The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1882-10-20

that early consideration be given to such
notifications of the treaty as seem to be de-
mandei by the interests of our people. In
view OF our increasing trade with both
Hayu and San Domingo, i advise that pro-
vision be made for diplomatic intercourse
with the latter, by enlarging the scope of the
mission at Port-au-Prince. | regret that
certain claims of American citizens against
the government of Hayt have thus far been
urged unavailingly.
A recent agreement with Mexico provides
for the crossing of the frontier by the armed
forces of either country in pursuit of hostile
Indians. In my message of last year called
attention to the prevalent lawessness upon
the borders and to the necessity of legisla-
ton for its suppression. / again invite the
attention of Congress to the subject. A par
tial relief from these mischiefs has been
sought in convention which now awaits the
approval OF the Senate, as does also another
touching the establishment of the interna-
tional boundary between the United States
and Mexico. If the latter is ratified the
action of Congress will be required for es-
tablishing suitable commissions of survey.
The boundary dispute between Mexico and
Guatemala, which led this government to
profer its friendly counsels TO both parties
has been amicably settled. No change has
occurred in our relations with Venezuela. |
again invoke your action in the matter of
the pending awards against that republic, to
which reference was made by special mes
sage from the Executive at your last session.
An invitation has been received from the
government of Venezuela TO send represen-
tatives in july 1888. to Caracas, for{eArtici-
pating in the centennial celebration or the
birth of Bolivar, the founder of South Ameri-
can independence. In connection with this
event 1t Is designed to commence the erec-
ton Mt Caracas of statue of Washington,
and to conduct an industrial exhibition
which will he open to American products. 1
and tieI Init Sfa41 l
sented, and that suitable provision be made
therefor.
Tle elevation of the grade of our mission
in Central America to the plenipotentiary
rank, which was authorized by Congress at
its late session, has been since effected.
THE SOUTH AMERICAN WAR,
The war between Peru and Bolivia on the
one side and Chill on the other began more
| than three years ago on the occupation by
Chill in 1880 of all the literal territory of
| Bolivia Negotiations for peace We're con-
Quoted under the direction of the United
States. Tne allies refused to concede any
territory, but Chill has since become master
of the whole coast of both countries and of
| the capital of Peru. A year since, as you
have already been advised by cor
respondence transmitted to you in
January last this government sent a
special mission to. the belligerent powers to ex-
press the hope that Chill would be disposed to
accept a money indemnity for the expenses
| of the war and to relinquish her demand
! for portion of the territory of her antagon-
ist. This recommendation, which Chill de
clined to follow, this government did not
| assume to enforce, nor can 1t he enforced
without resort to measures which would be
in keeping neither with the temper of our
| people nor with the spirit of our institutions.
| The power of Peru no longer extends over
| its whole territory, and in the event of
our interference to dictate peace would
| A,1 10 tad
and navies of the United States. Such
interference would almost inevitably lead
TO the establishment of protectorate, n re-
suit utterly at odds with our past policy in
furious TO our present interests and full of
embarrassments for the future. For effect
ing the termination of hostilities upon terms
at once just to the victorious nation and
generous to its adversaries, this government
has spared no efforts such as might involve
the complications which l have indicated. 1t
is greatly to be deplored that Chill seems re-
solved to exact such rigorous conditions OF
peace, and indisposed to submit to arbitra-
ton the terms of an amicable settlement
No peace is likely to be lasting that is not
sufficiently equitable and just to command
the approval of other nations.
THE PEACE CONGRESS.
About a year since invitations were eX
tended to the nations of this continent &c
send representatives to peace congress to
assemble at Washington in November, 1882
The time of meeting was fixed at a periot
then remote, i'll the hope, as the invitation
itself declared that in the meantime the dis
turbances between the South American re
publics would be adjusted. As that expecta
! ton seemed unlikely to be realized, | aske,
in April last for an expression of opinion
from the two houses of Congress IA TO the
advisability of holding the proposed con
vention at the time appointed. This actor
was prompted in part by doubts which ma
ture reflection had suggested whether thu
? diplomatic usage and tradition of the gov
; ernment did not make it fitting that tn,
Executive should consult the represent
: atives of the people before pursuing
line of policy somewhat novel in its charac
; ter and far reaching in its possible conse
quences. In view of the fact that no actor
was taken by Congress in the premises anC
that no provision has been made for neces
sary expenses, | subsequently decided L
postpone the convocation, and so notified tn
several governments which had been in
vted to attend. l am unwilling to dismis
this subject without assuring you of my sup
, port of any measure the wisdom of Congress
may devise for the promotion of peace OF
this continent and throughout the world
: And | trust that the time is nigh when, witt
the universal assent of civilized peoples
. all international differences shall be deter
. mined, without resort to arms, by the be
I nignant process OF arbitration.
5 representation of several foreign power
1 during the past year, New ministers from
5 the Argentine Republic, Austria, Hungary
e Brazil, Chill, China, France Japan, Mexico
e The Netherlands and Russia have presented
:, their credentials. The missions of Den
n mark and Venezuela Mt this capital hav
o been raised in grade Switzerland has ere
= ated plenipOtentary mission to this gov
5 ernment, and an embassy from Madagascar
and ministry from Siam will shortly al
, rive. Our diplomatic intercourse has bee
i enlarged by the establishment of relation
5 with the new kingdom of Servia, by the ere
Il alton of a mission 10 SIAM and by the resto
+ ration of the mission to Greece The sha
II of Persia has expressed his qualification tho
+ charge d'aifaires will shortly be sent t
: that country, where the rights of our citizen
: have been hitherto colrteously guarded b
The representatives OF Great Britain.
q | renew my recommendations Of sue
II legislation as will place the United States
u harmony with other maritime powers wit
: respect to the International rules for I'll
e prevention of collisions at sea.
/ In conformity with your joint resolutio
5 of the 3d of August last have directed III
secretary of state to address foreign govern
u monts in respect TO a proposed conferenC
for considering the subject of the univers
e adoption of a common prime meridian to |
u used in the reckoning Of longitude and
,I,,t, ,F