Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1884-12-09
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
To the Congress of the United


To the Congress of the United
States:
Since the close of your last session
the American people, in the exercise
Of their highest right of suffrage, have
chosen their Chief Magistrate for the
four years ensuing When it is re-
membered that at no period in the
country's history has the long politi-
cal contest which customarily pre-
cedes the day of the national election
been waged with greater fervor and
intensity, it is a subject Of congratu-
lation that after the controversy at
the polls was over, and the slight
preponderance by which the issue
had been determined was as yet un-
ascertained, the public peace suffered
no disturbance, but the people every
where patiently and quietly awaited
the result. Nothing could more
strikingly demonstrate the temper of
the 4 merican citizen, his love of Or
der and his loyalty to law, aud moth
ing could more signally demonstrate
the strength and wisdom of our po-
litical institutions. Eight years
have passed since controversy, con-
cerning the result of q national cleo
ton, sharply called the attention Of
Congress to the necessity of provid-
ing more precise and definite regu-
lations for counting the electoral
vote.
TITS OF THE GRAvEsT IMPORTANCE
that this question be solved before
the conflicting claims to the Presi-
dency shall again disturb the coun-
try, and l am persuaded that by the
people at large any of the measures
of relief thus far proposed would be
preferred to continued inaction.
Our relations with all foreign pow
ers continue TO be amicable. With
Belgium convention has been
signed whereby the scope Of present
treaties has been so enlarged as to
secure TO citizens of either country
within the jurisdiction of the other
equal rights and privileges in the
acquisition and alienation of proper
~. A trademarks treaty has also
been concluded. The war between
Chill and Peru is at an end. For the
arbitration of the claims of American
citizens, who during its continuance
suffered through tho acts of the Chill
ian authorities, a Convention will
soon be negotiated.
The state of hostilities between
FRANCE AND CHINA
continues to be an embarrassing fea-
ture Of our Eastern relations. The
Chinese Government has promptly
adjusted and paid the claims OF
American citizens whose property
was destroyed in the recent riots at
Canton. l knew the recommends
tion OF my last annual message that
tho Canton indemnity fund be re-
turned 10 China. The true interpre-
tation of the recent treaty with that
country permitting the restriction OF
Chinese immigration is likely to be-
again the subject of your delibera-
tions. 1t may be seriously que'-
toned whether the statute, passed at
the last session, does not violate the
treaty rights OF certain Chinese who
left this country with return certiii-
Gates, valid under the old law, and
now seem to be debarred from land
ing from lack of the certificates re-
quired by the new.
The recent purchases by the United
States of large trading feet hereto
fore under the Chinese flag, has con-
siderably enhanced our commercial
Importance in the East. in view OF
the large nNmber Of vessels built or
purchased by American citizens in
other countries, and exclusively en-
ployed in legitimate traffic between
foreign ports under the recognized
protection of our flag, it might be
well TO provide u uniform rate for
their registration and Recommendation,
so that the bona fde property rights
Of our citizens therein shall be duly
evidenced aud properly guarded.
Pursuant to the advice of the SEN
ate at the last session, l recognized
the flag of the International Associa-
ton Of the Congress as that of a
friendly government, avoiding In SD
doing any prejudgment of the con-
flict In Territorial claims in that re-
gion. Subsequently in execution of
the expressed wish of the Congress, l
appointed Commercial Agent for
the Congo basin. The Importance of
the rich prospective trade of the Con-
go Valley has led to the general con-
victiop that IL should be open to all
nations upon equal terms. An inter-
national conference for the consider
alton of this subject is called by the
Emperor of Germany, and is now in
session at Berlin. Delegates are in
attendance on behalf of the United
States. Of the results of the confer
ence you will be duly advised.
THE GOVERNMENT OF CoREA
has generously aided the efforts of
the United States minister to secure
suitable premises for the use of the
Legation. AS the conditions of dip
lomatic intercourse with Eastern ma
tions demand that the legation prem
ises be owned by the represented pow
er, | advise that an appropriation be
made for the acquisition of this prop
erty by the Government. The Uni
ted States already possesses valuable
premises at Tangeir as a gift from the
Sultan of Morocco as is stated here
after. They have lately received a
similar gift from the Siamese Gov
ernment. The Government of Japan
stands ready to grant to us extensive
grounds at Toxic, whereon 10 erect a
suitable building for the Legation,
courthouse and Jail, and similar priv
ileges can probably be secured in Chi
ma and Persia. The owning of such
premises would not only effect large
saving Of present rentals, but would
permit of extra territorial rights in
these countries, and would the bet
ter serve TO maintain the dignity OF
the United States,
The failure Of Congress to make an
appropriation for our representation