Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1889-12-07
THE ANNUAL MESSAGE
President Harrison's Commu-
nicatiOn to Congress.

TheIr are few transactions in the admin
istration OF the government that are even
temporarily held in the confidence of those
charged with the conduct of the public BUSH
ness. Every step taken is under the observa-
ton of an intelligent and watchful people
The state of the Union is known from day to
day, and suggestions as to the needed legisla-
ton find an earlier voice than that which
speaks in these annual communications Of
the president to congress.
Good will and cordially have character
lied our relations and correspondence with
other governments, and the year just closed
leaves few international questions of impor-
lance remaining unadjusted. No obstacle is
believed to exist that can long postpone the
consideration and adjustment of the still
pending questions upon satisfactory and
honorable terms The dealings of this gov
eminent with other states have been and
should always be marked by frankness and
sincerity, our purposes avowed and our
methods free from intrigue This course
has borne rich fruit in the past, and it is our
duty as nation TO preserve the heritage of
good reputa which a century of right deal
ing with foreign governments has secured
10 us.
The Pau.Anerican Congress.
American eongres- the president says:
The recomm sndations of this international
conference CT enlightened statesmen will
doubtless have the considerate attention of
congress and its cooperation in the removal
Of unnecessary barriers to beneficial inter-
course between the nations of America. But
while the commercial results which it is
hoped will follow this conference are worthy
Of pursuit and of the great interest they have
excited, it is believed that the browning ben
eft will be found in the better securities
which may be devised for the maintenance
Of peace among all American nations and
the settlement of all contentious by methods
that Christian civilization can approve.
While viewing with interest our national re-
sources and products, the delegates will, l
am sure, find higher satisfaction in the evil
dences of unselflsh friendship which every
where attend their intercourse with our peo-
pie.
The Rank of Our ENJOYS.
The president then speaks of the maritime
conference, and adds:
In this connection it may be noted that all
the nationsof the western hemisphere, with
one exception, send to Washington ENJOYS
extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary,
being the highest grade accredited to this
government. The United States, on the con-
trary, sends ENJOYS of lower grade to some
OF our sister republics Our representative
in Paraguay and Uruguay is a minister resi-
dent, while to Bolivia we send minister
resident and consul general. In view of the
Importance of our relations with the states
of the American system, our diplomatic
agents in those countries should be of the
uniform rank of envoy extraordinary and
minister plenipotentiary. Certain missions
we're so elevated by the last congress with
happy effect, and l recommend the compile
ton of the reform thus begun, with the in
clusion also of Hawaii and Hayti, in view of
their relations to the American system of
states.
also recommend that timely provision be
made for extending to Hawaii an invitation
to be represented in the international confer
ence now sitting at this capital.
Relations with China.
Our relations with China have the atten-
tive consideration which their magnitude
and interest demand The failure of the
treaty negotiated under the administration
OF my predecessor for the further and more
complete restriction of Chinese labor immi-
grafton, and with it, the legislation of the
last session of congress dependent thereon,
leave some questions open which congress
should now approach in that wise and just
spirit which should characterize the rela-
tions of two great and friendly powers.
While our supreme interests demand the ex-
clusion of laboring element which expe-
rience has shown to be incompatible with
our social life all steps to compass this i'm
perative need should be accompanied with a
recognition of the claim of those strangers
now lawfully among us to humane and just
treatment.
The accession of the young Emperor Of
China marks, we may hope an era of prog
ress and prosperity 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 1887 between the representatives
Of the United States, Germany and Great
Britain having been adjourned because of
the persistent divergence of views which was
developed in its deliberations, the subse-
quent course of events in the islands gave
rise to questions of a serious character. On
the 4th of February last, the German min
lister at this capital, in behalf of his govern
menU proposed a resumption of the confer
ence at Berlin. This proposition was accept
ed, as congress, in February last, was in
formed.
Pursuant to the understanding thus reached,
commissioners were appointed by me- by and
with the advice and consent of the senate,
who proceeded to Berlin, where the confer
ence was renewed The deliberations ex-
tended through several weeks and resulted
in the conclusion of treaty, which will be
submitted to the senate for its approval
trust that the efforts which have been made
TO effect an adjustment of this question will
he productive of the permanent establish
ment of law and order in Samoa, upon the
basis Of the maintenance OF the rights and
interests of the natives as well as of the
treaty powers.
The questions which have arisen during
the past few years between Great Britain
and the United States are in allegiance or in
course OF amicable adjustment,
The Fisheries Question.
On the part of the government of the Do
minion of Canada an effort has been appar-
ent during the season just ended to admin
lister the laws and regulations applicable to
the fisheries with as little occasion for fric-
ton as was possible, and the temperate rep
reservations OF this government in respect
II cases of undue hardship or of harsh inter
pretations have been in most cases met with
measures of transitory relief. 1t is trusted
hat the attainment of our just rights under
existing treaties and in virtue of the concur
rent legislation of the two contiguous coun'
tries will not be long deferred, and that all
existing causes of difference may be equit'
ably adjusted.
recommend that provision be made 10y
All international agreement for visibly mark
ing the water boundary between the United
States and Canada in the narrow channels
that Join the Great Lakes. The conventional
line therein traced by the northwestern
boundary survey, years ago, ia not in al
cases readily ascertainable for the settle
inent Of jurisdictional questions.
4 just and cceptable enlargement of the
list of offenses for which extradition may bt
claimed and granted is most desirable be
tween this country and Great Britain. Tit
territory pf neither should become a secure
harbor for the evil doors of the other through
any ayoidable shortcoming in this regard
new treaty on this subject between thu
TWO powers has been recently negotiated ant
will soon be laid before the senate.
Various International Questions.
The Importance of the commerce of Cub
and Porto Rico with the United States, thei
nearest and principal market, justifes th
expectation that the existing relations ma
he beneficially expanded. The impeachment
resulting from varying dues on navigatio
and from the yexatious treatment of vessel