The record-union., 1891-12-10
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

THIS morning. IL is q direct, business
like, and easily understood document.
Except in two divisions, it is not dis
tinguished by any brilliancy or especial
vigor of treatment, but it is not to be said
that it is timid.
In time of profound peace, when
there is little exciting occupation of the
public mind with affairs of State, and
when condition of quietude and general
content obtains, there is no reason to ex-
pect in State document any especial
brilliancy or strong appeals to national
pride.
The message is very lengthy, and will
not, therefore, secure the general reading
that all State papers should have. But
such is the extent of the country; so
greatly have the interests and needs of
the nation developed into prominence; so
large is the increase of duty in the sew
eral departments; so many the questions
Of public policy that have arisen in the
last few years, and so extensive the oper-
alton Of the Federal laws and schemes,
that we incline to the belief that the day
of short Presidential annual messages
has gone not to return.
Only mere reference is made to the con-
clusion of reciprocity treaties. The seal
fishery trouble is dismissed with dis
claimer that our Government has been at
all responsible for the delay in adjustment,
and with the expression of belief that a
satisfactory basis of arbitration has been
reached. But even under delay that grew
vexatious, a provisional closed season
was agreed upon, which, we are assured,
has greatly lessened the destruction of the
seals.
Upon American inspection, Germany,
Austria, Italy, Denmark and France have
within the year removed restrictions
upon the export of American meats to
their countries. Equitable trade conces-
sions have been accorded US by Germany
in consideration of the free importation
of sugar. We are at peace with all ma
tions, and our relations with but two are
at all under strain.
The New Orleans incident is briefly
stated, and Congress is advised to con-
slider the necessity of giving Federal
courts jurisdiction over felonious offenses
against treaty rights of foreigners dom
iciled in the United States, a recon-
mendation that is wise, since in any COM
plications arising out of such offenses the
Federal Government must bear the pun
ishment and do the fighting.
Chilean insurgents were not recognized
as belligerents, says the President, be-
cause during our own rebellion we
strenuously protested against similar
action by the Powers of Europe He de-
fe. DIS the United States representative in
Ff,il Il hot
hastily judged by the popular voice. AS
to the Itata incident, the President justi-
fies the seizure, and points to the fact that
the Chilean Junta itself confessed the er-
ror of the ship in escaping from Federal
control at San Diego, and without de-
mand fastened to announce, that on her
arrival in Chilean waters, she would be
returned to the custody of the United
States.
The Federal Court at Los Angeles held
that as the insurgents had not been recog-
nized as belligerents, there was no viola
ton Of neutrality laws by the Itata
From this judgment the United States
Government appealed, not with any
thought of further pursuing the Itata,
but in order to have the question passed
upon by the higher tribunal, and the law
of such cases once for all settled.
The policy of the United States in the
Chilean revolution was that Of non-inter-
ference. It recognized the established
Government only, but treated the revo-
lutionists with impartiality. No official
complaint has been made against Mr..
Egan, and regret is expressed that he
should be so harshly criticised. The
asylum extended Chilean refugees by the
American Minister is defended, and will
be maintained until satisfactory guaran-
tees to the refugees are given.
The Baltimore incident is treated with
vigor. The President means to be under
stood as believing that the investigation
by the Baltimore's officers developed the
truth, and that the assault upon the ships
sailors was deliberate insult to the Amer
lean uniform. The United States only
waits, and that impatiently, for the
Chilean court to conclude its investiga-
ton, when the demand for reparation
and apology will be renewed, unless it is
especially and conclusively shown that
the Baltimore's crew were blamew orthy.
which the President does not believe
they were.
In the rejection of Mr.. Blair as United
States Minister, because he was related to
the passage of the Restriction Act. the
President declares that China has made a
serious blunder. For the real objection
is not against the person, but the law: the
logical result of such excuse for rejection
is this, that China may debar any accred-
tied representative so long as restrictive
laws remain against the Chinese upon
our statute books. Under such policy
the relations of the countries would be-
come strained.
The country is congratulated upon the
increase of the postal service and upon
the economy of its administration. Let
ter delivery in small cities and towns is
approved, and letter delivery in rural
parts is suggested on the ground that its
absence is an injustice to the farmer, who
must come considerable distances and
stand in line at a general delivery win
dow, or rent box, while the townman
toasts his toes at home and has his mail
delivered by his side. Concerning the
ocean mail service, it is confessed that
efforts to place it upon American bottoms
have practically failed. But we are told
that this is no reason for encouragement.
What the Government asks by its bids
for service calls for 100000 expendi-
ture in American ship-yards. That will
be made, and speedily, and if we are
faithful TO our present offers of compen-
sation for the ocean mail service, it will
not be long before success will be
achieved, renewal of American ship
ping be secured, and recovery had of a
fair share of the carving trade of the