The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-12-20
THE MESSAGE.
President Cleveland Discusses
Public Affairs.
TARIFF reform" URGED.
Hawaiian Matters Reserved
For a Special Message.


For a Special Message.
EhineseRegistration Law-The United
States and Brazil-Effects Of the
Silver Purchase RepeaI-Affuirs
at Home and Abroad-WOrk OF
the Various Bureaus Summarized
ministration's Pension Policy.
The Presidents annual message, which
has been read in both Houses OF Congress,
is mainly as follows:
To the Congress Of the United States:
The constitutional duty which requires
the President from time to time to give to
the Congress information ofthe state OF the
Union, and recommend to their considera-
ton such measures as he shall judge neces-
sary and expedient, is flttingly entered upon
by commencing to the Congress careful
examination of the detailed statements and
Eell-supported recommendations contained
In the reports Of the heads OF departments,
who are chiefly charged with the executive
work OF the Government. In an effort to
abridge this communication as much as is
consistent with its purpose, snail supple
ment brief reference to the contents OF
these departmental reports by the mention
of such executive business and incidents as
as are not embraced therein, and by such
recommendations as appear to be at this
particular time appropriate.
While our foreign relations have not at all
times during the past year been entirely free
from perple1ity, no embarrassing situation
remains that will not yield to the spirit OF
fairness and love OF justice, which, joined
with consistent drmness, characterize truly
American foreign policy.
BRAZILIAN AFFAIRS.
The outbreak ofdomestic b tstiltties in the
Republic of Brazil found the United States
alert to watch the interests Of our citizens In
that country, with which we carry on i'm
portant commerce. Several vessels OF our
new navy are now, and for some time have
been, stationed at Rio de Janeiro. Thestrug-
gle being between the established Govern
ment, which controls the machinery OF ad-
miniytration, and with which We maintain
friendly relations, and certain officers Of the
mand in an attack upon the National capital
and chief seaport, and lacking, as it does,
the elements of divided administration, !
have failed to see that the insurgents can
reasonably claim recognition as belligerents.
Thus far the position Of our Government
has been that OF an attentive but impartial
observer Of the unfortunate conflict. EN-
phasizing our fixed policy OF impartial neu-
irality in such condition of affairs as now
sxists, deemed it necessary to disavow, In
manner not to be misunderstood, the un-
authorized action Of our late naval CON-
msnder in those waters In saluting the re-
yolted Brazilian Admiral, being indisposed to
countensnce an act calculated to give gratui-
tous sanction to the local insurrection.
. - !: CHILEAN CLAIMS COMMISSION.
The convention between our Government
and Chile, having for its object the settle
ment and adjustment Of the demands OF the
two countries against each other, has been
made effective by tho organization Of the
claims commission provided for. The two
Governments failing to agree upon the third
member Of the Commission, the good offices
OF the President of the Swiss Republic were
invoked, as provided In the treaty, and the
selection of the Swiss representative In this
country to complete the organization was
gratifying alike to the United States and
: Chile. 81" .-..
THE CHINESE EXCLUSION LAW.
The legislation OF last year. known as the
Geary law, requiring the registration Of all
Chinese laborers entitled to residence In the
United States, and the deportation OF all not
complying with the provisions 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 latorers, pending judicial
inquiry as to its validity, in good faith de-
clined to apply for the certificates required
BY it's provisions. A test case upon proceed
ing by habeas corpus was brought before the
Supreme Court, and on May 18th, 1893, de-
eision was made by that tribunal sustaining
the law.
It is believed that under the recent amend
ment Of the act extending the time for regis
tration, tho Chinese laborers thereto entitled,
who desire to reside in this country, will now
avail themselves of the renewed privilege
thus afforded OF establishing by lawful pro-
oedure their right to remain, and that thereby
the necessity Of enforced deportation may to
great degree be avoided.
SURRENDER OF WEEKS RECOGNIZED.
Costa Rlca has lately testified it's friendli-
mess BY surrendering to the United States, in
the absence OF convention OF extradition.
but upon duly submitted evidences of crimi-
nality, o noted. fugitive from justice. It is
trusted that the negotiation OF a treaty with
that country to meet recurring cases Of this
kind will soon be accomplished. In my
opinion treaties for reciprocal extradition
should be concluded with all these countries
with which the Unit I'd States has not already
conventional arrangements Of that character.
have deemed it fitting to express to the
Governments Of Costa Rioa and Colombia the
kindly desire Of the United States to see their
pending boundary dispute finally closed by
arbitration in conformity with the spirit OF
the treaty concluded between them some
years ago.
Our felations with the French Republic
continue to besintimate and cordial. i sin
oerely hope that the extrad;tion treaty with
that country, as amended BY the Senate, will
soon be operative.
While occasional questions affecting our
naturalized citizens returning to the land OF
their birth have arisen In our intercourse with
Germany, our relations with that country
continue satisfactory.
The questions affecting our relations With
Great Britain have been treated tn q spirit o!
iriendliness.
Negotiations are in progress between the
Two Governments with q view to such con.
current action as will make the award and
regulations agreed upon by the Bering Sea
Tribunal of Arbitration practically effective
and Il Ia not doubted that Great Britain will
cooperate freely with this country for the
; accomplishment OF that purpose.
The dispute growing out OF the dtscrimi.
mating tolls imposed in the Welland Canal
upon cargoes OF cereals bound to and from
the lake ports Of the United States, was ad-
iusted by the substitution Of more equita-
Bic schedule Of charges, and my predecessor
ihersupon suspended his proclamation i'm
: posing discriminating tolls upon British
transit through our canals. e..
Arsquest for additions to the list OF extra.
ditable offences covered by the existing
treaty between the two countries Is under