Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-12-04

Szurrt-a WHICH TOT some time threatened 10 IN
terrupt the cordiality of our relations with
the Government of Portugal. That Govern
ment seized the DelagOa Bay railway, which
was constructed under a concession granted
TO an American citizen, and at
the same time annulled the charter. The
concessionary, who had embarked his
fortune in the enterprise, having exhausted
other means of redress, was compelled to in
woke the protection of his Government. Our
representations, made coincideHtly with
those of the British Government, whose sub
jects were also largely interested, happily re-
suited in the recognition by Portugal of the
propriety of submitting the claim for indem-
nity growing out of its action, to arbitration.
The plan of settlement having been agreed
upon, the interested Powers readily con-
CURED in the proposal to submit the case to
the judgment of three eminent 1urists, TO be
designated by the President of the Swiss Re-
public who, upon the joint invitation of the
Governments of the United States, Portugal
and Great Britain, has selected persons well
qualified for the task before them.
The revision of our treaty with the Empire
of japan has continued to be the subject of
consideration of correspondence. The ques
tions involved are both grave and delicate,
and while it will be my duty to see that the
interests of the United States are not by any
changes exposed to undue discrimination
sincerely hope that such revision as will sat
isfy the legitimate expectations of the Japan
ese Government and maintain the present
long existing friendly relations between ia
pan and the United States will be, effected.
OUR RELATIONS WITH MEXICO.
The friendship between our country and
Mexico, born of close neighborhOOd and
strengthened by many considerations of init
mate Intercourse and reciprocity, have never
been more conspicuous than now, nor more
hopeful of Increased benefit to both Nations.
%,-fsa
already great, is making constant growth.
The established lines and those recently pros
pected add to the intimacy oftraffic and open
new channels of access to fresh areas of de-
mand and supply. The Importance of the
Mexican railway system will be further en-
hanced to degree almost impossible to fore
cast, if it should become a link in the pro-
iected intercontinentalr railway. Irecommend
that our mission in the City of Mexico be
raised to the first class.
RECIPROCITY WITH SPAIN.
The cordial character of our relations with
Spain warrants the hope that by the cOntinu-
ance of methods of friendly negotiation much
may be accomplished in the direction of an
adjustment of pending questions and of the
increase of our trade. The extent and the
development of our trade with the island of
Cuba invest the commercial relations of the
United States and Spain with peculiar impor-
tance. 1t is not doubted that a special ar
rangement in regard to commerce, based
upon the reciprocity provision of the recent
tariff act would operate most beneficially for
both Governments. This subject is now re-
ceiving attention.
The restoration of the remains of John
Ericsson to Sweden afforded gratifying oc-
casion to honor the memory of the great in
ventor, to whose genius our country owes so
much, and to bear witness to the unbrOken
friendship which has existed between the
land which bore him and our own which
claimed him as Il citizen.
On the I'd of September last the Commits
sion appointed to revise the proceedings of
the Commission under the claims conven-
tion, between the United States and NeneZue-
la, of 1886, brought its labOrs to close with
in the period fixed for that purpose. The
proceedings of the late Commission were
characterized by a spirit of impartiality and
a high sense of justice and an incident which
was for many years the subject of discussion
between the two Governments has been dis
posed of in a manner alike honorable and
satisfactory to both parties, for the settle
ment of the claim of the Venezuela Steam
Transportation Company which was the sub
ject of joint resolution adopted at the last
session of Congress. Negotiations are still
in progress and their early conclusion is an
ticipated.
The legislation of the past few years has
evinced on the part of Congress a growing
realization of the Importance of the CONNER
cial relations abroad, and in protecting the
domestic revenues. As the scope of opera
tions expands, increased provisions must be
made to keep up the essential standard of ef
Iicicncy. The necessity of some adequate
measure of supervision and inspection has
been so often presented that 1 need only
commend the subject to your attention.