Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-02

orders then and afterward prevailing in
Hayti, the terms of payments were not OBJ
served. A new agreement as to the time of
payment has been approved and is now in
force. Other Just claims of citizens of the
United States Ior redress of wrongs suffered
during the late political conflict in Hayti
will, it is hoped, speedily yield to friendly
treatment.
Propositions for the amendment of the
treaty of extradition between the United
States and Italy are now under consideration.
You will be asked to provide the means of
accepting the invitation of the Italian Gov
ernmeut to take part in an approaching con-
ference TO consider the adoption OF uni
versal prime meridian from which to reckon
longitude and time. As this proposal follows
in the track OF the reform sought to be ln-
itiated by the meridian conference of WASH
ington, held on the invitation of this
Government, the United States should man.
ilesL friendly interest in the Italian pro-
pos2l.
Authority to Accept Invitations.
Ia this connection L may refer with an
proval TO the suggestion OF my predecessors,
that standing provision be made ior accept
ing whenever deemed advisable, the fire.
ouent invitations OF foreign governments
TO share in conferences looking to advance
ment of International reforms in regard to
science. sanitation, commercial laws and
procedure and other matters affecting the
Intercourse and progress OF modern COM
munities.
In the summer of 1889 an incident oc-
CURED which Tor some time threatened to
interrupt the cordiality Of our relations
with the Government OF Portugal. That
Government seized the Dela-oa Bay Rail-
wav, which was constructed under j con-
cession granted to an American citizen, and
1t 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
a Dispute With Portugal Settled.
Our representations, made coincidently
with those OF the British Government, whose
subjects were also largely interested, happily
resulted in the recognition by Portugal OF
the proprIety of submitting the claim for
indemnity growing out of its action, to ar
bitratou. This plan of settlement having
been agreed upon the interested powers
readily concurred in the proposal to submit
the case TO the judgement o. three eminent
iurists, TO be deSi ignated by the President Of
the Swiss Republic, who, upon the joint in
vitation OF the governments of the United
States, Great Britain and Portugal, has
selected persons well qualified for the task
before them.
The revision of our treaty relations with
the empire of Japan has continued to be
the subject of consideration and of cores
pondence. The questions 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 satisfy the legitimate
expectations of the Japanese Government
and maintain the present and long existing
friendly relations between Japan and the
United States, will be effected.
The Friendship With Mexico.
The friendship between our country and
Mexico, born of close neighborhood and
strengthened by many considerations of in
innate intercourse aud reciprocal interest,
has never been more conspicuous than now,
nor more hopeful of increased benefit to
both uations. The intercourse OF the two
countries by rail, already great, is making
constant growth. The established lines, and
those recently projected, add to the intimacy
Of traffic and open new channels of access to
fresh areas of demand and supply. The i'm.
portance of the Mexican railwa system will
be further enhanced to a degree almost i'm
possible TO forecast. 1! it should become a
link In the projected inter-continental rail-
w1v, / recommend that our mission in the
City of Mexico be raised to the first class.
The cordial character of our relations
with Spain warrants the hope that bv the
continuance of methods of friendly nego-
tiation much may be accomplished in the
direction of an adjustment of pending Ques-
tIons and of the increase os our trade. The
extent and development of our trade with the
Island of Cuba invests the commercial rela-
ticns of the United States and Spain with a
peculiar Importance. 1t is not doubted that
= special arrangement in regard to COM
merce. based upon the reciprocity provision
OF the recent tariff act, would operate most
benefeially Tor both Governments. This
subject is now receiving attention.
A Great Inventor Honored.
The restoration of the remains of John
Ericsson to Sweden afforded 4 gratifying
occasion 10 honor the memory of the great
inventor, to whose genius our country owes
so much. and 10 bear witness to the unbroken
friendship which has existed between the
land which bore him and our own, which
claimed him as citizen.
On the ID OF September last the commits
sion appointed TO revise the proceedings of
the commission under the claims conyen-
tion between the United States and Ven
eZuela OF 1866, brought its labors to close
within the period fixed for that purpose.
Lie proceedings 'Oi lue Iale commission
were characterized by spirit of impartial
ity and a high sense of justice, and an in
cIdent which was for many years the sub
ject OF discussion between the two Govern
ments has been disposed of in manner
alike honorable and satisfactory to both
parties. For the settlement of the claim Of
the Venezuela Steam Transportation Com
pany, which was the subject of joint reso-
luton adopted at the last session of Con-
gress, negotiations are still in progress and
their early conclusion is anticipated.
Importance of the Consular Service.
The legislation of the past few years has
evInced on the part of Congress a growing
realization o! the importance of the consul
lar service in fostering our commercial rela-
tions abroad and in protecting the domestic
revenues. As the scope of operations ex-
pands, increased provision must be made
10 keep up the essential standard of efici.
ency. The necessity of some adequate meas.
ure of supervision and inspection has been
so often presented that 1 need only com.
mend the subject to your attention.
FINANCIAL AFFAIRS,