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

1t Is provided by the Constitution that the
Jresldentshall from time to time give to the
Gongroes information of the state of the
Union, and recommend to their considera-
uon such measures as he shall Judge noces-
sary and expedient in reviewing the events
OF the year which has elapsed since the
commencement of your sessions.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
iirst call your attention to the gratifying
condition of our foreign affairs. Our inter
course with other powers has continued to be
OF the most friendly character Such slight
ainerences as have arisen during the year
nave been already settled, or are likely to
reach an early adjustment.
ne arrest OF citizens of the United States
IN Ireland under recent laws, which owe their
origin to the disturbed condition of that
country, has led to a somewhat extended cor
respondence with the government of Great
Britain. disposition TO respect our rights
has been practically manifested by release
oil the arrested parties.
The claim of this nation in regard to the
supervision and control of any interoceanic
canal across the American isthmus has CON
nnued to be the subject of conference. 1t
ls likely that time will be more powerful
shan discussion i'll removing the divergence
between the two nations, whose friendship
Is so closely cemented by the intimacy of
Their relations and the community OF their
interests.
Our long-established friendliness with Rus
sia has remained unbroken. 1t has prompt
ed me to proifer the earnest counsels of this
government that measures be adopted
for suppressing the prescription which the
Hebrew race III that country has lately suf-
fered. 1t has not transpired that any
American citizen has been subjected to ar
rest or INJURY; but our courteous remon-
STRANGE has nevertheless been courteously
received. There is reason to believe that
the Tune Is not fur distant when Russia will
be able to secure liberation to all faiths
within her borders.
At an international convention held at
Paris i'll 1SS0 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
manufacturing firms and corporations. The
formulating into treaties of the recommen-
datlons thus adopted is receiving the atten-
ton which it merits. The protection of sub
marine cables is subject now under con
slderauon by an International conference at
Paris. Believing that 1t is clearly the true
policy of this government to favor the neu-
trallzatlon OF this means of intercourse, |
requested our minister to France to attend
the convention as delegate. | also desg-
mated two of our eminent scientists to at
tend as our representatives at the meeting of
an international committee, at Paris, for
considering the adoption of a common unit
to measure electric force.
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-
tioEs, and that provision be made to defray
the expenses incident thereto.
The difference between the United States
and Spain as to the effect of judgment and
certificate of naturalization has not yet been
adjusted, but it is hoped and believed that
negotiations now in progress will result i'll
Aha A,l,1 1tuh. &c !, i,Isl
seems 10 this government SO reasonable and
Just L have already called the attention OF
Congress to the fact that in parts of Spain
and its colonies onerous fines have lately
been imposed upon vessels of the United
States for trivial technical oflenses against
local regulations. Efforts for the abatement
of these exactions have thus far proved un-
successful. | regret to inform you also that
the fees demanded by Spanish consuls in
American ports are i'll some cases SO large,
when compared with the value of the cargo,
as to amount in effect to a considerable ex-
port duty, and that our remonstrances i'll
this regard have not as yet received the at
tention which they seem to deserve.
The German government has invited the
United States to participate in an lnterna-
tional Exhibition of Domestic Cattle, to be
held Hamburg in july 1888. If this coun-
try is to be represented, it is important that
in the early days of this session Congress
should make asuitable appropriation for that
purpose.
The death of Mr.. Marsh, our late minister
to Italy, has evoked from that government
expressions of profound respect for his eX-
alted character and for his honorable career
in the diplomatic service of his country. The
Italian government has raised question as
to the propriety of recognizing in his dua
capacity the representative of this country
recently accredited both as secretary of ega
tion and as consul general at Rome. lie has
been received as secretary, but his exequatul
as cousul-general has thus far been withheld
The extraditon convention with Belgium,
which has been in operation since 1874, has
been lately supplanted by another; the sen
ate has signiied its approval, and ratltca
tions have been duly exchanged between the
contracting countries. To the list of extra
ditabe crimes has been added that of the
assassination or attempted assassination OF
the chief of the state.
Negotiations have been opened with Switz
erland looking to a settlement by treaty o
the question whether its citizens can renounct
their allegiance and become citizens OF The
United States without obtaining the consen
of the Swiss Government. am glad TO i'll
form you that the emigration of pauper
and criminals from certain of the cantons o
Switzerland has substantially ceased, and i
no longer sanctioned by the authorities. Tn
consideration OF this subject prompts tn
suggestion that the act Of August 3, 1857
which has for its object the return of forelgl
cOnVlcLS 10 Illelr OWL country, slpulll De ~
modified as not 10 be open to the interpreta
ton that it affects the extradition of criminal
on preferred charges Of crime.
The Ottoman porte has not yet assented t.
the Interpretation which this government
has put upon the treaty of 1880 relative to il
jurisdictional rights in Turkey. II may we
be, however, that this difference will be ad
justed by general revision of the system O
Jurisdiction of the United States in the couI
tries of the East, subject to which your al
tention has been already called by the secre
tary of state
In the interest of justice toward China an
Japan, | trust that the question of the retur
of the indemnity fund TO the governments @
those countries will reach at the present Sc.
sion the satisfactory solution which l hay
already recommended and which has recent
ly been foreshadowed by congressional dis
cussion.
The treaty lately concluded with Core
awaits the action of the Senate.
During the late disturbance i'll Egypt tn
timely presence of American vessels serve
as "A protection to the persons and propert
of many of our own citizens, and of citizen
of other countries, whose governments hay
expressed their thanks for this assistance.
The recent legislation restricting emigra
tion of laborels from China has given ri-