Huntsville gazette., 1890-12-06
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Opening of the Second Session Of
the Fifty-First Congress.
presjdent Harrison Transmits His Second
Annual Message to Congress,
which is Read in Both
Houses.

WASHINGTON, Dec. Promptly at
roon both houses of Congress were
called to order, in the presence OF
large and interested crowds of specta-
tors. Numerous f2sal emblems deco
rated the desks of ia! ored Senator'S and
representatives, and there was merry
aow Of badinage over the results of the
late elections
The preliminary business having been
transacted which consisted in admins
terinr the oath to few new Senators
and members, the usual committees
we're appointed to wait upon the Presi-
dent and inform him that Congress was
in session and ready to receive any
communication he might be pleased to
make.
At 1870 p. m. Private Secretary Hal
ford appeared at the bar of the House
and presented the Presidents annual
message which was at once read. A
copy was also presented in the Senate.
The message is as follows:
To THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTA-
TIvEs-The reports of the several executive
departments, which will be laid before Con-
gress in the usual course, viii exhibit in de-
tail the operations of the Government for
the last fiscal year. Only the more impor-
taut incidents and results and chiefly such
as may be the foundation of the recon-
mendaton l shall submit, will be referred to
in this annual message.
The vast and increasing business of the
Government has been trans acted by the sew
eral departments during the year with faith
fulness, energy and success. The revenue,
amounting to above $3.50 900, ,0O0 has been col
lpc+pt and 1iGbnrlp1 EritbOpt REVEALING
far as can ascertain, single case of de-
ialcation or embezzlement. An earnest
effort has been made to stimulate a sense of
responsibility and public duty in all officers
and employees of every grade and the work
done by them has almost wholly escaped un-
favorable criticism. l speak of these matters
with freedom, because the credit of this
good work is not mine, but is shared by the
heads of the several departments with the
great body of faithful officers and employees
who serve under them. The closest scrutiny
of Congress is invited to all the methods of
the Administration. and to every item Of ex-
penditure.
FOREIGN RELATIONS,
The friendly relations of our country with
the nations of Europe and of the East have
been undsturDed, while the ties of good will
and common interest that bind us to the
states of the iFestern Hemisphere have been
notably strengthened by the conference held
IN this capital TO consider measures for the
general welfare.
THE INTERNATIONAL MARINE CONFERENCE.
The International Marine Conferenc G
which met at Washington last winter
reacned very gratifying result. The regu :
lations suggested have been brought to the
attention OF all the governments represent
ed ana their general adoption is confidently
expected. The legislation of Congress al
the last session is in conformity with the
propositions of the conference, and the proc
lamation therein provided for will be issued
when the other powers have given notice OF
their adhesion.
THE BRAZILIAN REPUBLIC.
Toward the end of the past year the only
independent monarchical government on the
Western continent, that of Brazil, ceased to
exist and was succeeded by a republic Dip.
lomatic relations were at once established
with the new government, but it was not
completely recognized until an opportunitS
had been afforded to ascertain that it hal
popular approval and support. When the
course of events had yielded assurances oi
this fact, no time was lost in extending tie
new government a full and cordial welcome
into the family of American commonwealths
THE KILLING OF BARRUNDIA.
The killing of General Barrundia on boa.d
the Pacific Mail steamer Acapulco, while an
chored en- transit in the port of San Jose de
Guatemala, demanded careful inquiry. Hav-
ing failed III a revolutionary attempt to in
wade Guatemala from Mexican territory
General Barrundia took passage at Acapulco
for Panama. The consent of the representa-
tyes OF the United States was sought TO
elect his seizure, first at Champrico, where
the steamer touched, and afterwards at San
Jose. The captain of the steamer refused to
gVeup his passenger without a written or
Der from the United States Minister;
the latter furnished the desired
letter, stipulating as the conditions
OF MS action, that General Barrundia's life
should be spared and that he should be tried
only 1or o1enses growing out of his insurrec-
tlohary movements. This letter was pro-
duced TO the captain of the Acapulco by the
military commander at San Jose as his war
rant 10 take the passenger from the steamer
rag1G tod nplft AZ u
Killed 1t being evident that the Minister,
Mr.. Miner, had exceeded the bounds of his
authority IN intervening, in compliance with
the demands of the Guatemalan authorities
10 authorize and effect, in violation of prece-
9eht, the seizure on a vessel of the United
states OF passenger in transit charged with
poitlcal oflenses, in order that he might be
heId for such offenSes under what was de-
scrlbed as martial law, / was constrained to
alsayow Mr.. MINERS act and recall him from
his post.
THE NICARAGUA CANAL PROJECT.
Inc Nicaragua canal project, under the
control or our citizens, is making the most
encouraging progress, all the preliminary
conditions and initial operations having been
accomplished within the prescribed time.
THE CHILIAN CLAIMS.
During the year negotiations have been re-
neWeq Tor the settlement of the claims o1
american citizens against the Government
OF Chilli, principally growing out of the late
war with Peru. The reports from our Minis
- ot DautidSO warrant tne eApc-'IatiOn Ol al
carry ana satisfactory adjustment.
CHINA.
our relations with China, witch have for
several years occupied SO impo stant place
IN IN our diplomatic history, haYe called for
careIul consideration and have Deen the sub
!ect or much correspondence. The cOmmuni-
edtonS OF the Chinese Minister nave brought
!hto view the whole subject o. our conven-
stohal hal relations with his county; and at the
came time this Government, through its lega-
N.OIl AT fekin. has SOnphf TO arrange various
matters and complaints touching the inter-
III Tsts ana projections of our citizens in China.
~ "a persuance of the concurrent resolution of
Ur1ooer l, 1880, have proposed to the Gov
ottIlnGut OF Mexico, and Great Britain, to
SuhS!oer a conventional regulation of the
passing OF Chinese laborers across our south
e4n ana northern frontiers.
SAMOAN AFFAIRS.
H., ne samoan treaty, signed last year at Ber-
ny the representatives of the United
rse.ees, germany and Great Britain, after due
dnal d%.ne9.lon and exchange, has begun to pro-
Suee sanitary effects The formation of the
~. bsSSIIhment q agreed upon will soon replace
~ suIsorder OF the past By stable admins
taiioil, alike just to the natives and equitable
az snd dne three powers most concerned in trade
N Intercourse with the Samoan Islands.
-, RELATIONS WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
EritnG; my new treaty of extradition with Great
riiaui after due ratification, was pro.
cii iillI-eu on the 25th of last March It's benefi-
en- %oIk Is already apparent. The differ
tho eetWeen the two governments touching
cet iuI seal question in the Behring sea is not
tau!usted, as will be seen by the CORE.
eTeSs eHTg,eWhieh T, viii soon be laid before Con-