The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-12-04

man island OF the Marshall group. where they
arc held as prisoners under the Joint response
bility ana cosb OF tho three powers.
This incident and the events leading up to 1t
signally illustrates the impolicy Of entan.
Cling alliances with foreign powers.
Spain 10 Friendly.
More than 10 years ago this government
preferred a claim against Spain in behalf of
one OF our citizens, for property seized and
conhscated In Cuba. IN 1886 the claim was
adjusted, Spain agreeing TO pay, uncondition-
ally, as n fair indemnity, sl,5W,000 A re-
spectful hut earnest note was recently ad-
dressed to the Spanish government. insisting
upon prompt fulhllment OF its long neglected
obligation.
Other claims preferred by the United States
against Spain, In behalf of American citi.
xens for property conhscated In Cuba. have
been pending for many years At the time
spain's title 10 the Caroline islands was con-
lrmed by arbitration, that government agreed
that the rights which had been acquired
there by American missionaries should be
recognized and respected. IL Is sincerely
hoped that this pledge will be observed by
allowing our missionaries who were re-
moved from Penape 70 n place OF safety by
United States warship during the late
troubles between the spanish garrison and
the natives to return 10 their field of useful
ness.
The reproduced caraval. Santa Maria built
by Spain and sent 10 the Columbian exposi-
tion. has been presented TO the United States
in token OF amity and in commemoration of
the event il was dc&yned to celebrate. /
recommend that, In accepting this gift, con-
gress make grateful recognition Of the sincere
friendship which prompted II.
Trouble with Turkey.
Important matters have demanded atten-
tion in our relations with the Ottoman Porte.
The firing and partial destruction by an unre-
H. a. 49, ~ A. A,h, l..4l.
of Anatolia college, established by citizens OF
the United States at Marsovan, and the appar-
ent indifference OF the Turkish government to
the outrage, Notwithstanding the completely
of some of its officials, called for earnest re-
monstrance, which was followed by promises
Of reparaticn and punishment Of the Of
tenders.
Indemnity for the injury to the buildings
has already been paid, permission TO rebuild
given, registration OF the school property in
the name of the American owners secured,
and efficient protection guaranteed.
The Hawaiian Question.
IL is hardly necessary for me TO state that
the questions arising from our relations with
Hawaii have caused serious embarrassment
Just prior TO the installation Of the present
administration the existing government had
been suddenly overthrown.
A treaty Of annexation had been negotiated
between the provisional government OF the
islands and the United States and submitted
TO the senate for ratification. This treaty l
withdrew for examination, and dispatched
Hon. James III. Blount of Georgia 20 Honolulu
as a special commissioner TO make an impair
tial investigation OF the circumstances attend
ing the change Of government and of all the
conditions bearing upon the subject of the
treaty.
After thorough and exhaustive examine
tion, Mr.. Blount submitted TO me his report
u. IL -.
stitutional government OF Hawaii had been
subverted with the active aid of our reprcsen-
tative TO that government and through the
intimidation caused by the presence OF an
armed naval force Of the United States, which
was landed for that purpose at the instance of
our minister. Upon the facts developed IL
seems TO me the only honorable course for our
government TO pursue was TO undue the wrong
that had been done by those representing US,
and to restore as far as practicable the status
existing at the tirno of our forcible intcrven-
tion.
With q view of accomplishing this result
within the constitutional limits of executive
power, and recognizing all our obligations
and responsibilities growing out OF any
changed conditions brought about by our un-
justiflable interference, our present minister
at Honolulu has received appropriate in
structions 10 that end. Thus far no informa-
tion OF the accomplishment OF any definite re-
suits have been received from him. Addi-
tional adyices are soon cxpectsu. When re-
ceived they will be promptly sent to the con-
gress, together with all other irAlrmation at
hand. accompanied by speciN executive
message fully detailing all the facts necessary
TO complete understanding OF the case, and
presenting history Of all the material evcnts
leading up TO the present situation.
Arbitration where Diplomacy Fails.
By concurrent resolution passed by the
senate Feb IL, 1890, and by the house on
April following. the president was requested
Ito invite, from time TO time, as fit occasions
may arise, negotiations with any government
with which the United States has or may
have diplomatic relations, TO the end that any
differences o. disputes arising between the
two governments which cannot be adjusted
by diplomatic agency may be referred to
arbitration and be peaceably adjusted by such
means.-
April la 1890, the international American
conference of Washington, by resolution, ex-
pressed the wish that all controversies be-
tween the republic, Of America and the ma
tions Of Europe might be settled by arbitra-
ton, and recommended that the government
ofeach nation represented in that conference
should communicate this wish TO all friendly
powers. A favorable response has been re-
ceived from Great Britain In the shape of
resolution adopted by parliament July 16 last,
cordially sympathixing with the purpose in
view. and expressing the hope that her majes-
ty's government will lend ready cooperation
20 the government of the United States upon
the basis of the concurrent resolution above
quoted.
Our Ambassadora
Since the passage Of the act of March 0,
1883. authorizing the president 10 raise the
grade OF our ENJOYS 10 correspond with tho
rank In which foreign countries accredit their
agents here. Great Britain, France. Italy and
Germany have conferred upon their repre-
sentatives at this capital the title of am
bassador, and have responded by accredit-
Ing the agents OF the United States in those
countries with the same title.
A like elevation of mission is announced
by Russia, and when made will be similarly
met. This step fttingly comports with the
position the United States held In the
family of nations.
During my former administration took oc-
casion 10 recommend a recast of the laws re-
lating 10 the consular service. In order that IL
might become moro efficient agency in the
promotion Of the interest ID was intended 10
eubscrve. The duties and powers Of consuls
have been expanded with the growing require
ments of our foreign trade. Discharging i'm