Thomas County cat., 1890-12-04


ments were not observed. A new agree
ment as tn the time of payment has been
approved and is now in force. Other just
claims Of citizens of the United States for
redress of wrongs suffered during the
late political contest in Hayti, it is
hoped, will speedily yield friendly
treatment.
THE TREATY WITH ITALY.
Propositions for the amendment of the
treaty of extradition between the United
States and Italy are now under considera-
tion.
You will b. asked to provide the means
of accepting the invitation of the Italian
government to take part in an approach
ing conference to consider the adoption
of a universal prime meridian from which
to reckon longitude and time. As this
proposal follows in the track of the re-
form sought to be initiated by the merid-
ian conference of Washington held on the
invitation of this government, the United
States should manifest friendly interest
in the initial proposal.
In this connection may refer with ap-
proval to the suggestion OF my predeces-
sors, that standing provisions be made for
accepting. whenever deemed advisable,
|
ernments to share in conferences looking
to the Advancement of international re-
form in regard to science, sanitation COM
mercial laws and procedure and other
matters affecting the intercourse and pro-
| gress of modern communities. In the
summer of 1889 an incident occurred
which for some time threatened to inter
rupt the cordiality of our relations with
the government of Portugal.
That government seized the Delagoa
Bay railway, which was constructed uu-
der concession granted 10 an American
| artisan, and at the same time annulled
the charter. The concessionary who had
embarked his fortune in the enterprise,
having exhausted o.her means of redress,
was compelled to invoke the protection
of his government. Our representations,
made coincidentally 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 in
demnity, growing out of its action, to
arbitration.
This plan of settlement having been
agreed upon, the interested powers read
| lily concurred in the proposal to submit
|
three eminent jurists, to be designated
by the president of the Swiss republic;
who, upon the Joint invitation of the
governments of the United States. Great
Britain and Portugal, has selected per-
sons we'll qualified for the task before
them.
| JAPANESE TREATY RELATIONS.
The revision of our treaty relations
with the empire of Japan has continued
to be the subject of consideration and of
correspondence. 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,
l sincerely hope that such revision as
will satisfy the legislative expectations OF
the Japanese government and maintain
the present long existing friendly rela-
tions between Japan and the United
States will be effected.
MExICO.
The friendship between our country
and Mexico. born of close neighbOrhood
and strengthened by many considerations
| of intimate intercourse and reciprocity,
| have never ben more conspicuous than
now, nor more hopeful of increased ben
! eft to both nations.
! 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 importance of the Mexican rail-
way system will be further enhanced to
a degree almos. impossible to forecast il
| it should become link in the projected
inter-continental railway.
| 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 by the
continuance of methods of friendly nego-
tiation much may be accomplished in the
direction of an adjustment of pending
questions and of the increase of trade.
The extent and development of our
trade with the Island of Cuba invest the
commercial relations of the United States
and Spain with peculiar importance.
1t is not doubted that special ar
rangement in regard to commerce based
upon the reciprocity provision of the re-
| cent dNl NOuAu opCAdlc iuost pcu-
efically for both governments. This sub
ject is now receiving attention.
| JOHN ERICSSON.
The restoration of the remains of John
Ericsson to Sweden afforded a gratifying
occasion to honor the great inventor, to
whose genius our country owes so much
and to bear witness TO the unbroken
friendship which has lasted between the
land which bore him and our own, which
| claimed him as citizen.
THE VENEZUELA CLAIMS.
On the second of September last the
commission appointed tn revise the pro-
ceedincs of the commission under the
claim convention between the United
States and Venezuela of 1866 brought its
labors TO & close within the period fixed
for that purpose.
The proceedings of the late commission
were characterized by spirit Of impair
tiality and p high sense of justice and an
incident which was for many years the
subject Of discussion between the two
governments has been disposed of in a
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 a joint
resolution adopted at the last session ol
/ congress. negotiations are still in pro-