The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-12-09

the United States is potent factor in
assisting the developmentof of the resources
of Mexico and in building up the pros
perity of both countries. To assist their
good work all grounds of apprehension for
the security of person and property
should be removed, and trust that in tie
interests of good neighborho6d the statute
referred to will be SO modified as to elimi-
nate the present possibilities of danger to
the people of the two countries.
NETHERLANDS.
The government of the Netherlands
has exhibited concern in relation to GER
tain features of our tariff, which are sup
posed by them to be aimed
at class of tobacco produced in the
Dutch East Indies. Comment would seem
unnecessary upon the unwisdom of legis-
lation appearing to have special ma
tional discrimination for Its object, which,
although unintentional, may give rise to
injurious retaliation. The establishment,
less than four years ago, of legation at
Teheran, is bearing fruit in the interest
exhibited by the Shas government in the
industrial activity of the United States,
and the opportunities of beneficial inter-
change. Stable government is now hap
ply restored In Peru by the election of a
constitutional president, and a period of
rehabilitation is entered upon.
! Recovery is necessarily slow from the
exhaustion caused by the late war and
civil disturbances. A convention to ad-
! just, by arbitration, the claims of our
citizens has been promised, and is under
consideration. The naval officer who bore
to Siberia the testimonials bestowed by
congress in recognition of the aid given
to the Jeanette survivors, has success
fully accomplished his mission. His in
teresting report will be Submitted. Ii is
pleasant to know that this mark of appre-
citation has been welcomed by the Rus
sian government and people as BELTS the
traditional friendship of the two
countries
soMoA,
Civil perturbations in the Samoan is
lands have during the past few years been
a source of considerable embarrassment to
the three governments-Ger Great
Britain and the United States whose re-
lations and extra territorial rights in that
important group are guaranteed by treat
les. The weakness of the native admins
tration and the conflict of opposing inter
ests in the islands have led King Malietoa
to seek alliances or protection in some
quarter, regardless of the distinct engage
ments whereby no one ef the three treaty
powers may acquire any paramount or
exclusive interest. In May last, Malietoa
offered to place Samoa under the protec
tion of the United States, and the late
consul, without authority, assumed to
grant it. The proceeding was promptly
disavowed and the over-zealous official
recalled-and special agents of the three
governments have been deputed to ex-
anime the situation in the islands. With
change in the representation of all
three powers, and harmonious under
standing between them, the peace, pros
perity autonimous administration and
neutrality of Samoa can hardly fail to bt
secured. 1t appears that the. govern
ment of Spain did not extend to the flag
of the United States in the Antilles the
full measure of reciprocity requisite
under our statute for the continuance o
the suspension of discrimination agains
the Spanish flag in our ports. 1t was con
strained in October last to rescind m,
predecessors proclamation of Februar,
IA, 1884, permitting such suspension. Al
drrHUgbUl6ub WdS5 lOWCNOIs . bpOCuliy iCuSh
ed and upon notification from the gov
ernment of Spain, that all deferentia
treatment of our vessels and their cargoe
from the United States, or from any for
eirgn country, had been completed ant
absolutely relinquished. | availed mysel
of the discretion conferred by law aid is
sued on the 9th of October, my procla
nation declaring reciprocal suspension il
the United States. 1t is most gratifying
, to bear testimony to the earnest spirit il
which the government of the queen re
gent has met our efforts to avert tn,
initiation of commercial discrimination
, and reprisals which are eyer disastrous tc
the national interests and the politica
!, good will of the countries they ma!
!, effect. The profitable development o
the large commercial exchanges between
; the Umited States and the Spanisf
Antilles is naturally an object o
solicitude. Lying close at our doors, ant
; finding here the main markets of suppl.
, !, and demand, the welfare of Cuba ant
Porto Rico and their productions ant
trade, are scarcely less important to- u
than Spain. Their commercial ant
financial improvements are 81
> naturally part of our sys
tenn that no obstacle to fulle
and freer intercourse should be permitted
i to exist. The instructions of our repre-
sentatives at Madrid and Havana have TO
: years been to leave no effort unessaye
to further these ends, and at no time ha
the equal good desire of Spain been NOR
, hopefully manifested than now. The gov
= ernment of Spain, by removing the con
:, sular tonnage fees on cargoes shipped t.
the Antilles, and by reducing passpor
I fees, has shown its recognition of tn
needs of less trammeled intercourse. Al
effort has been made during the past yea
9 TO remove the hinderances to the procla
nation of treaty of naturalization wit
!. the sublime porte, signed in 1874, whic
q has remained imperative, owing to dis
L agreement of Interpretation of the clause
relative to the effects of the retur
5 and the sojourn of naturalize'
citizen in the land of his origin. l truE
. soon to be able to announce favorable
! settlement of the differences as to this in
9 terpretation. 1t has been highly satii
Q factory to note the improved treatmen
Z of American missionaries in Turkey, a
s has been attested by their acknowledl
, nents to our minister to that govern
|, ment of his successful exertions in the
= , behalf.