Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-12-05
Datlp kennetel 3ournaI.
Presidents Message.

AACOAuOns . McSSdSc.
To the Senate and House of Representattre,
Of tie United States:
II 10 provided by the constitution that the
President shall from time to time give to the
Congress information of the state of the
Union, and recommend to their consideration
such measures ~ he shall Judge
necessary and expedient. In reviewing the
events Of the year which has elapsed since
the commencement of your sessions, I first
call your attention to the gratifying condi.
ton of our
FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Our intercourse with other powers has con-
tinued to be of the most friendly character.
Such slight differences ~ have arisen during
the year have been already settled, or are
likely to reach an early adjustment. The
arrest Of citizens of the United States in Ire
land, under recent laws which owe their orr
GIN to the disturbed condition Of that country.
has led to . somewhat extended correspon-
dence with the government Of Great Britain.
Imposition to respect our rights has been
practically manifested by the release of the
arrested parties.
The claim Of this nation in regard to the
supervision and control of any inter. oceanic
canal across the American Isthmus has con-
tinued to be the subject Of conference. 1t is
likely that time will be more powerful than
discussion in removing the divergence be-
tween the two nations, whose friendship is 90
closely cemented BY the intimacy of their re-
latiOns and the community Of their interests.
Our long established friendliness with
Russia has remained unbroken. 1t has
prompted me to proffer the earnest councils
Of the government that measures be adopted
for suppressing the prescription which the
Hebrew race in that country has lstely
suffered. 1t has not transpired that any
American citizen has been subjected to arrest
or injury, but our courteous remonstrance
has nevertheless been courteously received.
There 10 reason to believe that the time 10
far distant when Russia will be able to secure
'oleration to all faiths within her borders.
At an international convention held at Paris
in 1880, and attended by representatives of
the United States, an agreement was reached
in respect to the protection of trade marks,
patented articles and the rights Of manufac-
turing 6rms and corporations. and the
formulating into treaties of the recommends
,ions thus adopted is receiving the attention
which il merits.
The protection Of sub marine cables is .
subject under consideration by an Interna-
iional Conference at Paris. and believing that
it 10 clearly the true policy Of this govern
ment to favor the naturalization Of this
means of intercourse, l requested our min
lister to France to attend the convention rs
delegate. l also designated two of our emf
nent scientists to attend as our representa-
tives at the meeting of an International Com
mittee at Paris for considering the adoption
Of measures looking to this end.
In view Of the frequent occurrence Of con-
ferences for the consideration of important
matters of common interest to civilized ma
tions. respectfully suggest that the Execu-
tive be invested by Congress with discretion
ary power to send delegates to such conven-
tions. and that provision be made to defray
the expenses incident thereto.
The differences between the United States
and Spain to the effect of . judgment and
certificate of naturalization has not yet been
adjusted, but it 10 hoped and believed that
negotiations now in progress will result in
the establishment Of the position which
seems to this government 80 reasonable and
just.
l have already called the attention of Con-
sreas to the fact that in the ports of Spain
and her colonies, fines have lately been i'm
posed upon vessels of the United States for
trivial, technical offenses against local regu-
lations. Efforts for the abatement Of these
rules have thus far proved unsuccessful. l
regret to inform you, also. that the fees de-
manded by Spanish consuls, in American
ports. are in come cases so large when conf
par.d with the value of the cargo as to
amount in some instances to 4 considerable
export duty. and that our remOnstrances in
this regard have not ~ yet received the At
| tanticn which they seem to deserve.
The German government has invited the
United States to participate in an internation-
al exhibition of horned cattle, to be held at
Hamburg, in July. 1888. II this country 10
to be repre- sented it is important that in the
early days of this session Congress should
make . suitable appropriation for that pur-
pose The death Of Mr.. Marsh. our late
minister to Italy, has evoked from that gov
ernment expressions Of profound respect for
his exalted character and for his honorable
career in the diplomatic service Of his coun-
trv. The italian government has raised
question ~ to the propriety Of recognizing in
his dual capacity the representative Of this
country recently accredited both as secretary
of legation and a. consul general at home.
He has been received ~ secretary. but his
exeouatur - consul general has thus far been
withheld
The extradition convention with Belgium.
which has been in operation since 1874, has
lately been supplanted by another. The
Senate has signified its approval. and ratih-
cations have been duly exchanged between
the two contracting countries. and to the list
of pxtraditable crimes has been added tie as
.assination or attempted assassination of the
chief Of the State. Negotiations have been
opsped With Switzerland looking {" a settle
men, by treaty Of the question whether its
citizens can repounce their allegiance and be-
come citiz-ns Of the United States without
obtaining the consent Of the Swiss govern
meut. I am glad to inform you that the immi-
grafton of paupers and criminals from certain
Of the cantons Of Switzerland has
substantially ceased and is no longer
a.nctioned BY the authorities. The
confederation of this subject prompts the
.ussestion that the act Of August Sd, 1882,
which has for its objcct the return Of foreign
conyicts to their owa country, should be so
modified ~ not to be open to the interpreta-
,ion that il affects the extradition Of criminals
on preferred charges Of crime. The Ottoman
Porte has not yet signi6ed and agreed to the
interpretation shich this government has put
upon the treaty of 1880, relative to its juri'-
dictional rights in Turkey. IL may we'll be,
hovever. that this difference will be adjusted
hv = general revision Of the system OF Juris-
diction Of the United States and treaties with
the countries of the East-a subject to whicn
your attention has been already called oy the
Secretarv of State.