Fergus County argus., 1890-12-11

the SWISS republic. who, upon the joint in
vtatlOn OF the governments of the United
states. Great Britain and Portugal, has se-
iected 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 il 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
exlectations OF the Japanese government
and maintain the present and long exist
ing friendly relations between Japan and
the United States will be effected,
The friendship between our country and
Mexico, born Of close neighboring and
strengthened by many considerations of
intimate intercourse and reciprocal interest,
mas never been more conspicuous than now.
nor more hopeful of increased benefit to
both nations. The intercourse of the two
Countries by rail, already great, is making
constant growth. The established lines
anu those recently projected add to the
intimacy of traffic and open new channels
oi access to fresh areas Of demand and sup
pIy. The Importance Of the Mexican rail-
way system will be further enhance i to n
degree almost impossible tO forecast if il
should become link in the projected inter-
continental railway. l recommend that our
mission to the City Of Mexico be raised to
the first class.
The cordial character of our relations
with spain warrants the hOpe that by the
continuance Of friendly negotiation much
may be accomplished in the direction of an
adjustment Of pending questions Of the in
crease of our trade. The extent and de-
velOpnent of our trade with the island of
Cuba invests the commercial relations of
the United States and Spain with n peculiar
importance. 1t il not doubted that a spccial
ARRANGEMENT in regard to commerce. based
upon the reciprocity provision of the re-
cent tariff act. would operate most bene-
hcial for both governments. This subject
II now receiving attention.
he restoration Of the remains of John |
Ericsson to Sweden afforded gratifying
occasion to honor the memory of the great |
inventor to whose genius our country owes |
broken friendship which has existed be- |
tween the land which bore him and our |
own. which claimed him as citizen.
On the second of September last the
commission appointed to revise the pro-
of the commission under the
Venezuela. of 1sta;, brought its labors to
rlose within the period fixed for that pur-
pose. The proceedings of the late commits
sion were characterized by spirit of impair
fiality and high sense of Justice, and an in
cident which was for many years the sub
iect Of discussion between the two govern
ments has been disposed OF in a manner
alike honorable and satisfactory to both
parties. For the settlement Of the claim of
he Venezuelan Steam Transportation CON-
pany. which was the subject of a joint resO-
ution adopted at the last session Of con-
,ress. negotiations are still in progress and
heir early conclusion il anticipated.
The legislation of the past few years has
evidenced on the part of congress grow
ny realization of the importance of consul
ar service in fostering our commercial re-
ations abroad and in protecting the do
nestle revenues. As the scope of opera I
ions expand increased provision must be
made to keep the essential standard of
The necessity of some adequate
Measure of supervision and inspection has .
'een so often presented that need only ,,
ommend the subject to your attention.