The record-union., 1893-12-05


Canal upon cargOes of cereals bound to
and from the lake ports of the United
States was adjusted by the substitution OF
a more equitable scedule of charges, and
President Harrison thereupon suspended
his proclamation imposing discriminate
ing tolls upon British transit through our
canal.
Requests for additions to the list of ex-
traditable offenses covered by the exist !
ing treaty between the two countries is
under consideration.
HAYTI.
Hayti has paid US indemnity for
the protracted Imprisonment Of an
American citizen in that country on a
charge of smuggling. Hayti requires
duty payment on discharged cargoes, be-
fore giving a ship clearance. This works
a hardship on American shipowners.
The United States insists upon removal
OF this cause of complaint.
SEIZURE OF PASSENGERS ON AMERICAN
SHIPS.
An American mail steamer touching at
Amapula was fired on, because the Cap
tain refused to deliver to the Honduras
military authorities a passenger in transit
from Nicaragua to Guatemala. The
United States at once protested and de-
manded satisfaction, wherefore Hondu-
ras disavowed the illegal conduct of its
officers and expressed its regret.
INsURGENT SEIZURES.
1t is confidently anticipated that salts
factory adjustment will soon be reached
of the questions arising out of the seizure
and use of American vessels by inSur-
gents in Honduras, and the subsequent
denial by the successful Government Of
commercial privileges to those vessels on
that account.
FRANCE AND LIBERIA.
A part of the southeast coast of Liberia
between the Cavally and San Pedro Riv-
ers for nearly halt a century has been
conceded generally to belong to Liberia.
1t has been claimed to be under French
pr0tectorate by virtue of agreements with
native tribes, over whom Liberals con-
troll has not been well maintained. Re-
Gently the two republics adjusted the
matter by treaty, and Liberia ceded to
France certain OF the formers territory.
But the Liberian Legislature has not rat
flied the treaty. The United States. feel
ing an interest in the fortunes of little
Liberia, so largely due TO American BEN
evidence, has suggested to France our
earnest concern lest territorial impair
ment in Liberia should take place with
out her unconstrained consent.
MEXICo.
Our relations with Mexico continue to
be of close and friendly nature. The
work of boundary relocation from Paso
Del Norte to the Pacific is nearly COM
pleted, and the commission TO settle dis
putes relative to the shifting currents OF
the Rio Grande east of El Paso will
speedily adjust such matters.
NICARAGUAN REVOLUTIONS AND CANAL.
Nicaragua has recently passed through
two revolutions. Our Minister, by his
timely good efforts, aided in peaceful
adjustment Of the controversy involved
in the first conflict. The large American
interests established III that country, in
connection with the Nicaragua Canal,
were not mOleSted.
The canal company has become finan-
ciallv embarrassed, but Nicaragua has
extended generous treatment to it. We
are so especially Interested in the sue
cesstul achievement of the vast under
taking this company has in charge that it
should be accomplished under distinct
lively American auspices, and its enjoy
ment assured, not only to the vessels of
this country as a channel of commercial
communication between our Atlantic and
Pacific seaboards, but to the ships of the
world, in the interests of civilization.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Guatemala has had political troubles
Also but the proclamation OF a Dictator
ship has not been attended by civil war.
EXtradition treaties with Russia and
Norway have been proclaimed.
SAMOAN MATTERS.
Desiring the restoration of order in Sa-
moa. the United States. departing from
its policy consecrated by q century OF OBJ
seryance, entered four years ago into the
treaty of Berlin, becoming Jointly bound
with England and Germany to establish
and maintain MalietOa Lanapepa as King
of Samoa.
The treaty provided for a foreign court
of Justice, a Municipal Council for the
district of Apia, with foreign President
thereof. authorized 10 advise the King;
a tribunal for the settlement of native
and foreign land titles, and a revenue
system for the Kingdom.
1t entailed upon the three Powers that
part of the cost of the new Government
not met by the revenue of the islands.
Early in the life of this triple protectorate
the native dissensions ii was designed to
ouell, revived; rivals defied the authority
Of the new King, refusing to pay taxes
and demanding the election Of ruler by
native suffrage.
Mataata, an aspirant TO the throne, and
a 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 fuIfillment of its
treaty obligation, this Government agreed
to unite in joint military movement of
such dimensions as would probably Sc
cure the surrender Of the insurgents
without bloodshed.
The warship Philadelphia was accord
inglY put under orders for Samoa, but he
fore she arrived the threatened conflict
was precipitated by Mataafa's attack
upon the opposing camp. Mataaia was
defeated and number of men killed.
The British and German vessels present
subsequently, secured the surrender of
Mataafa and his adherents.
The defeated chief and ten of his prin-
cipal supporters were deported to an
island OF the Marshal group, where they
are held as prisoners under the JOINT re-
sponsibility and cost OF the three Powers.
no ENTANGLING ALLIANCEs-sPAIN
This incident and the events leading
up TO it, signally illustrate the impolicy
of entangling alliances with foreign
powers.
More than fifteen years ago we pre-
ferred a claim against Spain for property
of a citizen seized and eonfiscated in
Cuba. In 1856 the claim was adjusted.
Spain agreeing TO pay Internationally
81 100000. a respectful but earnest note
was recently addressed to the Spanish
Government insisting upon prompt full
fillnent of its long neglected obligation.
Other claims for our citizens have been
pending against Spain many years. BY
the Caroline Islands arbitration Spain
agreed TO recognize the acquired rights Of
American missionaries in the islands. It
is hoped this will lead TO speedy allow
ance of the return of our missionaries
who were removed from Ponape for safety
by United States war ship during the
late troubles between Spain and the
natives. Congress should thank Spain
for the presence ofthe reproduced caravel
Santa Maria.
TURKISH MISDEEDS.
The firing by mob of the school
buildings of a college established by