The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1885-12-10
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.
The Government on Amicnble Terms
with All Powers.

II IS gratifying to announce that the re1a-
tons Of the United States wita all foreign
powers continue to be friendly. Our posi-
ton, after nearly century OF successful
constitutional government and the mainte-
nance of good faith In all our engagements,
the avoidance of complications with other
nations, and a consistent and amicaDle atti-
tude toward the strong ana weak alike, fur
nish proof OF a political disposition which
renders profession OF good Will unnecessary.
There are no questions OF difficulty pending
with any foreign government.
The ARGENTINE GOVERNMENT
has revived the lOng-dormant question of the
Falkland islands by claiming from the United
States indemnity for them The loss Is at
tributed 10 the COMMANDER of the sloop-of-
war Lexington in breaking up practical coll
Ony on those islands in 1881 and taeir SUISSE
quent occupation by Great Britain. In view
OF the ample justification tor the act OF the
Lexington and the dcrclict condition OF the
islands before and after their alleged occupa-
tion by Argentine colonists, this government
considers the claim us wholly aronndless.
A question has arisen with the government
of Austri.l-ilungary touching the representa-
tion OF the United States at Vienna. Having
under my constitutional prerogatiye APP
pointed our estimable citizen OF unimpeached
probity and competence as minister at that
court, the government OF Austria
Hungary invited this government
to the cognizance of certain exceptions
acceptability of Mr.. Kelley, the appointed en-
yoy, asking that, in view thereof. the APP
pointment should be withdrawn. The reasons
advanced were such as could not be acQui-
esced in without violation OF my oath of
office and the precepts OF the constitution,
since they necessarily involved q Limitation
in favor OF a foreign government upon the
right or selection by the executive, aud re-
quired such an application OF religious test
AS u qualification tor office under the United
Acknowledgement OF IA large class Of our ciIi-
xens aud the abandonment of q vital principle
of our government. The Austria-Hun
government finally decided not to receive Mr..
Kelley as the envoy of the United States, aud
that gentleman has since resigned his COM
mission.
LEAVING THE POST VACANT.
have made no new nominations, and the
Interests OF this government at Vienna are
now In the care of the secretary Of legation,
acting as charge d'atfaires nd interim.
Early in March last war broke out in Gem
trail America caused by the attempt OF Qua
temala to consolidate the several states into
y single government. In this contest between
our neighboring states, the United States
forebore to interfere actively, but sent the
Aid OF their friendly offices in deprecating
war and to promote peace and concord among
the belligerents, aud by such council con-
tributed impartially to the restoration of
tranquility in that locality.
Emergencies growing out OF the civil war
In the United States Of Columbia demanded
OF the government at the beginning of this
administration the employment OF an armed
force to fulfill its guarantee under the thirty
fifth article Of the treaty Of 1916, I'm order to
keep the transit open across the lsthmus OF
Panama. DESTROYS of exercising only the
powers expressly reserved to US by the treaty
and mindful OF the rights of Columbia, the
forces sent to the isthmus were instructed to
Confine their actions to
POSITIVELY AND EFFICACIOUsLY'
preventing the transit and its accessories
from being interrupted or embarrassed"
The execution of this delicate and RESPONSE
ole task necessarily involved police control
where the local authority was temporarily
powerless, but always In aid of the sover-
eighty OF Columbia. The prompt and sue
eessful fultitlment Of its duty by this govern
ment was highly appreciated by the Cover n
ment Of Columbia, and has been followed by
expression OF its satisfaction. High praise Ia
due to the officers aud men engaged In this
service. the restoration of peace ON the 18TH
mus by the re-establishment of the consti-
tuted government there being thus accom-
plished. The forces OF the United States
were withdrawn. Pending these occurrences
q question Of much Importance was presented
by DEGREES of the Columbian government pro-
claiming the closure of certain ports and then
in the hands OF the insurgents, aud In dcciar-
Ing vessels held by the revolutionists to be pi-
ratical and liable to capture BY any power.
TO neither Of these propositions could the
United States assent An effective closure OF
the ports, not In the possession Of the gov
ernment, but held by
HOSTILE PARTIsAyS,
could not be recognized; neither could the
vessels of the insurgents against the legiti-
mate sovereignty be deemed hostis huma nj
Heneris. within the precepts Of International
law, whatever might be the definition and PEN
atty OF their acts under the municipal law
of the state against whose authority they
were in revolt. The denial by this government
of the Columbian propositions did not, how
ever, imply the admission of o beliigerent
status on the part Of the insurger ihe
Columbian government has eypr ed its
willingness to negotiate conventions for the
adjustment by arbitration of claims BY
ereign citizens arising cut Of I he Gcstrue.