Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-12-02
EXTENDING OUR FOREIGN TRADE.
A Few Words Concerning the Civil
Service.
I.rEaAL sr TELEGRAPH TO THE rEoesD-sS1oS. ]

oCENitc.
t.rEc1AL sY TELEGRAPH TO THE EEoehD-sNIoN ]
WASHINGTON, December lst.-Foiowing is the
full text Of the message of President Arthur,
read to-day in both Houses of Congress
To the Congress Of the United States: Since the
close of your last session the American people,
in the exercise of the highest right of suffrage,
have chosen their Chief Magistrate for the four
years ensuing When it is remembered that at
no period in the country history has the long
political contest which customarly precedes
the day of the National election been waged
with greater fervor and intensity it is a subject
of congratulation that, after the controversy at
the polls was over, and while the slight pre-
ponderance by which the issue had been de-
termined was as yet unascertained, the public
peace suffered no disturbance, but the people
everywhere patiently and quietly awaited the
result Nothing could more strikingly illustrate
the temper Of the American citizen, his love for
order and his loyalty TO law. Nothing could
more strtkingly demonstrate the strength and
wisdom of our political institutions. Eight
years have passed since Il controversy concern
ing the result OF a National election sharply
called the attention Of Congress to the necessity
of providing more precise and definite regula-
tions for counting the electoral vote 1t is of
the gravest importance that this question be
solved before conf icting claims to the Presi-
dency shall again distract the country, and |
am persuaded that by the people at large any
of the measures of relief thus far proposed
- for rim. Il
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Our relations with all foreign powers continue
to be amicable. With Belgium a convention
has been signed, whereby the scope of present
treaties has been 50 enlarged as to secure to
citizens of either country within the juris(lic-
ton of the other equal rights and privileges
in the acquisition and alienation of property.
A trade mark treaty has also been concluded.
The war between Chile and Peru is at an end
For the arbitration of the claims of American
citizens who, during its continuance, suffered
through the acts OF the Chilean authorities, a
convention will soon be negotiated
The state OF hOstiiities between France and
China continue To De an embarrassing feature
Of our Eastern relations. The Chinese Govern
mcnt has promptly adjusted and paid the claims
of American citizens where property was de
stTOyed at the recent riots at Canton. | renew
the Recommendation OF my last annual message
that the Canton fund be returned to China. The
true Interpretation Of the recent treaty with
IliGL country. inc it>lItCtlO OF III
nese immigration, is likely to be again the sub
ject of your deliberations. Ii may be seriously
questioned whether the statute passed at the
last session does not violate the treaty rights of
certain Chinese who left this country with re
turn certificates, valid under the Old law and
VINO now seem to be dcbarred from landing
from lack of certificates required by the new.
The recent purchases by the United states of a
large trading fleet heretofore under the Chinese
flag, has consiClRsbly enhanced our commercial
Importance in the East.
In view of the large number of vessels built
or purchased BY American citizens in other
countries, and exclusively employed III legiti-
mate traffic between foreign ports, under the
recognized protection of our flag, it might be
well to provide Il uniform rate for their registra-
ton and Recommendation, that the bona fde
property rights of our citizens therein shall be
duly evidenced and properly guarded.
Pursuant to the advice OF the senate at the
last session recognized the flag Of the Inter
national Association OF the Congo Congress Us
that of Il friendly Government, avoiding. in so
doing any prejudgmeut Of the conflict in the
territorial claims in hat region. Subsequently,
in execution OF The expressed wish Of the Con-
gress, appointed commercial agent Tor the
Congo basin. The Importance of the rich pros
pectvc trade Of the Congo valley has led TO n
general conviction that it should lie open TO all
nations upon equal terms. An international
conference for the consideration of this subject
has been called by the Emperor OF Germany,
and is now III session nj Berlin. Delegates are
now in attendance on behalf of the United
viii be duly advised.
The Government of C0rea has generously
aided the efforts of the United States Minister to
secure suitable premises for the use of the legi-
ton. The conditions of diplomatic intercourse
with eastern nations demand OF them that the
Legation premises be owned by the represented
power. / advise, then, that an appropriation
be made for the acquisition of this property by
the Government. The United States already
possesses valuable premises at Tangier as Il gift
from the Sultan of Morocco. As is stated here
after, they have lately received a similar gift
from the SiamCSe Government. The Govern
ment of Japan stands ready to present to us eX
tensive grounds at Toxic, wherein to erect
suitable building for the legation, Court house
and Jail and similar privileges can probably be
secured in China and Persia. The owning Of
such premises would not effect large saving of
the present rentals, but would permit the due
assertion Of extra territorial rights in these
countries and would the better serve to main
tain the dignity of the United States.
The failure of Congress to make an appropria-
ton for our representation at the autonomous
court ofthc ilhediye has proved a serious en-
barrasSmeiit in our intercourse with Egypt
not only in view Of the necessary intimacy Of
diplomatic relationship but because of the par
ticipation OF this Government with the treaty
Powers in all matters OF administration there
affecting the rights of foreigners ] advise the
restoration Of the agency and Consulate General
at Cairo on its former basis. | do not conceive
it to be the wish of Congress that the United
States should Withdraw altogether from the hon
orable position they have hitherto had with re
spect to the Khedive, or that citizens OF this
Republic residing or sojourning III Egypt should
hereafter be without the aid or protection of q
competent representative.
With Frar ce the traditional cordial relation
skip continues The Bartholdi Statue of Liberty
enlightening the world, the generous gift of the
people Of France, Is expected to reach New York
in May next. / suggest that Congressional ac-
ton be taken III relation TO the spirit which has
prompted this gift, and in aid OF the timely com
pietion Of the pedestal upon which it is to be
placed.
Our relations with Germany, a country which
contributes to our own some OF the best elements
of citizenship, continue to be cordial. The
United States have eXtradition treaties with
several of the German States, but, by reason OF
the confederation OF these States under the I'M
perial rule, the application of such treaties is
not as uniform and comprehensive as the inter
ests of the two countries require.
1t affords me great pleasure TO say that our
intercourse with Great Britain continues to be
of n friendly character.
The Government of Hawaii has indicated its
Willingness TO continue for seven years the pro-
visions OF the present reciprocity treaty. Such
continuance, in view of the relations of that
country with the American system of States.
should, III my Judgment, bc favored.
The revolution in Hayti against the estab-
hshed government has terminated. While it
was in progress it became necessary to enforce
our neutrality laws by instituting proceedings
against individuals and vessels charged with
their infringement These precautions were, i'll
all eases, successful. Much anxiety has lately
been displayed by various European Govern
mentS. and especially by the Government of
Italy, for the abolition of our import duties upon
works of art.
1t is well to consider whether the present dis
elimination in favor of productions of American
artists abroad is not likely to result as they
themselves seem very generally To believe ii
may-in the practical exclusion of our painters
ton study, and labor which they have hitherto
enjoyed