The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1893-12-16


While our foreign relations have not
at all times during the past year been
entirely free from preplexing, yet no en-
barrassing situations remain that will
not Weld to the spirit of fairness and
love OF Justice, which, joined with con
sistent firmness, characterize a truly
American policy.
NORTHUMBERLAND BOUNDARY DISPUTE.
NV predecessor having accepted the
office OF arbitrator of the long-standing
boundary dispute rendered to the presi-
dent by the Argentine Republic and
Brazil, it has been my agreeable duty to
receive the special ENJOYS commissioned
by these states to lay before me the evil
dence and arguments in behalf OF their
respective governments.
THE BRAZILIAN REVOLUTION.
The outbreak Of domestic hostilities
in the republic of Brazil found the
United States alert to watch the in
terests OF our citizens in that country,
with which we carry on important COM
merce. Several vessels of our new navy
are now, and for some time have been,
stationed at Rio de Janeiro. The strug-
gle being between the established gov
eminent, which controls the machinery
of administration, and with which we
maintain friendly relations, and certain
sells Of their command in an attack upon
the national capital and chief seaport,
and lacking, as it does, the elements oil
divided administration, | have failed &c
see that the insurgents can reasonably
claim recognition as belligerents. Thu:
the position of our government has beer
that OF an attentive, but impartial OBJ
server of the unfortunate conflict. EN-
phasizing our fixed policy OF impartial
neutrality in such a condition of affairs
as now exists, deemed it necessary to
disavow, in a manner not to be mis-
understood. the unauthorized action OF
the late naval commander in those
waters in saluting the revolted Brazilian
admiral, being indisposed to counte-
nance an act calculated TO give gratui-
tous sanction to the local Instruction.
THE GILLIAN CLAIMS.
The convention between our govern
ment and Chilli, having for its object the
settlement and adjustment of the de-
mands OF the two countries against each
other, has been made effective by the
organization OF the claims commission
provided for. The two governments fail
ing TO agree upon the third member OF
the commission, the good Offices OF the
president OF the Swiss republic were in
voked as provided in the treaty, and the
selection of the Swiss representative in
this country TO complete the organiza-
ton was gratifying to the United States
and Chilli.
The vexatious question OF so-called
legation asylum for offenders against the
state and its laws was presented anew in
Chill by the unauthorized action of the
late United States minister in receiving
in his official residence two persons who
had failed in an attempt at revolution
and against whom criminal charges were
pending, growing out OF former abor-
tive disturbance. The doctrine of asy-
lum as applied TO this case is sanctioned
by the best precedent and when allowed
tends to encourage sedition and strife.
Under no circumstances can the repre-
sentatives OF this government be per-
mitted, under the ill-defined fiction Of ex-
ira territorialty, to interrupt the admins
tration of criminal justice in the coun-
tries to which they are accredited. A
temperate demand having been made
by the Chilian government for the cor
rection of this conduct, in the instance
mentioned, the minister was instructed
no longer to harbor the offender.
THE CHINESE QUESTION.
The legislation of last year, known as
the Geary law, requiring the registra-
llOu Oh All OulucSc ldDOferS entitled 70
residence in the United States and the
deportation OF all not complying with
the provision of the act within the time
prescribed, met with much opposition
from Cinnamon in this country. Acting
upon the advice of eminent counsel that
the law was unconstitutional, the great
mass OF Chinese laborers, pending Judi
cial inquiry as TO its validity, in good
faith declined to apply for the certifi-
Gates required by its provisions. A test
upon proceeding by habeas corpus was
brought before the supreme court, and
May 10, 1898, decision was made by
that tribunal sustaining the law. IL is
believed that under the recent amend
ment OF the act, extending the time for
the registration, the Chinese laborers
thereto entitled who desire to reside in
this country will now avail themselves
of the renewed privilege thus afforded
by establishing by lawful procedure
their right to remain, and that thereby
the necessity of enforced deportation
may, to a great degree, be avoided.
COSTA RIcA's SURRENDER or WEEKS.
Costa Rica has lately testified its
friendlness by surrendering TO the
United States. in the absence of con-
vention OF extradition, but upon duly
submitted evidence of criminalitv, a
noted fugitive from justice. IL is trusted
that the negotiation of treaty with that