The record-union., 1895-12-04

WASHINGTON, Dec. S.-Ihe PreSl-
dents message was delivered and read
to both houses of Congress to-day. Fol
lowing is the full text of the message:
To the Congress of the United States:
The present assemblage of the legisla-
tive branch of our Government occurs
al time when the interests Of our peo-
pie and the needs of the country give
especial prominence to the condition OF
our foreign relations, and the eXlgen-
cies of our national finances.
The reports of the various branches OF
the Government fully and plainly eX-
hibit what has been accomplished with
IN the scope of their respective duties,
and present such recommendations for
the betterment of our country s condl-
tion as patriotic and intelligent labor
and observation suggest.
I. therefore deem my executive duty
adequately performed at this time by
presenting to Congress the important
phases of our situation as related TO our
intercourse with foreign nations ana a
statement OF the financial problems
which confront us, C6t Cting, except as
they are related to tnese topics, any
reference to departmental operations.
earnestly invite. however, not only the
careful consideration, but the severely
critical scrutiny of the Congress and
my fellow countrymen to the reports
concerning these departmental opera
tons II justly and fairly examined
they will furnish proof of assiduous and
painstaking care for the public welfare.
l press the recommendations they
contain upon the respectful attention
OF those charged with the duty of legis-
lation, because 1 believe their adoption
would promote the peoples good
RECIPROCITY.
BY mandatory tariff legislation in
January last the Argentine Republic,
recognizing the value of the large mar
ket opened to the free importation of
its woods under our last tariff act, has
admitted certain products of the United
States to entry at reduced duties. 1t Is
pleasing to note that the efforts we
have made to enlarge the exchanges of
trade on q sound basis of mutual bene-
fit are in this instance, appreciated by
the country from which our woolen fac
tories draw their needful supply Of raw
material
ARBITRATION.
The missions boundary dispute be-
tween the Argentine Republic and
Brazil. referred to the President of the
United States as arbitrator during the
term of my predecessor, and which was
submitted to me for determination, re-
suited in an award in favor Of Brazil
upon the historical and documentary
evidence presented. thus ending a long
prcuacted controversy and again de-
lnonstrating the wisdom and desirable
ityof settling international boundary
disputes by recourse to friendly arbitra-
ticn Negotiations are progressing for
a revival of the United States and Chill
can Claims Commission, whose work
was abruptly terminated last year by
the expiration Of the stipulated time
within which ends could be made.
The resumption of specie payments
by Chill is a step Of great interest and
importance, both in its direc, conse-
quences upon her own welfare and as
evincfng the ascendency of sound finan-
cial principles in one of the most influ-
ential of the South American Repub-
lies.
CHINA AND JAPAN.
The close of the momentous struggle
between China and Japan, while re-
lieving the diplomatic agents of this
Government from the delicate duty
they undertook at the request Of both
countries. of rendering such service to
the subjects of either belligerent within
the territorial limits of the other as
our neutral position permitted. devel-
oped a domestic condition in the
Chinese Empire, which has caused
much anxiety and calls for prompt and
careful attention. Either as a result
of a weak control by the central Gov
eminent over the provincial admins
trations, following diminution of ira
sitional governmental authority under
the stress Of an overwhelming national
disaster or as a manifestation upon
the good opportunity of the aversion
of the Chinese population to all for
eign ways and undertaking, there have
occurred in widely separated provinces
Of China serious outbreaks of the old
fanatical spirit against foreigners.
which If unchecked by the local au-
4horities if not actually connived by
them. have eliminated in mob attacks
on foreign missionary stations. caus-
ing much destruction Of property and
attended with personal injuries. as
weh as loss Of life. Although but one
American citizen was reported to have
been actually wounded and although
the destruction of property may have
fallen more heavily upon the mission
aries of other nationalities than our
own, it plainly behooves this Govern
ment to take most prompt and decided
action to guard against similar or per
hans more dreadful calamities befaIl-
ING the hundreds of American mission
stations which have grown up through
out the interior of China under the tenn.
perate rule of liberation, custom and
imperial edict. The demands of the