The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-12-04


conference at Berlin. This proposition was ac
cepted, 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
conference was renewed. The deliberations
extended through several weeks and
resulted in the conclusion of a
treaty which will be submitted
to the Senate for its approval. l trust that the
efforts which have been made to effect an ad-
justment of this question will be productive of
the permanent establishment of law and order
in Samoa upon the basis of the maintenance of
the rights and interests of the nation 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 course of amicable ad-
justment. l recommend that provision be
made by an international agreement by visibly
marking the water boundary between the United
States and Canada in the narrow channels that
Join the Great Lakes. The conventional line
traced by the northwestern boundary survey
several years ago. is not in all cases readily
ascertainable for the settlement of the juris-
dictional questions.
A just and acceptable enlargement of the
list of offences for which extradition may be
claimed and granted is most desirable between
this country and Great Britain. The territory
of neither should become a secure harbor for
the evil doers of the other through any avoida-
BILE short coming in this regard. A new treaty
on this subject between the two powers has
been recently negotiated and will soon be laid
before the Senate.
The importance of the commerce of Cuba
and Porto Rico with the United States, their
nearest and principal market has justified the
expectation that the existing relations may be
benefcially expanded. The impediments re-
sulting from varying dues on navigation and
from the vexatious treatment of our vessels on
merely technical grounds of complaint in West
Indian ports should be removed.
The progress toward an adjustment of pend
ing claims between the United States and
Spain is not as rapid as could be desired.
Questions affecting American interests in
connection with railways, constructed and
operated by our citizens in Peru, have claimed
the attention of this government. II is urged
that other governments in pressing Peru to the
payment of their claims have disregarded the
property rights of American citizens. The
matter will be carefully investigated with a
view to receiving proper and equitable ad-
justment.
A similar issue is now pending with Portu-
gal. The Delagoa Bay railway in Africa was
constructed under a concession of Portugal to
an American citizen. When nearly completed
the road was seized by the agents of the Portu-
guese government. 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 INTER OCEANIC CANAL.
In pursuance of the charter granted by Con-
gress and under the terms of its contract with
the government of Nicaragua, the Interoceanic
Canal Company has begun the construction of
the important water way between the two
oceans which its organization contemplates.
Grave complications for time seemed imminent
IN view of a supposed conflict of jurisdiction
between Nicaragua and Costa Rica in regard to
the necessary privileges to be counted
by the latter republic toward the
construction of works on the San Juan river,
of which the right bank is in Costa Rican
territory. l am happy to learn that friendly
arrangement has been effected between the two
nations. This government has held itself
ready to promote in every proper way the ad-
justment of all questions that might present
obstacles to the completion of work of such
transcendent importance to the commerce of
this country, and indeed to the commercial
interests of the world.
The traditional good feeling between this
country and the French republic has received
additional testimony in the participation of our
government and people in the international
exhibition held in Paris during the past
summer. The success of our exhibitors has
been gratifying. The report of the commission
will be laid before Congress in due season.
This government has accepted every proper
reserve as to its policy in foreign territories I;
the invitation of the government of Belgium
to take part in an International Congress
which opened at Brussels on the 10th day of
November, for the purpose of devising meas
ures to promote the abolition of the slave trade
in Africa and to prevent the shipment of slaves
by sea. Our interest in the extinction of this
crime against humanity in the regions where it
yet survives has been increased by the results
of emancipation within our own borders.
With Germany the most cordial relations
continue. The questions arising from the re
turn to the empire of Germans naturalized in
this country are considered an6 disposed of in
temperate spirit to the entire satisfaction of
both governments.
1t it a source of great satisfaction that the
internal disturbances in the republic of Hayti
are at last happily ended, and that an appar-
emily stable government has been constituted.
II has been duly recognized by the United
States.
A mixed commission is now in session in
this capital for the settlement of long standing
claims against the republic of Venezuela and
il is hoped that satisfactory conclusion will
be speedily reached. This government has not
hesitated to express its earnest desire that the
boundary dispute now pending between Great
Britain and Venzuela may be adjusted amicably
and in strict accordance with the historic title
Of the parties.
The advancement of the Empire of Japan
has been evidenced by the recent PRONUNCIATION
of new constitution, containing valuable
guarantees of liberty and providing for a re-
sponsible minister to conduct the govern :
meAt.
1t is earnestly recommended that our judicial
rights and processes in Corea be established on
a firm basis by providing the machinery neces-
sary to carry out treaty stipulations in that re-
gard.
The friendliness of the Persian government
continues to be shown by its generous treatment
of Americans engaged in missionary labors,
and by the cordial disposition of the Shah to
encourage the enterprise of our citizens in the
development of Persian resources.
A discussion is in progress touching the
jurisdictional treaty rights of the United
States in Turkey. An earnest effort will be
made to define these rights to the satisfaction
OF OOtn governments. Questions continually
arise in our relations with several countries in
respect to the rights of naturalized citizens.
Especially is the case with France, Italy,
Russia and Turkey, and to less extent with
Switzerland. From time to time earnest
efforts have been made to regulate this subject
by conventions with these countries.
An improper use of naturalization should
not be permitted, but it is most important
that those who have been duly naturalized
should everywhere be accorded recognition
of the rights pertaining to the citizenship
Of the country Of their adoption. The appro-
priateness of special conventions for that pur-
pose is recognized in treaties which this gov
ernment has concluded with a number Of
European States, and it is advisable that the
difficulties which now arise in our relations
with other countries on the same subject
should be similarly adjusted
The recent revolution in Brazil in favor of
the establishment of republican form of
government, is an event of great interest TO the
United States. Our minister at Rio de Janeiro
was at once instructed to maintain friendly
diplomatic relations with the provisional gov
ernment, and the Brazilian representatives a,
this capital were instructed by the provisio nal
government to continue their functions. Our
minister has been further instructed to extend,
on the part of our government, formal and
cordial recognition of the new republic so soon
as the majority of the people of Brazil shall