Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1888-12-04
ANNAPOLIS. MD. TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER T. 1885,

and thereupon declined TO further recognza
the diplomatic character Of the person, whoSe
continuance in such function would destroy
that mutual confidence which is essential To
the good understanding of the two govern.
ments, and was consistent with the welfare
and self respect of the government of the
United States
The usual interchange of communication
has since continued through her majesty's
| legation in this city.
THE SEAL FISHERIES.
Ny endeavors to establish by international
cooperation measures for the prevention oil
the determination of fur seals in Behring sea
have not been relaxed, and l have hopes OF
being enabled shortly to submit an effective
and satisfactory conventional projet with the
maritime powers for tho approval of thd
senate.
The coastal boundary between our Alaskan
possessions and British Columbia, regret to
say, has not received the attention demanded
by its Importance, and which on several oc
casions heretofore l have had the honor tc
recommend TO the congress.
The admitted impracticability, If not i'm.
possibility, of making an accurate and pre-
else survey and demarkatiou Of the boundary
line, as it is recited in the treaty with Russia
under which Alaska was celel to the United
States, renders it absolutely requisite, for tbs
prevention of international juris1ictional
complications, that adequate appropriation
1 for a reconnaissance and survey to obtain
proper knowledge of the locality and the geo
graphical features of the boundary should ba
authorized by congress with as little delay az
possible.
knowledge to be only thus obtained is an
essential prerequisite for negotiation fol
ascertaining a common boundary, or as pre-
liminary to any other mode OF settlement
1t is much to be desired that some agree
ment should be reached with her majesty's
government by which tho damages to lifa
and property on the great lakes may be allie
waited by removing or humanely regulating
the obstacles to reciprocal assistance TO
wrecked or stranded vessels.
The act of June 10, 1878, which offers to
Canadian vessels free access TO our inland
waters in aid of wrecked or disabled vessels,
has not yet become eff ective through concur
rent action by Canada.
The due protection of our citizens of French
origin or descent, from claim of military
service in the event of their returning to OF
visiting France, has called forth orresponl-
ence which was laid before you at the last
session.
In the absence of conventional agreement
as to naturalization, which is greatly TO be de
sired, this government sees no occasion to re
cede from the sound position it has main
tanned not only with regard to France but as
to ali countries with which the United States
have not concluded special treaties.
GERaANYs BEREAvEMENTs.
Twice within the last year has the imperial
household of Germany been visited by death
and have hastened to express the sorrow of
this people, AMI their appreciation of the
lofty character of the late aged Emperor
William, aud their sympathy with the hero
ism under suffering of his son the late Elm
pcror Frederick.
renew my recommendation of two years
ago for the passage of a bill for the refund
ing to certain German steamship lines of the
interest upon tonnage dues illegally exacted
On the 18th of April last l eid before tbs
house of representatives full information re
specting our interests in Samoa; aud in the
subsequent correspondence on the same sub
ject, which will be laid before you in due
course the history of events in those islands
will be found.
In message accompanying my approval,
on the 1st day of October last, OF a bin for
the exclusion of Chinese laborsrs, laid be
fore congress full information AMI all corrs.
spondence touching thu negotiation of the
treaty with China, conclu led at this capital
on the 18th of March, 1883, and which, hav-
ing been confirmed by the senate with cor
tain amendments, was rejecteI By the Chi
nese government This message contained
recommendation that sum of mone7 be APP
propriated as compensation to Chinese sub
jects who had suffered injuries at the hands
of lawless men within our jurisdiction Such
appropriations having been duly made, the
fund awaits reception by the Chinese gov
ernment.
1t is sincerely hoped that by the cessation
of the influx of this class Of Chinese subjects,
in accordance with the expressed wish of
both governments, cause of unkind feeling
has been permanently removed
On the 9th of August, 1887, notification
was given by the japanese minister at this
capital of the adjournment of the conference
for the revision of the treaties of Japan with
foreign powers, owing to the objection of his
government to the provis on in the draft
jurisdictional convention which required tbs
submission Of the criminal code of the empire
to the powers in advance of its becoming
operative. This notification was, however
accompanied with an assurance Of Japans
intention to continue the work of revision.
Notwithstanding this temporary interrupt,
tion of negotiations, it's hoped that improve
ments may soon be secured in the jurisdic
tional system as respects foreigners in Japan
and relief afforded to that country from the
present undue and oppressive foreign control
in matters of commerce
l earnestly recommend that relief be pro
vided for the injuries accidentally caused te
japanese subjects in the Island Ikisima by
the target practice of one of our vessels.
DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH OTHER pow.
ERs
A diplomatic mission from Corea has been
received, and the formal intercourse between
the two countries contemplated by the treaty
OF 1882 is now established.
Legislative provision is hereby recon.
mended to organize aud equip consular courts
In Corea
Persia has established diplomatic repre-
sentation at this capital, and has eyinced
!