Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-12-07

interests 10 those WHICH aio SoHi--S- - $1,000 -
reason OF their geographical relations
The boundary dispute between Guatemala and
Mexico has afforded this Government an opportu-
nity 70 exercise its good offices for preventing
r,pture between these States, and for procuring
neaeefuI solution Of the question. cherish strong
hone that in view of our relations OF amity with
both countries, our friendly counsels viii prevail
The Costa Ricsn Government lately formed an
agreement with Colombia for settling By arbitration
the boundary question between those countries,
providing that the post Of arbitrants should be
offered successfully TO the King of the Belgians,
the King OF Spain and the President of the
Argentine Confederation. The King OF the Belgians
declined to act, but am not as yet advised Of the
action of the King OF Spain. As we have certain
interests in the disputed territory which are pro-
tected by our treaty engagements with one Of the
parties, it is important that the arbitration should
not without our consent, affect our rights and this
Government has accordingly thought proper to
make its views known to the parties to the agree
me- t. and TO intimate them to the Belgian Govern
ment
The question growing out Of the proposed inter
oceanic waterway across the Isthmus OF Panama IS
of grave national importance This Government
has not been undutiful of the solemn obligations
imposed upon it by its compact eli 1915 with Colon
bia, as the independent and sovereign mistress of
the territory crossed by the canal, and has sought
to render them effective by fresh engagements
with the Colombian Republic, looking to
the practical execution of the negotiations to
this end. After they had reached what appeared
to be mutually satisfactory solution, met
81 Oh
its Envoy had assumed, and by proposal for re-
newed negotiations on fortified basis. Meanwhile
this Government learned that Colombia had pro-
posed to the European powers to join in guarantee
OF the neutrality of the proposed Panama Canal-a
guarantee which would be in direct contravention OF
our lisations the sole guarantee Of the intcg
rity OF Colombian territory and of the neutrality of
the canal itself. NY lamented predecessor felt il
his duty to place before the European powers the
reasons which made the prior guarantee of the
United States indispensable, and for which the in
terje ton of any foreign guarantee might be re-
garded as a superfuous and unfriendly act.
SITTING BULL.
The surrender of Sitting Bull and his force upon
the Canadian frontier has allayed all apprehension
although bodies of hostile Indians still cross the
border in quest OF sustenance Upon this subject
correspondence has been opened which promises an
adequate understanding. Our troops have orders to
avoid meanwhile all collisions with alien indians.
ELECTRICAL EXHIBITION AT PARIS.
At the Electrical Exhibition and Congress held
at Paris this country credtably represented by
eminent specialists who in the absence of an appro-
priation generously lent their efficient aid at the in
stance of the State Department. While our exbibi
tion in this almost distinctyely American field of
achievement won several awards recommend that
Congress provide for the repayment OF the personal
expense incurred in the public interest by the hon
orary Commissioners and delegates.
oLAYToN-BULwER TREATY.
Foreseeing the probable reliance OF the British
Government on tie provisions OF the Clayton
Bulwer treaty of 1850 as affording room for share
in the guarantees which the United States COW
enanted with Colombia four years before, / have
not hesitated to supplement- the action OF nay
predecessor by proposing to Der Majesty's Govern
ment the modification Of that instrument, and the
abrogation OF such clauses thereof as do not COM
port with the obligations of the United States to.
ward Colombia, or with the vital needs OF the two
friendly parties to the compact.
soUTH-AMERICAN STATES.
This Government sees with great concern the
continuance OF the hostile relations between Chile
Bolivia and Peru. An early peace between the
republics is much 70 be desired not only that they
may themselves be spared further misery and blood
shed, but because their continued antagonism threat
ems consequences which are, in my judgment, dam
gerous to the interests of republican government
this continent and calculated TO destroy the best
elements of our free and peaceful civilization.
AS in the present excl ed condition OF popular feel
ing in these countries there has been serious mssp
prehension OF the position Of the United States and
separate diplomatic intercourse with each,
through independent Ministers, is sometimes SUBJ
ject, owing to the want of prompt reciprocal
munication, to temporary misunderstanding,
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, I trust, enable them to bring these
powers into friendly relations.
The Government of Venezuela maintains its atti-
tude 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 attention to the
pending questions affecting the distribution OF the
sums thus lar received. The relations between
Venezuela and France, growing out of the same
debt, have been for some time past in an unsa,is-
factory state, and this Government. as the neghbor
and the largest creditor of Venezuela, has inter
posed itself with the French Government, with the
view of producing friendly aud honorable adjust
ment regret that the commercial interests between
the United States and Brazil from which great advan
tages were hoped year ago. have suffered from the
withdrawal OF the American lines OF communication
between Brazilian ports and our own. Through the
efforts of cur Minister Resident at Bueno; Ayres and
the United States Minister at Santiago, treaty has
been concluded between the Argentine Repubieand
Chile, dlsposing of the long-pendiDg Patagoni.n
boundary question. II is a matter Of congratua.ion
that our Government has been offered the oppor.
tunity of successfully exerting its good influence for
the prevention OF disagreements between tie repub
hes of the American continent.
THE CHINESE TREATY.
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 Leg
islation is necessary 10 carry its provisions into
effect. The prompt and friendly spirit with which
the Chinese Government, at the request of the
United States conceded the modification of the ex-
istng treaties should secure careful regard for the
interest and susceptibilites of that Government in
the enactment of any laws relating to Chinese emf
grafton These clauses of the treaties which forbid
the participation of citizens vessels of the United
States in the opium trade will doubtless require your
approval, and they will attest the sincere interest
which our people and Government take in the COM
nendable efforts of the Chinese Government to put
a stop to this demoralizins and destructive traffic.
In relation both to China and Japan some changes
are desirable in present system OF consular jurs
dicton. hope at future time to lay before you
d scheme Tor its Improvement in the entire East
The intimacy between cur country and Japan the
most ads anced of the Eastern nations, continues
to be cordial. am advised that the Emperor con.
templates the establishment Of a constitutional
Government, and that he has already summoned
parliamentary Congress, for the purpose Of eectng
a change Such a remarkable step toward complete
assimilation with the Western system cannot fail to
bring Japan into closer and more beneficial relation
ship with ourselves as the chief Pacific over A
question has arisen in relation to the exercise in that
country of the judicial functions conferred upon eur
Ministers and Consuis. The indictment, trial and
conviction in the Consular Court at Yokohama OF
John Ross, a merchant seaman on board an Amcri-
can vessel have made it necessary FOR the Govern
ment to institute careful examination into the
nature and methods of this jurisdiction. 1t APP