Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-12-09
wEDNEspAY..DECEMBER 9, 1885,
The Presidents Message.

raj IL not the universal verdict will be
that he has no reason to fear invidiouS
comparison with sny Of his predeces'
sors. His clear, vigorous style and
masculine phrases remind us of another
New York statesman Of other days
the great WILLIAM /. MARCY.
The President begins by making a
reference to the late Nice-President,
which is in good taste-not too eulo-
CYSTIC nor too formal. 1t is heartfelt
tribute 10 worth and distinction.
The President next says that 1t is his
duty TO recommend, and the duty of
Congress TO act. He invites Congress
to cooperate with him, and does it In
language that could not be improved
upon.
We have with other countries no
difficulties worth calling such.
Mr.. KEILEY's case is treated with
dignity and justice. The President
stands up for the principles which lie
at the foundation of our free govern
ment.
The Argentine Republic, and its alb
suId claim against this country, Guate-
mala. and other South American coun-
tries receive due attention. He with
draws from the Senate the treaty for a
camel across Nicaragua. Here and
everywhere he declares against en-
tangling alliances. His statement Of
his reasons is strong. We already
have an immense country to defend at
home. The Tehuantepec route seems
to be favored by the President, if a
canal can there DC secured. to be open
to all the world, and sacred from inter-
ruption during war as well as peace.
In this connection he makes appropriate
reference to our three transcontinental
railroads.
Proper reference is made to China,
and also TO the Chinese troubles in our
western States and Territories, though
he says those troubles may be traced
10 persons not Z" citizens " Of the United
States. They are unnaturalized resi-
dents, we suppose. He says race
prejudices prevail in large part of our
domain, and we are glad to add that he
says we have the right, and he will aid
Congress, so to legislate as to keep the
Chinese out of this country.
He makes a pleasant reference to
Congo and the King of the Belgians.
Congo is not dependency of Belgium,
but occupies to that country relation
which our President approves. Our rep
resentatives in the Congo conference
went too far, and made the United
States one Of the signatory Powers. He
saws no harm will result, as we are not
bound by their action, and he will not
ask the Senate to ratify any such agree
ment as was made by the conference.
Here again, he repeats his objections to
foreign alliances and engagements in
distant countries.
The commission appointed by Presi-
dent ARTHUR to visit Central and
South America, our friendly relations
with Corea, and the arrest and impri-
sonment Of Mr.. SANTOS by the Ecua-
dorian Government, are touched upon.
Reference is also made to the French
spoliation claims.
The President hopes TO get the re
strictions imposed by France upon tht
importation Of our pork removed, bu
has no such hopes as to like restrictions
in Germany and Austria.
He calls attention to the disposition
OF Germany as to respecting our natu
ralization laws.
lie alludes to England and our fish
cries and hers.
He hopes for a better extraditio
treaty with England. lie recommend
an international commission to defn
the boundary between Alaska and til
British possessions.
Our relations with Mexico are co
dial.
AS to citizenship and naturalization
he says our laws are inadequate.
lie withdrew last spring Mr.. Al
THURS treaties with Mexico and So
Domingo. lie now gives convincir
reasons why they should not be ratife
lie asks bett'r salaries for diploma
J and consuls.
= The New Orleans Exposition is n
ticed.
The President next takes up the r,
port Of the Secretary Of the Trsasur,
The surplus revenue last year was oy,
sixty millions Of dollars. For receipt
expenditures, &C., we refer to the me
sage. lie fayors reduced taxation
Question Of free trade is not involved
nor the question of protection. III
remarks here are admirable. Rea
them. lie comes out for protection {
the interests Of American labor, whic
he happily says Is tie capital Of gu
workingmen.
During the year las national bank
organized with capital Of tl6, 1886, 000
They have circulating notes to tn