Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-12-18
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Prssident HnrrIson's Third Annual
Address TO Congress on Affairs
of National Interest.
The Michigan Electoral system and
Gerrymander Discussed at Length.
--Tarif and the silver Problem.
Reciprocity. Isehring Sea Dispute, the
American Hog, Chili's Insult, Our
Indians and Other Matters.

executive departments required by law 10 be
submitted to me, which are herewith trans
mitted. and the reports of the Secretary of tho
Treasury and the Attorney General, made
directly TO Congress, furnish comprehensive
view of the administrative work of the last
fiscal year relating to internal affairs.
RECIPROCITY.
The work OF tho State Department during
the last year has been characterized by an
unusual number of important negotiations
and by diplomatic results of n notable and
highly beneficial character. Among these are
che reciprocal trade arrangements which have
been concluded in the exercise of the powers
conferred by section of the tariff law with
the Republic of Brazil, with Spain for its
West India possessions and for San Domingo
Like negotiations with other countries have
been much advanced. and it is hoped that be-
fore the close of the year further definite trade
arrangements Of great value will be con-
cluded.
BEHRING SEA DISPUTE.
In my last annual message j stated that the
basis of arbitration proposed by her majesty's
government for the adjustment of the long
pending controversy as 20 the seal fisheries
was not acceptable. am glad now to be able
Co announce that terms satisfactory To this
government have been agreed upon and that
Is necessary 10 the completion OF the conven-
ton.
BOUNDARY DISPUTES.
Provision should be made for n joint demar-
cation of tho frontier line between Canada and
the United States wherever REQUIRED by the in
creasing border settlements and especially for
the exact location OF tie water boundary IN
The straits and rivers.
/ should hive been glad TO announce some
favorable disposition of the boundary dispute
between Great Britain and Venezuela, touch
ing the western frontier of British Guiana,
but the friendly efforts of the United states
In that direction have thus far been unavail-
ing. This government will continue 10 eX-
press its concern at any appearance of foreign
encroachment on territories long under the
administrative control OF American states.
THE AMERICAN HOG.
The law of the last Congress providing sys-
TEN OF inspection for our meats intended for
export and clothing the President with power
60 exclude foreign products from our market
In case the country sending them should per-
petuate unjust discrimination against any
product of the United States, placed this gov
eminent in IA position 10 effectively urge the
removal Of such discrimination against our
meats. Ii Is gratifying TO state that Germany,
Denmark, Italy, Austria and France, in the
order named, have opened their ports TO in
6pected American pork products. The remov-
al of these restrictions in every instance was
asked for and given solely upon the ground
that we had now provided meat inspection
that should be accepted as adequate to the
complete removal OF the danger, real or
fancied, which had been previously urged.
The outlines OF an agreement have been
reached with Germany, looking to equitable
trade concessions in consideration Of The con-
tnued free importation of her sugars, but the
time has not yet arrived when this cores
pondence can be submitted to Congress.
THE NEW ORLEANS LYNCHING.
The lynching at New Orleans in March last
of eleven men Of Italian nativity by mob of
citizens was a most deplorable and discredit-
able incident 1t did not however, have its
origin in any general animosity TO the Italian
people nor any disrespect TO the Government
of Italy, with which our relations were of the
most friendly character. 1t was once repre-
scented by the Italian Minister that several of
those whose lives had been taken by the mob
were Italian subjects, and demand was made
for the punishment of the participants and for
an indemnity to the families of those who were
killed. The views Of this government as TO its
obligations TO foreigners domiciled here were
fully stated in the correspondence. The tenn
pOrary absence of a Minister Plenipotentiary
of Italy at this capital has retarded the fur
ther correspondence, but tits not doubted that
friendly conclusion is attainable.
Some suggestions growing out OF this un-
happy incident are worthy Of attention of
Congress. 1t would, believe, be entirely COM
petent for Congress TO make offenses against
she treaty rights of foreigners domiciled in the
United states cognizable in the federal courts.
This has not, however, been done, ami the fed
eral officers and courts have no power in such
cases TO intervene either for the protection of
a foreign citizen or for the punishment of his
slayers. IL seems to me to follow, in this state
of law, that the officers of the state charged
with the police and judicial powers in such
casesmust in consideration of internal questions
growing out of such incidents, be regarded in
such sense as federal agents as 10 make this
government answerable for their acts in cases
where it should be answerable If the United
States had used its constitutional power TO de-
fine and punish crimes against treaty rights.
THE CIVIL WAR N CHILL.
The civil war in Chill, which began in Janu-
airy last, was continued, but fortunately with
infrequent and not important armed collisions
until August %, when the Congressional forces
landed near Valparaiso and after a bloody
engagement captured that city. President
Balmaceda at once recognized that his cause
was lost, and a provisional government WAS
speedily established by the Victorious party.
Our Minister was promptly directed TO recog-
niZe and put himself In communication with
this government 30 soon as il should have
established its de faCtO character, which was
done. During the pendency OF this civil con-
test frequent Indirect appeals were made TO
this government 10 extend belligerent rights
Representatives. This was declined and that
policy was pursued throughout which this
government, when wrenched by civil war.
so strenuously insisted upon on the part Of
European nations.
During the progress Of the war in Chill this
government rendered its good Offices TO hiring
about peaceful ad justmeut. and twas at one
time hoped that a. good result might be
reached; but in thiswe were disappointed.
The instruction 10 our naval officers and to
our Minister at santiago, from first to the last
of their struggle, enjoined upon them the
most lfnp5fllal treatment ana absolute nom
interference. i am satisfied that these in
structiOns were observed and that our repre-
sentatives were always watchful TO use their
influence impartially in the interest of human
ity, and, on IN re than one occasion, did 50
effectively.
The collapse of the government of Balmaceda
brought about condition which Is unfortu-
nately too familiar in the history of the Cen
trail and South American States With the
overthrow OF the Balmaceda Government, he
an many Of his councillors and officers be-
came at once fugitves for their lives and APP
pealed To the commanding officers of the
foreign naval vessels in the harbor OF Val
paraiso and 10 the resident foreign Ministers
at Santiago for asylum. This asylum was
freely given. according TO my information. by
che naval vessels OF several foreign powers
and by several OF the legislatoas at Santiago.
The American Minister, as well as his col
LEAGUES, acting upon the impulses OF humanity,
extended asylum TO political refugees whose
lives were in peril. have not been willing to
direct the surrender OF such of these person
as are still In the American legation without
suitable conditions.
THE MASSACRE OF THE SAILORS
On the 10th of October an event occurred in
Valparaiso 30 serious and tragic in its circum-
Gtances and results ms 10 excite the indigna-