this demoralizing and destructive traffic
In relation both to China and japan
some changes are desirable in our pres
ent system of consular jurisdiction.
| hope at some future time to lay before
you scheme for its Improvement il
the entire East.
The intimacy between our country
and Japan, the most advanced of the
Eastern nations, continues to be cordial
1 am advised that the emperor contem
plates the establishment of full consti
tutional government, and that he ha!
already summoned a parliamentary
congress for the purpose of eflecting th'
change. Such a remarkable step towar(
complete assimilation with the Western
system cannot fail to bring Japan int
closer and more beneficial Relationship
with ourselves as the chief pacific
power.
A question has arisen in relation t,
the exercise i'll that country of the Judi
cial functions conferred upon our minis
ters and cOnsuls. The Indictment, tria
and conviction in the consular court a
Yokohama of John Ross, merchan
seaman on board an American vessel
have made it necessary for the govern
ment to institute a careful eXamina
ton into the nature and method
of this Jurisdiction. 1t appears tina
Ross was regularly shipped under tn
flag of the United States, but was b.
birth British subject. My predecesso
felt it his duty to maintain the position
that during his service as a regularly
shipped seaman ON board an America
merchant vessel, Ross was subject t.
the laws of that service, and to the jun
isdiction of the United States consula
authorities.
l renew the recommendation whicl
has been heretofore urged by the EXecu
tive upon the attention Of Congress, tina
after the reduction of such amount a
may be found due to American citizen
the balance of the indemnity funds here
tofore obtained from China and Japal
and which are now in the hands of tn
| state deD1rtment be returned tO th