Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1885-12-16
THE MESSAGE.
President CleVeland's First
Communication to
Congress.
He Urges a Suspension
Of the Coinage Of.
Silver.
Recommends a Reduction of the
Tariff on the NeCessa-
rieS of Life.
Favors the Tehuantepec Ship
Railway Across the
ISthmus.
A Plea for the Education and
Civilization of the
indians.
Our Relations with Foreign
Powers in Satisfac-
tory Condition
Cordial Relations with Mexico and
the Central American
States.
4 Good Word for the Life Saving
service-The Signal-Service
Bureau.
Our Relations with Foreign
Powers in a Satisfac-
tory Condition
Cordial Relations with Mexico and
the Central American
States.
4 Good Word for the Life Saving
Service The Signal-Service
Bureau.
A TRIBUTE TO MR. HENDRICKS.

A TRIBUTE TO BIR. HENDRICKS.
To the Congress OF the UI;5tcd States: Yorr
assembly is clouded by sense of public
bereavement caused by the recent and sudden
death of Thomas A. Hendricks, Vice President
of the United States. His distinguished public
services his complete integrity and devotion to
every duty, and his personal virtues, will find
honorable record in his country's history. Ample
and repeated proofs of the esteem and conf
dence in which ne was held by his fellow-coun-
trymen manifested by his election to Of
fees of the most Important trust and highest
dignity, and, at length, full of years and honors,
he has been laid at rest amidst general sorrow
and benediction
CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY.
The Constitution which requires those chosen
to legislate for the people to annually meet in
the discharge of their solemn trust, also
quires the President to give to Congress lnfor
nation of the state of the Union and recon-
mend to its consideration such measures as ne
shall deem necessary and eXpedient. At the
threshold of a compliance with these constitu-
tional directions, it is well for to bear in mind
that our usefulness to the peoples interests will
be promoted by q constant appreciation OF the
scope and character of our respective duties as
they relate to Federal legislation. While the
Executive may recommend such measures
he shall deem eNpedient, the responsibility for
legislative action must and should rest upon
those selected by the people TO make their laws.
Contemplation of the grave and responsible
functions assigned to the. executive branches of
the Government under the Constitution will dis
close the partition OF power between our re-
specuve departments, and their necessary indie
all the power entrusted to each, in that spirit of
comfy and cooperation which is essential to
the proper fulfllment of the patriotic obliga-
tons which rest upon US a. faithful servants of
the people. The jealous watchfulness Of our
constituencies, great and small, supplements
their suffrage; and, therefore in the tribunal
they establish every public servant should be
judged.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
It is gratifying to announce that the relations
of the United States with all foreign powers
continue to be friendly Our position, after
nearly century of successful constitutional
government, maintenance of good faith in all of
our engagements, the avoidance of complica-
tions with other nations, and consistent and
amicable attitude toward the strong and weak
alike, furnish proof of political disposition
which renders professions of goodwill unneces-
sery. There are no questions of difficulty pend
ing 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 their loss attributed to the
action of the commander of the slOop-of-war
Lexington in breaking up piratical colony on
those islands in 1881, their subs equent Occu-
patton by Great Britain. In view of the ample
Justification for the act of the Lexington and
derelict condition of the islands before and after
their alleged occupation by Argentine colonists
this Government considers the claim wholly
groundless
The question has arisen with the Government
of Austria Hungary touching the representation
of the United States at Vienna. Having under
my constitutional prerogative appointed es-
unable clCIz6n OF unlnpeached prOD1ty and
competence as Minister to that court the Gov
eminent of Austria-Hungary invited this Gov
eminent to the cognizance of certain exceptions,
based upon allegations against the personal
acceptibility of Mr.. Kelley, the appointed
envoy, asking that in view thereof
the appointment should be withdrawn.
The reasons advanced We're such could not be
acquiesced in without violation of my oath of
Office and the precepts Of the Constitution since
they necessarily involve a Limitation in favor of
foreign Government upon the right of selec-
ton by the Executive, and require such ap-
plication of a religious test qualification for
Office under the United States as would have
resulted in the practical disfranchisement of a
large class OF our citizens and the abandonment
of a vital principle of our Government. The
Austro-Hungarian Government finally decided
not to receive Mr.. Kelley the Envoy of the
United States, and that gentleman since re-
signed his commission, leaving the post vacant.
L nave made no new no1n1naUlOns ana the inter-
ests of this Government at Vienna now in
the care of the Secretary of Legation, acting
as charge 'affaires ad interim.
GUATEMALA.
Early il March last war broke out in Central
America, caused by the attempt of Guatemala
to consolidate the several States into d single
government. La these contests betwee our
nei9hboring States tie United States forebore to
interfere actively, but lent the aid Of their
friendly offices in depreciation of war and to pro-
mote peace and concord among the belligerents,
and by zach council contributed Importantly to
the restoration of tranquility in that locality.
UNITED STATES OF COLOMBIA.
Emergencies growing out of civil war in the
United States of Colombia demanded of the
tration of the employment OF an armed force to
fulfill its guarantees, under the thirty-ffth
article of the treaty of 1885, in order to keep the
transit open across the Isthmus of Panama.
DESTROYS of exercising only the powers express
" reserved to US by the treaty. and mindful of
the rights of Colombia, the forces sent to the
Istknus were instructed to confine their action
to positively and efficaciously" preventing the
transit and it's accessories from being inter
rupted or embarrassed.
The execution of this delicate and RESPONSE
BILE task necessarily involved police control
where the local authority was temporarily pow
erless but always in aid of the sovereignty of
Colombia The prompt and successful fulfill
nent Of its duty by this Government was highly
appreciated by the Government of Colombia,
and has been followed by the expression of its
satisfaction. High praise is due to the officers
and men engaged in this service. The restora-
ton Of peace on the Isthmus by the re-estaplish-
nent Of the constitutional Government there,
being thus accomplished the forces of the Unit
ed States We're withdrawn.
PENDING these occurrences, question OF
much Importance was presented by DEGREES of
the Colombian Government proclaiminS the
closure OF certain ports then in the hands OF
insurgents, and declaring vessels held by the
revoluUion1sts to be piratical and liable to cap
ture by any Power To neither of these propo-
sitions could the United States assent. An eff
fective closure of ports not in the possession
of the Government, but held by the hos
tiles partisans, could not be recognized
Neither could the vessels of the INSURGENTS
against the legitimate sovereignty be deemed
hostoS hqtoqt6 ge7leT1S, W min the precepts of in
ternatiOnal law. Whatever might be the defini-
ton and penalty of their acts under the NUM-
cipal law of the State against whose authority
they were in revolt, the denial by this Govern