The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-10
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

The message of President Harrison,
which was sent to both houses of Con-
gress yesterday, is a longer document
than was expected, but every line of it
will pay perusal. 1t is clear, concise
and statesmanlike paper which displays
the almost unparalleled prosperity of
! the country while our relations with
foreign governments are intelligently
! discussed.
Reciprocal trade arrangements have
been concluded with Brazil, with San
Domingo and with Spain for her West
India possessions while negotiations with
other countries have been advanced, and
before the close of the year it is expected
other trade arrangements of great val
ues will have been concluded. With
Great Britain an agreement has been en-
tered into for the protection of the seals
in Behring sea, preliminary to the ad-
iustment of the long pending controver-
sy concerning the ownership of the seal
fishing grounds, and in Germany, Den
mark, Italy, Austria and France, as a
consequence of the meat inspection law
passed by the last Congress the restrict
ions have been raised against the impor-
tation of American pork products.
The subject Of the difficulties had with
Italy early in the year, in consequence of
the lynching of natives of that country
in New Orleans, is treated at length.
The story is an old one now, but the
President shows that on the part of the
United States the trouble was treated in
a calm and dignified way, and only the
undue and unjust demands of Italy, fol-
lowed by the hasty recall of her minister
TO Washington prevented settlement
of the troubles long since. The right of
the State of Louisiana to try and punish
the offenders i'm accordance with her own
laws is recognized, but the President be-
lieves that III international disputes of
that character the Federal courts should
have some power of jurisdiction as they
have to define and punish crimes against
treaty rights.
The President may disappoint some Of
those who believe the United States
should mt once send war vessels to
Chile to teach the pugnacious people of
that country that American sailors
peaceably pursuing their way through
the streets of one of the cities must not
be assaulted and shot down in cold blood.
In the case of the sailors of the Balti-
more the Chilean government has shown
defiant attitude and a disposition to
unduly delay investigation and settle
ment of matters. Such statement of
affairs would be sufficient provocation
for some of the European powers TO send
a feet of vessels to lombard the practi-
cally undefended port of Valparaiso, but
President Harrison evidently believes
that a wiser course is TO permit the gov
ernment of Chile TO think twice before
compelling the United States TO take
harsher measures. He says:
This government Is now awaiting the result
of an Investigation which has been conducted
by the Criminal Court at Valparaiso. IL il re-
ported unoficially, that the investigation IL
about completed. ann " II cNpctlcu that the
result will soon be communicated 90 this gov
eminent. together with some adequate and
satisfactory response To the note by which the
attention OF Chile was called to this incident.
III these just expectations should he disap-
pointed or further needless delay intervene,
will by "a special message bring this matter
again tO the attention OF Congress Tor such
action as may he necessary
Should il be necessary for the second
message to Ice sent 30 Congress IL will
probably recommend that stern and
speedy means be taken to bring Chile TO
her senses.
The President recommends that the
Chinese immigration laws be 80 amended
rs To furnish the temporary admission of
| Chinese artisans and laborers in connec-
ton with the Chinese exhibit at the Chi
cago fair; that the government accept
the invitation Of the Spanish govern
ment 10 Join in the Madrid exposition TO
celebrate the 4OOth anniversary of the
| sailing of Columbus: that the friendship
/ existing between this country and
1 Hawaii be more firmly cemented by all
ditional treaties and that the harbor Of