Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1895-12-07

| FOREIGN Affairs and Finances the
Only Subjects Discussed
| MONROE DOCTRINE UPHELD.
No Forcible Increase Of Territory
Here by Any Foreign Power.
Solution of the Finance Problem, Can.
collation. OF Green backs Urged and the
issue OF Long Term Low Rate Bonds
---Free Silver Coinage Opposed by the
Fresident---Concer Cuba, He Says
This Country should Remain Neutral.
To the Congress of the United States
The present assemblage Of the Legislative
branct OF our Government occurs at Il time
when the interests of our people and the
needs OF the country give especial promi-
nence to the condition Of fourforeign relations
and the exigencies Of our National finances.
The reports Of the heads Of the several ad.
| ministrative departments Of the GovernmeI<
| fully and plainly exhibit what has been ac-
complished within the scope of their respec-
! tive duties, and present such recommenda-
| tions for the betterment of our countrys
| condition as patriotic and intelligent labor
and observation suggest.
therefore deem my executive duty ade-
quately performed at this time by present
ing to the Congress the important phases of
our situation rs related to our intercourse
with foreign Nations, and statement of the
financial problems which confront us, omit
ting, except as they are related to these top
les, any preference to departmental opera
tions.
yamendatory tariff legislation in January
last, the Argentine Republic, recognizing the
value OF the large market opened TO the free
importation OF its woods under our last tariff
act, has admitted certain products Of tho
ntted States to entry at reduced duties. 1t
is pleasing to note that the efforts we have
made to enlarge the exchanges Of trade on Il
sound basis Of mutual benefit are in this
instance appreciated by the country from
| which our woolen factories draw their need
| full supply OF raw material.
| THE CHINESE MASSACRE.
| The close of the momentous struggle be-
| tween China and Japan, while relieving the
diplomatic agents OF this Government from
the delicate duty they undertook at the re-
| quest 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 developed
domestic condition in the Chinese
Empire which has caused much anx-
iety and called for prompt and careful
| attention. Either as u result OF weak
control by the central Government
over the provincial administrations, follow.
ing dminution of traditional government
al authority under the stress Of an over
whelming National disaster, or rs mani
festation upon good opportunity OF the
aversion OF the Chinese population to all
foreign ways and undertakings. there have
occurred in widely separated provinces Of
China serious outbreaks OF the old fanatical
spirit against foreigners, which, unchecked
by the local authorities. if not actually con-
nived at by them have eliminated in mob
attacks on foreign missionary stations, caus-
ing much destruction OF property, and at
tended with personal injuries as well 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 mis-
sionnries OF other Nationalities than our own,
| It plainly behOoved this Government to take
the most prompt and decided actionto guard
against similar or perhaps more drea tful
calamitirs Detailing the hundreds of Ameri-
can mission stations which have
grown up throughout the interior
of China. under tho temperate
rule Of federation. custom and imperial
edict. The demands OF the United States
and other Powers for the de yradation and
punishment of the responsible officials of tho
respective cities and provinces who, by
neglect or otherwise. had permitted unris-
ings. and for the Il loption OF stern measures
| by the Emperor's Government for tho pro-
lection OF the life and property of foreigners.
were followed by the disgrace and dismissal
OF certain provincial officials found derelict
In duty. and the punishment by death OF a
+ number OF those adjudged guilty of actual
| participation in the ou;rages.
This Government also insisted that n
| special American commission should visit
the province where the first disturbances oc:
Cured. for the purpose characterization. This
latter Commission. formed after much op-
| position, has gone overland from Tientsin.
accompanied bya suitable Chinese escort,
and by Its demonstr Ition OF the readiness
and ability OF our Gov rnment tc protect it's
citizens will act. it is believed. as a most in
fuential deterrent of any similar outbreaks.
THE WALLER CASE.
| The customary coriiii relations between
this country and France have been undis-
turbed, with the exception that a full eX-
planaton of the the treatment of John
L. Waller by the expeditonary mil
itary authorities Of formerly United
States Consul at Tamatave. France
! still remains TO be given. Mr.. Waller.
remained in Madagascar after his term OF
Office expired. and was apparently successful
IN procuring business concessions from the
Hovas ofgreater or less value. After the occu-
! patton OF Tamatave and the declaration Of
martial law by the French. he was arrested
upon various charges, among them that of
communicating military information to the
enemies of France, was tried AMI convicted
by military tribunal, and sentenced to
twenty years Imprisonment.
Following the course justified by abundant
precedents, this Government requested from
that Of France the record of the proceedings
OF the French tribunal which resulted in Mr..
Wallers condemnation. This request has
been complied with to the extent OF supply
ing copy Of the official record, from which
appear the constitution and organization OF
the cour:, the charges rs formulated, and
the general course and result OF ths trial,
and by which 1t Is shown that the accused
was tried in open court and was defende by
counsel. But the evidence adduced in sup
port OF the charRes-which was not re-
ceived by the French Minister OF For
eign Affairs till the first week IN October
has thus far been withheld, the French Gov
| ernment taking the ground that its produce
tion in response to our demand would estab-
lish n bad precedent. Tho efforts OF our
Ambassador TO procure it. however. though
impeded by recent changes in the French
Ministry, have not been relaxed. and 1t is
confidently expected that some satisfactory
solution fthe matt will shortly be reached.
Meanwhile it appears that Mr.. Walters con-
flnement has every alleviation which e
state Of his health and all the other circum-
stances of the case demand or permit.
BLOWS AT OUR TRADE.
Our relation with the States Of the German