The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1888-12-08

violation; TO persuade my countrymen, SO ihr
as l may, that II is not in q splendid Govern.
ment supported by powerful monopoles and
aristocratical establishments that they will find
happiness or their liberties protection, but in
O plain system, void OF pomp-protecting all
and granting favors to none-dispensing its
blessings like tho dews OF heaven, unseen ana
unfclt save in the freshness and beauty they
contribute to produce. 1t is such o Government
that the genu, of our people requires, such
one only under which our States may remain,
for ages to come, united, prosperous and free
In pursuance OF constitutional provision
requiring the President from time to time 10
give TO the Congress information OF the state
OF the Union, have the satisfaction to announce
that the close of the year finds the United
States in the enjoyment OF domestic Tranquility
and Mt peace with all the nations.
Since my last anna, message our foreign
relations have been strengthened and improved
by performance of international good oflices,
and by new and renewed treaties OF amity,
commerce and reciprocal oxtradition OF crimi-
anls.
Those international questions which still
await settlement are all reasonably WITHIN the
domain of amicablo negotiation, and there is
no existing subject of dispute between the
United States and any foreign power that Is
not susceptible of satisfactory adjustment by
frank diplomatic eutieatment.
The questions between Great Britain and
the United States relating to the rights OF
American fishermen under treaty and interna-
tional comfy, in the territorial waters OF
Canada and Newfoundland, 1 regret to say,
are not satisfactorily adjusted. These mat
ters were fully treated in my message 10 the
Senate of February 90, 1888, together with
which n convention concluded under my ou
thority with her Majesty's government on the
18th OF February last, for the removal OF all
causes OF misunderstanding was submitted by
m for the aOprOyll of the Senate.
This treaty having been rejected by the Sem
ate transmitted message to the Congress on
the Esd of August last, reviewing the transac
tions, and submitting for consideration certain
recommendations for legislation concerning the
important questions involved.
Afterward, on the 12th of September, in re-
sponse to resolution OF the Senate, again
communicated fully all the information in my
possession as TO the action of the Government
OF Canada, affecting the commercial relation be-
tween the Dominion and the United States, in
cluding the treatment OF American fishing ves-
sells in the ports and waters Of British North
America. The communications have all been
published, and therefore opened to the knowl-
edge OF both Houses of Congress, although two
were addressed to the Senate alone. Comment
upon, or repetition Of their contents would be
superfuous. and am not aware that any thing
has since occurred which should be added TO the
facts therein stated.
Therefore, merely repeat as applicable to
the present time, the statement which will be
found in my message to the Senate OF Septem-
Der 12, last: "That since March 8, 1887, no case
has been reported TO the Department OF State
wherein complaint has been made OF unfriendy
or unlawful treatment Of American fishing
vessels on the part Of the Canadian authorities,
In which reparatlon was not promptly and salts
factorily obtained by the United States Consul
General at Halifax" Having essayed' in the
lie phnr nj my N IN mr. npOOtlafiOn
the settlement OF "a long-standing cause OF dis
pute and to remove a constant menace to the
good relations of the two countries and contin-
ning to be OF the opinion that the treaty OF Feb
ruary last, which failed to receive the approval
)f the Senate. did supply "a satisfactory, prac-
teal and final adjustment upon basis
honorable and Just to both parties OF the diff
cult and vexed question to which 1t related;'
md having subsequently and unavailingly re-
other legislation to Congress which
hoped would suffice; to meet the eXigency
treated by the rejection of the treaty, now
,g ain evoke the earnest and immediate atten-
Ion OF the Congress TO the condition OF this I'M
,ortant question as it now stands before them
md the country, and for the settlement of
which am deeply solicitous- Near the close
Il the month of October last, occurrences of |
leeply regretable nature were brought TO my |
which made IL my painful |
nut imperative duty to obtain, |
With as little delay as possible, new |
,crsonal channel OF diplomatic intercourse in |
his country with the Government Of Great |
Britain. The correspondence in relation to this |
ncident will in due course be laid before you, |
nd will disclose the objectionable conduct OF |
he official referred to in his interference by ad-
ice and counsel with the suffrages Of Ameri-
an citizens in the very crisis of the Presiden-
ial election, then near at hand, and also in his
ubsequent public declarations to justify his
pt Sunpra1linp imDupumpnt of the ExpCl-
I've and Senate of the United States, in con-
ection with important questions now pending
4 controversy between the two Governments.
The ofiense thus committed was most grave,
INVOLVING disastrous possibilities to the good re-
ntions OF the United States and Great Britain,
constituting gross breach Of diplomatic priv
ege and an invasion Of the purely domestic
fairs and essential sovereignty of the Govern
lent TO which the Envoy was accredited. Hay
ne first fulfilled the just demands Of interna-
onal comfy, by according free opportunity for
Ter Maiesty's Government TO act in relief OF
he situation, considered prolongatio1 OF dis
ussion to be unwarranted, and thereupon de-
lined TO further recognize the diplomatic char
cter of tho person whose continuance in such
lnction would destroy the mutual confidence
'hich is essential to the good understanding of
he two Governments, and was inconsistent
nth the welfare and sef.respect of the Gov
of the United States.
The usual interchange OF communication has
nce continued through Her Majestys legntion
this city.
My endeavor to establish by international
cooperation, measures for the prevention of
he determination OF fur.seals in Behring
ea have not been relaxed, and i have hopes
being enabled shortly to submit an effect
70 and satisfactory conventional project
18th the maritime powers for the approval
I the Senate. The coastal boundary be-
Alaskan nOsspgsiOn9 and Rritigh |
l regret TO say, has not received
ne attention demanded by its Importance
nd which, on several occasions heretofore,
have had the honor to recommend TO the
ongress. The admitted impracticability, If
Of impOssibility, OF making an accurate and
recise survey and demarkation OF the boun- |
lry line, as 1t is rected In the treaty with Rus
a under which Alaska was coded to the United
tates. renders IL absolutely requisite, for the |
rcvention OF international jurisdictional COM
cations that adequate appropriation for u
and survey to obtain proper
nowlcdge Of the locality and the geographical
atures of the boundary should be authorized [
' Congress with as little delay us possible.
TO be only thus obtained Is an es-
initial prerequisite for negotiation for ascer-
lining IL common boundary, or rs preliminary {
any other mode of settlement.
II Is much TO be desired that some agree. !
ent should be reached with her Majestys
oyernmcnt by which the damage to life and !
operty on the great lakes may be allcviated c
removing or humanely regulating the OBJ I
acles to reciprocal assistance TO wrecked or
randed vessels. The act OF June 10, 1878, I
hich offers to Canadian vessels free access TO 1
IT inland waters in aid OF wrecked or disabled c
ssels, has not yet become effective, through l
'ncurrent action OF Canada. n
The due protection OF our citizens OF French '
igin or descent from claim Of military service @
the event OF their returning TO or visiting I