Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-04

actuated by a sense of justice, and In a
spirit of the utmost friendship, promptly
disavowed the illegal conduct of it's officers,
and expressed sincere regret for the &C.
currence.
1t is confidently anticipated that a sat-
isfactory adjustment will soon be reached
of the questions arising out of the seizure
and use of American vessels by insurgents
in Honduras and the subsequent denial by
the successful Government of commercial
privileges to those vessels on that account
n notable part of the southeasterly coast
of Liberia between the Cavally and San
Pedro rivers, which for nearly half a CEN
fury has been generally recognized as be-
longing to that Republic by cession and
purchase. has been claimed to be under
the protectorate of France in virtue of
agreements entered into by the native
tribes over whom Liberals control has not
been well maintained
More recently, negotiations between the
Iiberian representative and the French
Government resulted in the signature at
Paris of treaty whereby as an adjust
ment. certain Liberian territory is coded
to France. This convention at last advices
had not been ratified by the Liberian legis-
lature and executive.
Feeling a sympathetic interest in the
fortunes of the little commonwealth, the
establishment and development of which
were largely aided by the benevolence of
our countrymen, and which constitutes the
only independently sovereign state on the
west Coast of Africa, this Government has
suggested to the French Government it's
earnest concern lest territorial impairment
in Liberia should take place without her
unconstrained consent.
Our relations with Mexico continue to be
of that close and friendly nature which
should always characterize the intercourse
of two neighboring republics.
The work of relocating the monuments
marking the boundary between the two
countries from Paso del Norte to the Pacific
is now nearly completed.
The Commission recently organized under
the conventions of 1884 and 1889 it is ex-
pected will speedily settle disputes growing
out of the shifting currents of the Rio
Grande River east of Ell Paso.
Nicaragua and the Canal.
Nicaragua has recently passed through
two revolutions, the party at first success
full having in turn been displaced by anoth-
er. Our newly appointed minister, by his
timely good offices, aided in a peaceful ad-
justment of the controversy involved in the
first conflict. The large American interests
established in that country in connection
with the Nicaragua Canal were not molested
The canal company has, unfortunately
become financially seriously embarrassed
but generous treatment has been extended
to it by the government of Nicaragua. The
United States are especially interested in
the successful achievement of the vast un-
dertaking this company has in charge. That
should ACCOMPLISHED Icti
ly American auspices. and it's enjoyment
assured not only TO the vessels of this coun-
try as a channel of communication between
our Atlantic and Pacific seaboards but to
the ships OF the world in the interests of
civilization. is a proposition which, in my
Judgment, does not admit of question.
Guatemala has also been visited by the
political vicissitudes which have afflicted her
Central American neighbors: but the disso-
luton of its legislature and the proclama-
ton of a dictatorship have been unattended
with civil war
An extradition treaty with Norway has
recently been exchanged and proclaimed.
The extradition treaty with Russia, signed
in March, 1887, and amended and confirmed
by the Senate in February last, was duly
proclaimed last June
The Samoan Protectorate.
Led by a desire to compose differences
and contribute to the restoration of order in
Samoa, which for some years previous had
been the scene of conflicting foreign preten-
sions and native strife, the United States,
departing from its policy consecrated by a
century of observance, entered four years
ago into the treaty of Berlin, thereby be-
coming Jointly bound with England and
Germany to establish and maintain Malic-
L1uDpna n Of Tba tran tx
provided for foreign court Of justice; a
municipal council for the district of Apia
with q foreign president thereof, author
lied to advise the king; a tribunal for the
settlement of native and foreign land
titles, and a revenue system for the king
dom. 1t entaile1 upon the three powers
that part of the cost of the new govern
ment not met b. the revenue of the islands.
Early in the life of this triple protectorate
the native dissensions it was designed to
Queil revived. Rivals defied the authority
of the new king, refusing to pay taxes and
demanding the election of a ruler by native
suffrage. Mataafa, an aspirant to the
throne, and large number of his native
adherents were in open rebellion on one of
the islands. Quite lately, at the request of
the other powers, and in fulfllment of its
treaty obligation, this government agreed
10 unite IN JOINT military movement OF
such dimensions would probably secure
the surrender of the insurgents without
bloodsheI.
The war ship Philadelphia was accord
ingly put under orders for Samoa, but be-
fore she arrived the threatened conflict was
precipitatei by King Malietoa's attack
upon the insurgeHt camp. Mataafa was de-
feated and number of his men killed.
The British and German naval vessels
present subsequently secured the surrender
of Matlafa and his adherents. The de-
feated chief and ten of his principal sup
porters were Geported to a German island
of the Marshall group. where they are held
as prisoners under the joint responsibility
and cost of the three powers.
This incident and the events leading up
to it signally illustrate the impolicy of en-
tangling alliances with foreign powers.
Claims Against Spain.
More than fifteen years ago this govern
mcnt preferred a claim against Spain, in
behalf of one of our citizens for property
seized and confiscated in Cuba. Elm 1856 the
claim was adjusted, Spain agreeing to pay,
CncOnditionally, fair indemnity,
81 100000 Il respectful but earnest note
was recently addressed to the Spanish gov
eminent insisting upon prompt fufillment
of its long-neglected obligation.
Otter claims. preferred by the United
States against Spain. in behalf of Ameri-
Cd