Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-12-12


congratulations that the first year of the
second century of our constitutional exist
ence finds as honored guests within our bor-
derS the representatives of all the independ-
ent States of North and South America met
together in earnest conference touching the
best methods of perpetuating and expand
ing the relations of mutual interest and
friendliness existing among them. That
the opportunity thus afforded for pro-
noting closer international relations and
the increased prosperity of the States repre-
sented will be used for the mutual good of
all can not permit myself to doubt. Our
people will await with interest and con-
tidence the results to flow from so auspicious
meeting of allied and in large part identical
interests.
Recommendations of this international
conference of enlightened statesmen will
have the attention of Congress and it's CO.
operation in the removal of unnecessary bar
riers between the Nations of America But
while the commercial results which il is
hoped will follow this conference are worthy
of praise and the great interest they have
excited, it is believed the crowning benefit
will he found in the better securities which
may be devised for the maintenance of peace
among all American Nations and settlement
of all contentious by methods Christian
civilization can approve. While viewing
with interest our National resources and
products, the delegates, am sure, will find 4
higher satisfaction in the evidences of un-
selfish friendship which everywhere attends
the intercourse with our people.
An international marine conference, hav-
ing great possibilities for good, has lately
assembled and is now in session in this cap
ital. An invitation was extended by the Gov
ernment, under the act of Congress of July
g. 1888, to all maritime nations to
send delegates to confer touching the
revision and amendment Of the rules
and regulations governing vessels and to
adopt q uniform system of marine signals
The. response to this invitation has been
very general and very cordial Dele
gates from twenty-six Nations are
present in the conference and
they have entered upon their useful
work with great zeal and with an evident
appreciation of it's Importance. SO far as the
agreement to be reached may require legis-
latiOn to give it effect the cooperation of Con-
gress is confidently relied upon. 1t is an in
teresting and unprecedented fact that the
two international conferences have brought
here the accredited representatives of slirty
three Nations. Bolivia, Ecuador and Hon
duras are now represented by resident en-
vOys of the plenipOtentiary grade All the
States of the American system now maintain
diplomatic relations at this capital.
RELATIONS WITH CHINA.
tintive consideration which their magnitude
and interest demand. The failure of the
treaty negotiated under my predecessor for
the further and more complete restriction of
Chi2ese labor, immigration and with it the
legislation of the last session of Congress
dependent thereon leaves some questions
open which Congress should now approach
in that wise and just spirit which should
characterize the relations of two great and
demand the exclusion of a laboring element
which experience has shown to be incom-
patible with our social life. All steps
to compass this imperative need should
be accompanied with a recognition of the
claim of those strangers now lawfully among
US to humane and just treatment. The acces-
sion of the young Emperor of China marks,
we may hope, an era of progress and pros
perity for the great country over which he is
called to rule.
SAMOAN AFFAIRS.
The present state of affairs in respect to
the Samoan Islands is encouraging. The
conference which was held in this
city in the summer OF 1898 between
the representatives of the United States,
Germany and Great Britain had been ad-
journed because of the persistent divergence
of views which was developed in its delib-
eratiOns. The subsequent course of events in
the islands gave rise to questions of a seri
Gus character. On the 4th OF FEBRUARY last
the German Minister at this capital in behalf
of his Government proposed a resumption
Of the conference at Berlin. This PROPOSE
ton was accepted, as Congress in February
last was Informed. Pursuant to the under
standing thus reached commissioners were
appointed by me, by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate, who proceeded to Ber-
lin and the conference was resumed. The
extended through several
weeks and resulted in the conclusion Of a
treaty which will be submitted to the Senate
for its approval
BRITISH AFFAIRS.
The questions which have arisen during
the past few years between Great Britain
and the United States are in allegiance or in
course of adjustment.
en- the part of the Government of the Do
minion of Cana1a an effort has been ap-
parent during the season just ended to ad
minister the laws and regulations applicable
to the fisheries with as little occasion for
friction as was possible, and the temperate |
of this Government in re-
spect of cases Of undue hardship or Of harsh |
have in most cases been met /
with measures of transitOry relief 1t is |
trusted that the attainment of our Just rights |
Inder existing treaties and by virtue Of the |
concurrent legislation of the two contiguous |
will not be long delayed and that |
eQutably adjusted.
OTHER FOREIGN QUESTIONS.
The importance Of the commerce of Cuba l
md Porto Rico with the United States, their
nearest and principal market, tustifies the 1
expectation that the existing relations may |
De beneficially expanded. The impediments
resulting from varying dues on navigation
md from the veXatiOus treatment of our yes
els on merely technical grounds Of com
plants in West India ports, should be re-
moved.
The progress toward an adjustment OF /
pending claims between the United States /
md Spain is not so rapid as could be desired. |
Questions affecting American interests in /
connection with railways constructed and l
lDerated by our citizens in Peru have claimed i
he attention Of this Government. II is urged /
hat other Governments in pressing Peru to
he payment of their claims have disre-
,arded the property rights of American citi-
ems. The matter will be carefully investi- /
,ated with view to securing a proper and !
quitable adjustment.
similar issue is now pending with i
'ortugaL The Delagoa Bay railway in Africa
Tas constructed under a concession by 1
'ortugal to American citizen. When
early completed the road was seized by the
gents of the Portuguese Government. For
1al protest has been made through our
Iinister at Lisbon against this act and no
roper effort will be spared to secure proper
elief.
In pursuance of the charter granted by
congress and under the terms Of IT'S contract
nth the Government of Nicaragua the In
er-Oceanic Canal Company has begun the
obstruction OF the important water way be-
weer the two oceans.
The traditional good feeling between this