Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1891-12-18
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
THE ANNUAL DOCUMENT READ
BEFORE CONGRESS-.
The silver Question, American Meat.
Abroad, and other Important
Matters Discussed.

WAsHrNGToN, ID. C., Dec. 9.-Presideni
Harrison's message was presented to the
joint assembly of congress at noon today
The reading was wearisome task, and
but little interest was displayed by the
members. The message is as follows:
To THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REF.
REsENTATIvFs: The reports OF the heads
OF the several executive departments, re-
quired by law to be submitted to me,
which are herewith transmitted, and the
report of the secretary of the treasury
and the attorney general, made directly to
congress, furnish comprehensive view
Of the administrative work of the las.
fcal year relating to Internal affairs. IL
would be of great advantage il these re-
ports could have an attentive perusal by
every member of congress, and by all who
take an Interest in public affairs.
Such perusal could not fail to excite
a higher appreciation of the vast labor
and conscientious efforts which are given
to the conduct of our civil administration
The reports will, believe, show that every
question has been approached, considered
and decided from the standpoint OF public
duty, and upon considerations affecting
the public interests alone. Again, invite
to every branch Of the service the atten-
ton and scrutiny of congress. The work
OF the state department during the last
year has been characterized by an unusual
number OF important negotiations and
by diplomatic results OF anotable aud highly
beneficial character. Among these ara the
reciprocal trade arrangements which have
been concluded. In the exercise of the
powers conferred by section 3 of the te,iG
law, with the republic of Brazil. with
Spain for It's West India possessions and
with San Domingo, like negotiations
With qtner countries have been
much advanced, ana 1t is hoped
that before the close OF the year further
value will be concluded. In view of the
reports which had been received IA to the
diminution Of the seal herds in the liehring
sea, deemed 1t wise to propose to her
majesty's government, IN February last,
that an agreement for closed season
should be made, PENDING the negotiations
for arbitration which then seemed to be
approaching favorable conclusion. After
much correspondence and delays, for which
this government was not responsible, an
agreement was reached and signed on the
18th Of June, by which Great Britain ul-
dertook, from that date and until May |,
1872 to prohibit the killing by her subjects
OF seals In the Behring sea, and the gov
eminent of the United States, during the
same period, to enforce its cX-
listing prohibition against pelagic
scaling, and TO limit the catch by tho
fur seal company upon the islands to 1880
skins. III this agreement could have been
reached earlier, in response to the strenu-
GUS endeavors OF this government. it would
have been more effective, but coming as
late as 1t did. it unquestionably resulted in
greatly diminishing the destruction of the
seals by the Canadian sealers. In my last
annual message stated that the basis of
arbitration proposed by her majesty's gov
eminent for the adjustment of the long
pending controversy as to the seal fisher
les, was not acceptable. | am now glad to
be able TO anndhhce that terms satisfactory
to this government have been agreed upon,
and that an agreement as TO the arbitra-
tors is all that Is necessary TO the compile
ton OF the convention. In view of the ad
vanced position which this government has
taken upon the subject of International
arbitration, this renewed expression OF our
adherence TO this method for the settle
ment of disputes, such as have arisen in
the Behrng sea, will. | doubt not meet
with the concurrence of congress.
Provision should be made for joint de-
marcation of the frontier line between
Canada and the United States, whenever
required by the increasing border settle
ments and especially for the exact location
of the water boundaries in the straits ana
rivers. | should have been glad TO an
nounce some favorable disposition of the
boundary dispute between Great Britsn
and Venezuela, touching the western
frontier of British Guiana. but the friendly
efforts of the United States in that direc-
ton have thus far been unavailing. This
government will continue to express It's
concern at any appearance of foreign en-
croachment ON territories long under the
administrative control of American states
The determination of disputed boundary
is easily attainable by amicable arbitration,
where the rights of the respective parties
rest, as here, on historic facts. readily
asccrtainabie.