The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-12-03
THE MESSAGE.
Continued from Page !.


The commission appointed under the con-
yention OF Feb. IL, 1880, 10 set new monuments
along the boundary between the United States
and Mexico mas completed Its task.
AS n sequel to the failure Of a scheme for the
colonization i'm Mexico OF negroes. mostly inn
migrants from Alabama under contract,
great number Of these hel pless and suffering
people, starving and smitten with contagious
disease made their way or were assisted to the
frontier where. in wretched plight, they were
auarantned by Texas authorities. directed
rations to be temporarily furnished them
through the war department. At the expira-
ton Of their quarantine, they were conveyed
by the railway companies at comparatively
nominal rates TO their homes in Alabama.
upon my suggestion. in the absence OF any
fund available for the cost OF their transpor-
tation. that would recommend TO congress for
its payment. now strongly urge upon con-
gress the propriety Of making such an appro-
priation.
The Nicaraguan Disturbance.
In last years message narrated at some
length the jurisdictional questions then
freshly arisen in the Mosquito Indian strip OF
Nicaragua. Since that time. by the volun-
tary act of the Mosquito nation. tho territory
reserved TO them has been Incorporated with
Nicaragua, the Indians formally subjecting
themselves To be governed by the general laws
and regulations of the republic.
After this extension Of uniform Nicaraguan
administration to the Mosquito strip. the case
of the British vice consul, Hatch, and OF -sep-
eral Of his countrymen, who had been sum
marily expelled from Nicaragua and treated
with considerable indignity, provoked claim
by Great Britain upon Nicaragua for pecuni-
airy indemnity, which, upon Ncaragua's re-
fusal to admit liability, was enforced by Great
Britain. While the sovereignty and jurisdic-
ton OF Nicaragua were In no way questioned
by Great Britain, the formers arbitrary con-
duct in regard 20 the British subjects fur
nished the ground for this proceeding
A British naval force occupied without re-
sistance the pacific seaport of Corinto, but was
soon after withdrawn upon the promise that
the sum demanded would be paid. Through
out this incident the kindly offices Of the
United States were invoked and were en-
ployed in favor Of as peaceful a settlement
and a. such consideration and indulgence to-
ward Nicaragua were consistent with the
nature of the case. Our efforts have since
been made the subjects Of appreciative and
grateful recognition by Nicaragua
Relations With Russia.
The coronation OF the Car of Russia at Mos
cow I'm May next invites the ceremonial par
ticipation Of the United States, and. in ac-
cordance with usage and diplomatic pro-
priety, our minister % the imperial court
has been directed TO represent our government
on the occasion.
Correspondence Il on foot touching the
practice of Russian consuls within the juris-
diction Of the United States to interrsgate
citizens as 10 their race and religious faith. and
upon ascertainment thereof 10 deny TO Jews
Authorization of passports or legal docu'
ments for use in Russia. The matter has
elected fitting remonstrance, the result OF
which IL is hoped viii remove the cause Of
complaint.
The pending claims Of sealing vessels of the
United States, seized in Russian waters, re-
main unadjusted. Our recent convention
with Russia establishing modus vivendi as 10
imperial jurisdiction In such cases. has pre-
vented further dlffculty ui InIs nature. The
| Russian government has welcomed in princi-
pie our suggestion for a modus vivendi, TO EN-
brace Great Britain and Japan. looking TO the
better preser sation of seal life in the North
| Pacific and Behring sea-
The Entangling Alliance.
In my last two annual messages l called the
attention OF congress 20 the position we oc-
cupied a. one OF the parties to a treaty or
agreement by which we became jointly bound
with England and Germany TO so interfere
with the government and control OF Samoa as
In effect To assume the Management or Its
affairs. l again press this subject upon the at
tcntion Of congress, and ask for such legisla-
tive action or expression as will lead the way
to our relief from obligations both irksome
and unnatural.
The Cuban Insurrectiou.
-GHba IL again gravelr distnrhed. An insur-
rection, in some resnectS more active than the
last preceding revolt. which continued from
1868 10 1873, now exists in a large part OF the
eastern interior of the island, menacing even
some populations on the coast, besides derang-
ing the commercial exchanges Of the island, OF
which our country takes the predominant
share. This fragrant condition of hostilities,
by arousing sentimental sympathy and incit'
ing adventurous support among our people,
has entailed earnest effort on the part of this
government TO enforce obedience 20 our nou-
trality laws and 20 prevent the territory OF
the United States from being abused as n van
tage ground from which 90 aid those in arms
against Spanish sovereignty.
Whatever may be the traditional sympathy
of our countrymen a. individuals with people
who seem TO be struggling for larger auton-
omy and greater freedom, dcepened as such
sympathy naturally must be in behalf OF our
neighbors, yet the plain duty of their govern
ment is 10 observe IN good faith the recognized
obligations of international relationship. The
performance OF this duty should not he made
more difficult by a disregard on the part OF
our citizens of the obligations growing out OF
their allegiance u their country, which should
restrain them from violating individuals
the neutrality which the nation OF which they
ara 3pepaherS j. hound 10 observe in Its rela.
tons to friendly sovereign states.
Though neither the warmth OF our peoples
sympathy with the Cuban insurgents, nor our
loss and material damage consequent upon the
futile endoavors thu, far made to restore
peace and order, nor any shock our humane
sensibilities may have received from the cruel
ties which appear 20 especially characterize
this sanguinary and fercely conducted war,
have IN the least shascn the determination of
the government TO honestly fulfill every inter
national obligation. yet 4 is 20 be earnestly
hoped, on every ground, that the devastation
of armed conflict may speedily be stayed and
order and quiet restored TO the distracted
island, bringing In their train the activity and
thrift of peaceful pursuits.
One notable instance of interference by
Spain with passing American ships has oc-
CURED. On March last, the Alianca while
bound from Colon 10 New York, and following
the customary track for vessels near the
Cuban shore, but outside the three-mile limit,
was fired upon by Spanish gunboat Protest
was promptly made by the United States
against this act a. not being justified by state
ot war, nor permissible in respect of vessels on
the usual paths of commerce, nor tolerablo in
view of the wanton peril occasoned to limo.
cent life ana property. The act was dis
avowed, with full expression OF regret and as