Los Angeles daily herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1884-1890, 1889-12-04

and with it the legislation of the last
session of Congress dependent thereon,
leave some questions open which Con-
gress should now approach in that wise
and just spirit which should characterize
the relations Of the two great and friendly
powers. While our supreme interests
demand this exclusion Of a laboring
element which experience hes shown to
be incompatible with our social life, all
steps to compass the imperative need
should be accompanied with recogni-
ton 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 progress and prosperity fer the
great country over which he is called to
rule.
TINE SAMOAN SETTLEMENT.
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 st ties,
Germany and Great Britain had been
adjourned because of the persistent d!-
vergence of views which Was developed
in it's deliberations. The subsequent
course of events in the islands gave rise
to questions of serious character. On
the fourth of February the German min
ister at this capital, in behalf of his Gov
eminent, proposed resumption Of the
conference at Berlin. This proposition
was accepted, as Congress in February
last was informed. Pursuant to the I'm.
derstanding thus reached commissioners
were appointed by me, by and with the
consent of the Senate, who proceeded
to Berlin, where the conference was re-
newed. The deliberations extended
through several weeks and resulted in
the conclusion of treaty which will be
submitted to the Senate for its approval.
I trust that the efforts which have been
made to effect an adjustment of this
question will be productive Of the per-
manent establishment of law and order
in Samoa upon the basis of the main
tenance Of the rights and interests Of the
natives.
BRITISH AMERICAN RELATIONS.
The questions which have arisen dur
| ing the past few years between Great
Britain and the United States are in
allegiance or in the course of adjustment.
On the part of the Government of the
Dominion of Canada an effort has been
made apparent during the season just
ended to administer the laws and regula-
tions applicable to the fisheries with as
little occasion for friction as was posi-
BILE, and the temperate representations Of
the Government in respect to cases of
undue hardship, or of harsh interpreta-
tione, have been in most cases met with
measures of transitory relief. 1t is
trusted that the attainment of our just
rights under the existing treaties, and in
virtue of the concurrent legislation of the
two contiguous countries, will not be long
deferred, and that all existing causes of
difference may be eouitably adjusted.
recommend that provision be made
by an international agreement for the
visible marking of 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 bound
airy survey, years ago, is not in all cases
readily aecertainable for the settlement
of jurisdiction questions.
A just and acceptable enlargement of
the list of offenses for which extradition
may be claimed and granted, is most de-
sirable between this country and Great
Britain. The territory of neither should
become secure harbor for the evil doers
Of the other through any available short
coming in this regard. A new treaty on
this subject between the two powers has
been recently negotiated, and will soon
he laid before the Senate.
AMERICAN PROPERTY RIGHTS ABROAD.
The Importance Of the commerce OF
Cuba and Porto Rico with the United
States. their nearest principal market,
justiies the expectation that the existing
relations may be bsnefcially expanded.
The impediments resulting from varying
the dues on navigation, and from the
vexatious treatment of our vessels on
merely technical grounds of complaint in
West India ports, should be removed.
The progress toward an adjustment of
pending claims between the United
States and Spain is not as rapid as could
be desired.
Questions affecting American Interest
in connection with railways constructed
and operated py our citizens in Peru
have claimed the attention of the Gov
eminent. 1t is urged that other Govern
ments, in pressing Peru to the payment
of claims, have disregarded the property
rights of American citizens. The matter
will be carefully investigated with o
view to secure q proper and equitable
adjustment.
A similar Issue is now pending with
Portugal. The Delagoa railway in Africa
was constructed under q concession by
Portugal to an American citizen, and
when nearly completed the road was
seized by the agents of the Portuguese
Government. A formal protest has been
made through our Minister at Lisbon
against this act, and no proper effort
will be spared to secure proper relief.
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
In pursuance Of the charter granted
by Congress, and under the terms of its
contract with the Government OF Mica
ragua, the Inter- Oceanic Canal Company
has begun the construction OF the i'm
portant water way between the two
oceans, which its organization contem.
plates. Trouble for time seemed i'm.
minent, in view of a supposed conflict of
jurisdiction between Nicaragua and Costa
RIGA in regard to the necessary priv.
leges to be conceded by the latter re-
public towards the construction Of works
on the San Juan river, of which the
right bank is Costa RIGA territory. l
am happy to learn that friendly ar
rangement has been effected between the
two nations. This Government has held
itself ready to promote in every proper
way the adjustment of all questions that
might present obstacles to the compile.
ten of work of such trauscendent i'm